Short and Simple tips for the Landlords
Governing a rental property is a really tough thing and it can also create many legal problems. An important aspect of organizing a rental property is preventing the problems before they take place. Getting the basic knowledge and a sense of duty a landlord owes to his tenants can solve any legal problems. Below are some short tips for landlords that will help them in building up a strong relationship with tenants, as well as avoid problems and help them to be ready in advance for any arising legal issues.
Useful tips for landlords
Know your rules: Every state is bound with their specific law that runs the landlord and the tenant relationship. Thus every landlord should be aware of these laws that can help them in improving their relationships.
Pre-screen your tenants: It’s important to pre-screen tenants to avoid any problems and conflicts. Check the history, background, ID proof, references, etc. before choosing any tenant. Knowing these details might influence your decision on renting your property to the tenant.
Put your agreement in Writing: Any agreement made with a tenant should be in writing. Everything from leases, amendments, and addendums to all the promises should be in writing. Renting your property is a big business and thus it’s important to deal with it professionally.
Maintenance and repairs are must: It’s very important to fix the necessary repairs that come up during the lease. The landlord should make all the repairs on time and follow up should also be done within 24 hours to know if the tenant is satisfied.
Treat prospective tenants equally: As a landlord, it’s your duty to provide equal housing opportunity to everyone. A landlord should not discriminate on disability, color, sex, religion, race, national origin, or age. They should not even increase the security deposit based on the above discrimination factors.
Notify your tenant beforehand entering the rental property: Tenants are specific about their right to privacy. As a landlord, you own the property but they have the right to stay in and have their privacy. Thus notify them in advance before entering the rental property. Thus make sure you get their permission before stepping in.
Use neutral colors to paint your walls: Landlords should use neutral colors to paint their walls. This will help them to get potential tenants in large numbers. Tenants can easily feel good in their future home when the walls are painted neutrally and thus they might feel ready to rent the property.
Cash the check before handing them the keys: A landlord should first cash the security deposit check before handing the keys to the tenants. In a few cases, the check bounces and the landlord has to face many problems later on. Thus to be on the safe side, landlords should cash the check.
Never use the deposit as a last month’s rent: Landlords should not make mistake of using the deposit as a last month’s rent as it would harm them if the tenant trashes the property. Legally, most of the states don’t allow using the deposit as a rent payment, and if they do, there are strict rules governing it.
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