While it should go without saying that no individual or family should become a victim of housing discrimination – it can and does happen. As a landlord, housing discrimination claims can have devastating legal and financial consequences. Therefore, understanding the origins and rules of the Fair Housing Act is necessary. These federal fair housing laws […]
The thought of accepting a tenant with a Housing Choice Voucher may intimidate some landlords who are unfamiliar with the process or guidelines. As with any decision, landlords have, there are downsides. However, as affordable housing continues to be harder and harder to find, property owners may find several advantages to participating in the program. […]
Tenant screening is a landlord’s best defense against potential problem tenants. However, it is also a process that opens property owners up to major liability if Fair Housing Laws are not carefully followed. In this day and age, lack of knowledge is not a defense. So, landlords must learn and adhere to all federal, state, […]
More and more landlords have come to hear and know the terms Section 8 or the Housing Choice Voucher Program in recent years. In Washington DC, investors know that there are many benefits to actively participating in this program. As part of the 1974 Housing and Community Development Act, this program expands the availability of […]
Landlords have many questions about their rights surrounding Section 8 requirements and restrictions. Can landlords refuse to rent to a voucher holder? No. In Baltimore City, landlords cannot refuse a tenant based on them having a housing voucher. Additionally, Fair Housing Law protects Baltimore City residents from discrimination based on the source of income, which […]
Can a landlord limit the number of tenants in their rental? It is a question on many landlords’ minds—some worry about mitigating overcrowding, noise, utility usage, and potential wear and tear. In short, yes, there are limits to the number of occupants allowed in rental properties and it’s important to have a clear occupancy policy. […]
Most landlords have at least heard about housing voucher programs, but how much do you know? Fair Housing Laws are changing in many jurisdictions across the country, including Maryland. Some districts, including Baltimore City, now list the source of income as a protected class. Therefore, as a landlord, understanding your rights and responsibilities when […]
For landlords, the goal is relatively simple; find a well-qualified tenant who will care for your property and pay rent on time. That is sometimes easier said than done, but finding the right person starts at the first contact. So, if you take the time to pre-qualify tenants before showings, ask the right questions, […]
Screening tenants is a tedious but necessary part of the leasing process for your Lancaster rental property. Without a careful screening process, you open your property up to trouble tenants, vacancies, and potential evictions. However, landlords have many questions surrounding rental qualifications due to COVID-19. Everyone agrees the COVID-19 pandemic has added challenges to landlords […]
Landlords have a lot on their plate. That said, there are some common and avoidable mistakes Anne Arundel County landlords make. It’s important to know you are not alone, reaching out to a Glen Burnie property management firm to assist may be the best way to ensure you get the most out of your investment. […]