Imagine going through all the trouble of marketing, properly screening tenants, and signing leasing documents, only to discover unwelcome occupants in your rental property. As a landlord, understanding who a tenant is, who is a guest, and who is an unauthorized occupant is essential. Knowing what your lease says and understanding local landlord-tenant laws can […]
Tag Archives: what to include in a lease agreement
If you own a rental property, waiting for the first flakes to fall is not the time to plan for snow removal. Instead, a careful definition of landlord-tenant responsibilities will save a ton of headaches once severe weather does roll in. Many tenants and landlords question who is responsible for snow or ice removal. So, […]
When your tenant requests an early lease termination, you find yourself in a precarious situation. Most tenants who sign a lease intend to stay for the full term. However, unexpected life events sometimes require tenants to move before their lease expires. As with any written contract, breaching the terms of a lease may come with […]
Although lead-based paint was banned for residential use in 1978, millions of older homes throughout the United States still contain it today. As a result, landlords who own rental properties built before 1978 have important legal responsibilities under federal lead paint disclosure laws. Failing to comply can lead to lawsuits, government penalties, and costly liability. […]
A rental lease is one of the most important documents in any landlord-tenant relationship. However, a lease agreement is often made up of more than just the standard contract. It may also include clauses, disclosures, and lease addendums that address specific situations or legal requirements. Understanding how these documents work can help landlords stay compliant […]
Every landlord knows a thorough screening process is key for success in the rental industry. As important as that is, it does not always protect you from unauthorized occupants. These unauthorized residents threaten the well-being of your investment property and create a huge issue for landlords. So, how do landlords determine who is a guest […]
Tobacco, e-cigarettes, and now, recreational and medical marijuana are all things landlords need to address when adopting rental smoking policies in their investment properties. While keeping tenants happy is a priority, so is the health and well-being of other tenants as well as the property itself. Smoking is not a protected characteristic under the Fair […]
If you find that your tenant has a long-term guest or unofficial roommate, what can you do? If they’re honest about the situation and the new roommate isn’t causing harm to the property, you may add them to the current lease. Today, we’ll review how to add a tenant to an existing lease and why […]
Whether you’re a landlord seeking stable rental income or a tenant looking for long-term housing security, understanding how long-term lease agreements work is essential. Lease length affects everything from financial planning and turnover rates to housing stability and how both parties prepare for future changes. Without a clear understanding of these terms, landlords and tenants […]
Coming up with a lease agreement that’s fair and feasible for both landlords and tenants can be challenging. Terms you may think are fair may not align with what a tenant wants in a rental property. However, if they’re a responsible tenant with an excellent rental history, you may be open to negotiating lease terms […]








