Basic Tips for Landlords
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Robert Rafii, Esq. | Last reviewed October 27, 2022
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Being a landlord requires much more work than simply collecting rental income every month. Landlords must adequately maintain their real estate, pay property taxes, obtain insurance policies or homeowners insurance, manage finances, and make sure good tenants send in rent payments on time to avoid late fees. They must also handle disputes among renters and navigate the various laws and regulations that define the landlord-tenant relationship.
First-time landlords will find that navigating the waters of local law and understanding the intricacies of landlord-tenant laws, housing laws, and real estate investment can be very complex. Some property owners avail themselves of property management companies to screen tenants, conduct background checks, fill vacancies, collect rent, and maintain full occupancy by continuously marketing to prospective tenants and new tenants. Property management companies can also be helpful in the collection of security deposits and eviction of bad tenants.
New landlords should take particular care in educating themselves on state laws before potential tenants move in and enter into a new lease agreement. Other than using a proper rental application, conducting credit checks, and obtaining landlord insurance, landlords should take care of home upkeep and renovations to ensure the habitability of the premises.
Maintaining your investment property is crucial to ensuring continuous cash flow, and securing the right tenant can give peace of mind to a landlord that monthly rent and rent collection will be conducted in accordance with the terms of a proper rental agreement. Accordingly, below are some articles and resources offering landlord tips. See FindLaw's Landlord Rights and Landlord Tenant Disputes sections for more articles.
Landlords and the Law - Basics:
- Alternatives to Selling: Benefits to Becoming a Landlord
- Top 10 Tips for Landlords
- 10 Tips for Being a Low-Risk Landlord
- Top 10 Legal Mistakes That Can Sink Your Landlord Business
- Landlord/Property Associations
- Top 10 Tax Deductions for Landlords
- Resolving Landlord-Tenant Disputes FAQ (FindLaw's Tenants' Rights Center)
- Landlord-Tenant Dictionary (FindLaw's Tenants' Rights Center)
Advertising Your Property:
Choosing a Tenant:
- How to Screen and Select Tenants FAQ
- Choosing Tenants: Avoid Fair Housing Complaints and Lawsuits
- Fair Housing (FindLaw's Civil Rights Center)
State-specific Residential Lease Forms Package available for purchase
Next Steps
Contact a qualified real estate attorney to help you navigate any landlord-tenant issues.