Does anyone have advice for a first time landlord?

Does anyone have advice for a first time landlord?
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1 Answer

Answer :

Best advice I would give is to join your local rental housing association. They have access to all the correct (legal for your area) forms and are a great resource for everything from maintenance vendors to fair housing laws. It’s not that expensive for all the free (and correct) advice you get. Annual dues are usually less than the cost of 1 hour of an attorneys time.
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Related questions

What type of information should a prospective landlord ask for on a standard rental application?

Description : What type of information should a prospective landlord ask for on a standard rental application?

Last Answer : answer:Yes, those are pretty standard, because a landlord does not want to be left out in the cold while a unit is occupied by someone not paying the rent. Once someone is moved in, it is really hard to ... live there. It's easier all around if they get a tenant that will live there for a long time.

Is my landlord being reasonable or unfair?

Description : Is my landlord being reasonable or unfair?

Last Answer : answer:Do you have a lease? Did you agree to rent the room for a certain amount of time? If you do have a lease, then I think you might be obliged to pay. If both answers are no, then I ... he might refuse to let you rent the room in the future. And this question may belong in the general section.

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Description : Is a broken coaxial cable something I can ask my landlord to fix (details)?

Last Answer : It is a pretty simple fix, but one that you can ask the Landlord to do.

Does my landlord owe me compensation?

Description : Does my landlord owe me compensation?

Last Answer : I am not sure about his legal recourse, but renters insurance probably would have covered it.

If you're renting your house, do you have to be a licensed landlord?

Description : If you're renting your house, do you have to be a licensed landlord?

Last Answer : There’s no requirements or tests or anything like that, but it would behoove you to have a copy of these statutes so that you’re aware of your rights and responsibilities as a landlord.

I'm about to become a landlord; what should I know?

Description : I'm about to become a landlord; what should I know?

Last Answer : I have had rentals on and off for several years now. My only suggestion would be to make the lease formal. You can probably download a template and fill in the blanks.

Budgeting for an apartment...

Description : Budgeting for an apartment...

Last Answer : I don't know about where you live; but, the firefighters where I live usually eat at the station while working. I think that you'll be able to get by on a good bit less than the $500 you've budgeted ... You sound too responsible to fall into that trap!!! Good luck & I hope you enjoy your new home!!!

How far in the the future can one pay ones rent?

Description : How far in the the future can one pay ones rent?

Last Answer : Why ?

How should we take out our anger?

Description : How should we take out our anger?

Last Answer : Voulenteer at a soup kichten. Or smash something with a jack hammer. You can also play a violent video game. Edit you can go to a bar and watch the big boxing match tomorrow.

How do I perform a credit check on a person, with their permission, of course?

Description : How do I perform a credit check on a person, with their permission, of course?

Last Answer : You go on the local renters rights or landlords rights website and pay 40$. You can ask your prospective tenant to do their own , too. There’s lots of websites for credit checks , however your tenant can get credit reports from all 3 agencies for free.

Do you always need a good credit score to rent an apartment?

Description : Do you always need a good credit score to rent an apartment?

Last Answer : answer:Why are you sure you have bad credit? Have you looked up your scores? Apartment complexes probably will look up your credit, and turn you down if it is bad. If you rent from so eone who ... rent as a security. If your dad will sign to guarantee payment, probably you will have no problem.

How much can I charge for a pet deposit?

Description : How much can I charge for a pet deposit?

Last Answer : I would find out what is the going rate around your area. You don't want to be too over the top. Depending where you live, some places charge 300 to 150, for a non refundable pet fee. Now you can ... worth of rent. Two for deposit and the first month up front. I don't know if that is still allowed.

How to go about screening a potential tenant for my rental property?

Description : How to go about screening a potential tenant for my rental property?

Last Answer : You can get all of your information by searching for Nevada landlord/tenant law and/or Nevada landlord association. You need to insure the info you receive is dependable. So best you find it yourself. I would have to charge you if I did the research for you.

Is it possible to rent out an apartment that I am renting?

Description : Is it possible to rent out an apartment that I am renting?

Last Answer : It depends on your lease. Check with your lease and your landlord to see if it’s ok. Most places don’t let you sublet your place (which is what you would be doing).

How can I sway this person's decision to "yes"?

Description : How can I sway this person's decision to "yes"?

Last Answer : First I would prove that I could pay rent, bank statements etc. Next step is to figure out why, specifically, they said no- I know he said that the last people wrecked it, but why does he think you will do the same? Think like he is and that could show you the angle you need to take.

Best methods of finding a rental apartment in Montreal?

Description : Best methods of finding a rental apartment in Montreal?

Last Answer : Do you have an idea of what area you want to live in? That might be a good way to start. A lot of the older neighborhoods are really nice, and very convenient.

How can you tell if a tenent will be loud or messy?

Description : How can you tell if a tenent will be loud or messy?

Last Answer : answer:Look at their car or van. if it's a piece of crap and trashed on the inside you can bet they will be loud and messy. Bank on it. I am seldom (never) wrong on this. Of course, there are ... and see if you can hear the bass or if they need to turn down the music when you approach. Never fails.

Any advice on taking landlord to small-claims over unfair cleaning charge?

Description : Any advice on taking landlord to small-claims over unfair cleaning charge?

Last Answer : answer:Well, as always, it comes down to what YOU want to do. Is it worth it to you on a level of stress, court dates, negative communications and being obsessed with the issue, perhaps for months until a ... and effect. You need to decide if you want to be the effect and what that will mean to you.

My office landlord ask me to sign an Estoppel certificate. Estoppel states that i have paid all annual rent & other charges up to date. I am a few months behind on rent. Should i sign this Estoppel Cert. Appreciate all advice. Thanks?

Description : My office landlord ask me to sign an Estoppel certificate. Estoppel states that i have paid all annual rent & other charges up to date. I am a few months behind on rent. Should i sign this Estoppel Cert. Appreciate all advice. Thanks?

Last Answer : The landlord is trying to get a loan against the property. In order to do this, he must prove that the leases/rents are up-to-date and that the property is being managed well to assured it ... , perhaps that could be considered a "current" arrangement and you could sign the Estoppel in good faith.

If anyone is in the landlord business, how do you handle a problem tenant?

Description : If anyone is in the landlord business, how do you handle a problem tenant?

Last Answer : answer:Your specific rights are very closely involved with the laws of your city / county / state. They are vastly different in NYC, for example, than they are in San Francisco, or Podunkville. So none of ... of principle, I would never pay the guy to move out. That's just paying off a slacker.

Anyone have suggestions for dealing with a landlord trying to rip me off?

Description : Anyone have suggestions for dealing with a landlord trying to rip me off?

Last Answer : answer:I don't have time to give you a full answer now @tedd. However, here's my short The Landlord would need to prorate the carpet. Most managment companies have a worksheet or software that they ... installed until the day you moved out. I can assist you with this further tomorrow, if you like.

Does the landlord or the tenant bear responsibility for the time it takes to repaint before move-in?

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Last Answer : Legally they could allow you to move in and paint while you are in this place. But it is only two days. Pissing them off could bite you in the ass later. Making the landlord mad is a bad thing. edit :: and how much are we talking (1500/30)X2=$100 Not worth it.

can my landlord call me on the first of the month to let me know that if i don't pay my rent by 5th she's going to start the eviction ?

Description : can my landlord call me on the first of the month to let me know that if i don't pay my rent by 5th she's going to start the eviction ?

Last Answer : It is legal but not good business practice. She is probably going to prove herself not to be the best of landlords, so you might consider moving before she creates unnecessary problems in your life.

Do I want to become a landlord?

Description : Do I want to become a landlord?

Last Answer : I personally would not, but you have your husband to help in all things that need fixing. My brother had a rental house that the first person that rented it was a piece of garbage. She lied ... very reliable person that paid on time and hardly ever needed anything fixed as he could do it himself.

What would you do in this landlord/roommate situation?

Description : What would you do in this landlord/roommate situation?

Last Answer : Is there anything in the lease that covers this? It’s usually stated in the lease what is expected and that supersedes anything the landlord says. If it’s not covered I would not clean the common area if I didn’t use it.

How much should I tell or not tell a prospective landlord?

Description : How much should I tell or not tell a prospective landlord?

Last Answer : My gut reaction is to tell the truth. I would explain the entire situation from being newly widowed to needing a place to sort out the truly necessary possessions. I would also be upfront about the time frame ... will be the best to advise you. They may also know a rental that will fit your needs.

Does my landlord have the right to change interior doors in my apartment without my knowledge?

Description : Does my landlord have the right to change interior doors in my apartment without my knowledge?

Last Answer : IANAL but I’m pretty sure they need to give you notice unless there’s an emergency (like a gas leak). The rules may vary state-to-state though.

What information should I share about our previous landlord when applying for a new rental (please read details)

Description : What information should I share about our previous landlord when applying for a new rental (please read details)

Last Answer : You have been in the last place for three years and in good standing, that should suffice. The only thing that might cause a problem is if there is a question about whether you have ... the farmer landlord needing the property for veterinary interns. Leave out the other stuff unless asked directly.

Should I approach my landlord about this?

Description : Should I approach my landlord about this?

Last Answer : It’s definitely worth discussing your feelings. Maybe an alternative solution can be found – slate stones through the yard??

How liable is landlord for dog bites?

Description : How liable is landlord for dog bites?

Last Answer : I would not think that the landlord would be liable at all if the tenant is violating the lease in two ways: no renter’s insurance and having a pet.

Stolen property is in the house of someone and we are in the process of getting a court order to retrieve it. Should we contact the landlord / property owner?

Description : Stolen property is in the house of someone and we are in the process of getting a court order to retrieve it. Should we contact the landlord / property owner?

Last Answer : answer:I don't think that's necessary. Just wait until the order comes through then request a Police/Sheriff standby. Have an officer meet you or escort you to the house and wait in case there is an ... an entry order to the property. Might just end up being one of those live and learn situations.

What is the best way to seek compensation from a landlord?

Description : What is the best way to seek compensation from a landlord?

Last Answer : answer:Sad to say, but in my opinion, you will not get very far. You are tilting at windmills. Just a suggestion but, since it confined to the bathroom and bedroom I would check two things, the ... the room it would trip. You might check both these items and see if it will eliminate the problem.

What is the best way I can deal with a creepy living situation with my landlord?

Description : What is the best way I can deal with a creepy living situation with my landlord?

Last Answer : You obviously feel uncomfortable living in this situation, why not just move out? Edit: just to clarify, I mean move out straight away rather than wait until November.…

When should I tell my landlord about my new dog?

Description : When should I tell my landlord about my new dog?

Last Answer : Write a note and keep a copy of it. Make sure the date is on the note. Write something like “As per my lease, I am informing you that I have a _____ puppy.”

How do I get my landlord to give me a lease?

Description : How do I get my landlord to give me a lease?

Last Answer : answer:You ask I don't understand why he wouldn't want a lease. If I remember correctly, your state has some of the best rental protections for tenants compared to many others. Without a written ... case of business is business. Period. It need not be acrimonious unless HE chooses to make it so.

I have tried the police, I have tried my landlord, I have bought a subwoofer.

Description : I have tried the police, I have tried my landlord, I have bought a subwoofer.

Last Answer : When you say you tried the PD and you tried your landlord, what did they all say?

What legal responsibilities does a new landlord have?

Description : What legal responsibilities does a new landlord have?

Last Answer : answer:Your new landlord has the same responsibilities as your old landlord but landlord tenant law varies from state to state, even city to city. You should probably contact your state Attorney General ... you need may be in the public records somewhere, like the Register of Deeds office .

How does a landlord/apartment verify your income/employment?

Description : How does a landlord/apartment verify your income/employment?

Last Answer : If it is a small operation they can run a credit check for $20-$30. If they have many tenants they will likely have a prepaid annual contact with one or two agencies and will get the ... In general, employment is verified by calling the HR department and income info comes from the pay stubs.

Roommate/Landlord situation in NYC. What are my rights?

Description : Roommate/Landlord situation in NYC. What are my rights?

Last Answer : answer:I’m guessing that you don’t have a signed lease / sublease with the “official” tenant, and if you do, then it’s probably worthless. I’d look to make other arrangements and move out as soon as you can physically manage that, without notice, and definitely without a forwarding address.

Can I sue my landlord?

Description : Can I sue my landlord?

Last Answer : answer:Have you sent him a registered letter notifying him of the problem. Verbal complaint complaint isn’t enough sometimes. But you need to go according to your city’s rental laws. There was a very similar question a few days ago. Look at @Judi’s answer.

A tenant of a landlord is harassing me. What can I do?

Description : A tenant of a landlord is harassing me. What can I do?

Last Answer : You have to move out. This is a dangerous situation. Tell the landlord why you must break your lease if you have one and find another place to live.

Care to give me your worst landlord story?

Description : Care to give me your worst landlord story?

Last Answer : As a landlord I have many. There was the guy who had 3 feet of beer cans in his whole apartment with a trail to the kitchen, bath and bed. The chain broke on his toilet and there were butt prints in the pile of poop in it. He was a quality control manager for an international ice cream company.

Landlord wants me to "move stuff out" to show apartment, what do I do?

Description : Landlord wants me to "move stuff out" to show apartment, what do I do?

Last Answer : answer:Would your current landlord be willing to pay for movers and storage for a month? If not, I’d simply explain that there is no physical way you can make that happen and work to keep the joint as clutter-free as possible until you depart.

What should I ask my prospective landlord?

Description : What should I ask my prospective landlord?

Last Answer : Can you have over night guests or even day time guests? How much refrigerator space do you get? (silly maybe, but I've seen judge shows where they fight over this stuff) Are there specific times ... use the kitchen and bathroom? edited to add: Does landlord smoke or drink and would it bother you?

Can my landlord make me fill oil tank?

Description : Can my landlord make me fill oil tank?

Last Answer : answer:What does your lease say? If your rental agreement says you have to use oil heat, Yes. If your landlord is paying for electricity or other utilities, I think I know why he wants you to fill the tank and use oil heat. Welcome to Fluther.

Does a landlord have to provide mosquito netting for windows?

Description : Does a landlord have to provide mosquito netting for windows?

Last Answer : You can check NYCHA regs, but almost certainly not. Either way, it’s a pretty inexpensive modification.

How would you handle this tenant-landlord issue?

Description : How would you handle this tenant-landlord issue?

Last Answer : I think you are lucky she is only asking for an extra week. In many jurisdictions without a lease you are considered a month to month tennant and would have to pay the whole month’s rent.

How should we handle this landlord/rent issue?

Description : How should we handle this landlord/rent issue?

Last Answer : answer:Do the three-way call with the bank and the landlord. Don’t pay the fee unless it is proven he did not get the check.

How would you get buddies who talk too loud when drunk to lower their voices so as not to disturb the landlord upstairs?

Description : How would you get buddies who talk too loud when drunk to lower their voices so as not to disturb the landlord upstairs?

Last Answer : Serve O’Douls?

Is it tacky for a landlord up stick a NO SMOKING sign inside an apartment?

Description : Is it tacky for a landlord up stick a NO SMOKING sign inside an apartment?

Last Answer : Yes. He should put it in the rent agreement and be done with it.