How to Be a Good Landlord

If you want to be a good landlord, one important thing to do is to become familiar with your rights and responsibilities under your state and local landlord-tenant laws.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Legal Counsellors
• Property Condition Report
• Rental Applications
• Tax Services

1. Consult local rental housing authorities or a knowledgeable real estate attorney to get a clear understanding of your legal rights and responsibilities as a landlord under state and local laws.

2. Familiarize yourself with building and housing codes, as well as health and safety regulations.

3. Provide adequate maintenance to keep your appliances and your electrical, plumbing, heating and air conditioning systems in good working condition.

4. Assure security and safety for your tenants by providing locks, outdoor lighting, sufficient parking areas, fire alarms and/or security alarms.

5. Arrange for trash removal and provide sanitary living conditions.

6. Respect your tenants' privacy by giving adequate notice before entering a tenant's unit.

7. Establish written rental policies for your rental property and provide copies of the rental policies to tenants and rental applicants.

8. Establish and maintain an organized system of collecting rental payments and security deposits.

Tips & Warnings

• The most effective landlords know their legal rights and comply with state and local landlord-tenant laws.
• Avoid legal and discriminatory complaints by knowing your state and local landlord-tenant laws.

[gbaker50]

on 10/16/2009 I try to start the eviction process once a tenant is 15 days late. It can take a while to get someone out of your property and the longer you delay the more money you lose.

I also always make sure to get a copy of the tenant's drivers license and most recent pay stub. This info makes it a lot easier to track down a delinquent tenant or garnish wages if neccessary.

Check out www.bealandlord.net to download leases, late notices, rental applications and other landlord forms.

on 11/22/2005 Proper tenant screening can save more money than any other property management job. Don't cut corners on tenant checks, and never rent when you're hungry. Talk to prior landlords (preferably two). Beware of bogus landlord references. Do the credit and criminal background checks. Don't be afraid to let a property go vacant if you haven't found a good applicant.

on 11/22/2005 I always change locks between tenants. Sometimes I do this, however, by buying a few extra locks and switching from one apartment to another. That enhances the tenant's security, knowing the previous tenant cannot sneak in because of an extra key.