Renting out a property always involves risk, and perhaps even more so for renting to short-term renters. Owners of these properties are often more lax when it comes to the screening process. However, these situations can often be high-risk, especially when renting a home containing the landlord’s own furniture and personal items. Therefore, landlords should screen short-term renters.

Fraud, Property Damage and Identity Theft Risk During Short-Term Rentals

Even taking steps to lock away personal items isn’t a guarantee of security. Over 40 percent of short-term renters have admitted to snooping through the owner’s personal items during their stay. Property owners want to keep their living spaces in great condition, and this requires discernment regarding each renter.

Renting via sites like AirBnB, VRBO and similar outlets is not without risk, but the following tips can help to protect landlords and their properties from short-term renters:

1. Vet the Site Thoroughly

Many of the online companies serving as hubs for short-term rentals offer their clients protections against damage from negligent guests. For example, AirBnb offers a host guarantee of up to $1 million in property damage reimbursement.

2. Request a Security Deposit

Another effective way landlords can protect themselves when offering short-term rentals is by asking for a security deposit. While a few hundred dollars won’t pay for major damage, it can offer some protection if there are damages.

3. Examine Renter Reviews

Many short-term rental sites enable reviews of short-term renters as well as the hosts and their properties. Landlords should read the reviews of anyone interested in renting their property carefully to get a sense of their track record from other landlords. New applicants without a rental history should be screened carefully using other resources.

4. Telephone Screening

Talking with potential tenants via telephone allows landlords to get a more personal sense of who will be renting from them. Having a list of questions created ahead of time to screen short-term renters will ensure that all key concerns will be covered.

5. Professional Tenant Screening

The best way to verify the quality of short-term renters is by using a professional screening service. A comprehensive screening can yield insights about the applicant’s finances, rental/eviction history, national sex offender registry, and criminal background. It can also determine if information provided on the rental application is true or fraudulent.

In the current gig economy, short-term rentals have become a popular way to make extra income. However, landlords should take steps to ensure they are always connecting with high-quality renters no matter what the duration of the agreement.

Source: http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-87654638/

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

The start of a new year is an ideal time for taking stock of how things are going and setting landlord New Year resolutions goals for the year ahead. Landlords can participate in New Year’s resolutions goal setting and reap both procedural and financial benefits for their business.

The following are seven New Year resolutions landlords should consider setting:

1. Targeted Updates

Properties that are kept updated have a fresh, appealing look that draws in quality renters. With more interested applicants, landlords will have a larger pool from which to choose the best candidates. Simple upgrades like fresh paint, new plumbing features and quality landscaping can give properties more appeal.

2. Better Time Management

Landlords who don’t use limits, structure and parameters in their procedures may find themselves feeling like they are being a landlord 24/7. New Year resolutions landlords should commit to are having better time management in the year ahead by prioritizing tasks as well as setting boundaries on tenant access.

3. More Preventive Maintenance

Property maintenance can help to prevent costly repairs down the road. For this New Year resolution landlords should ensure that things like HVAC system tune ups, plumbing checks and roof inspections are done every year.

4. Improved Communication with Renters

Renters who feel respected and treated well are more likely to pay their rent on time and stay on as long-term tenants. A concise lease along with professional, friendly communication can help cultivate positive landlord-tenant relations.

5. Check Neighborhood Stats

Landlords should also take the time to evaluate rental prices for similar properties in their area to determine if they are currently charging a fair rental rate. An optimal rent amount is one of the keys to success as a landlord.

6. Revisit Landlord-Tenant Laws

Another New Year’s resolution that landlords should consider is to periodically brush up on national landlord-tenant laws as well as rules for their specific state and local jurisdiction. The lease and policies should be adjusted accordingly to stay in compliance.

7. Make a Commitment to Tenant Screening

One of the best ways to get quality renters is to screen every applicant that’s being seriously considered. Professional tenant screening and background checks can determine credit history and check court records to see if an applicant has a criminal past.

The new year is the ideal time for taking stock and setting goals for the upcoming months. Landlords should consider these seven New Year resolutions for landlords to set the stage for increased success and prosperity in the year ahead.

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

It’s one of the biggest risks of being a landlord; the time may come when a renter stops paying rent. They may have lost their job or been hit with a major unforeseen expense like car repairs or medical bills. Whatever the reason the tenant cannot pay rent, the landlord is left in an undesirable situation. They must handle it appropriately and within the confines of the law.

Here are five steps landlords can take when faced with a tenant who refuses to pay rent:

1. Communicate with the Tenant

Talking with the tenant and determining exactly what is going on and why they are not able to pay rent is the first step. While financial issues are likely at play, it’s possible that the tenant has other concerns such as issues with the property that require repair. There might also be issues with a subletter who has moved out. Once the crux of the issue has been determined, the landlord can decide on a course of action.

2. Get Clear On State Laws and Regulations

While there are some consistencies, every state is a little different in terms of tenant rights and how landlords must handle tenants who are delinquent on rent payments or simply refuse to pay rent. It is crucial to be clear on the requirements, or landlords can face legal action down the road.

3. Terminating Tenancy

If payment is not forthcoming and eviction is the next course of action, the tenancy will have to be legally terminated. This will require written notice in compliance with state laws, usually in the form of a “pay or quit” notice with state-specified language and deadline. Landlords who are still unclear about the best course of action and how to proceed should consider seeking legal counsel.

4. Evicting a Tenant Who Did Not Pay Rent

If all state laws are followed by the landlord and the tenant still has not paid by the deadline, an unlawful detainer lawsuit can be filed. If the landlord wins, they will receive a judgment for unpaid rent and possession of the property. If the tenant still won’t leave, the landlord cannot forcibly evict them; the authorities must be contacted. The court judgment should be given to a sheriff or marshal to deal with the tenant.  EvictionRecords.com offers landlords access to a national eviction records search, criminal records and an SSN identity verification.

5. Handling Abandoned Property

If the tenant leaves any belongings behind after vacating, landlords should check state laws regarding how to handle this. Many states have specific notification and storage procedures that must be followed.

Tenants who become delinquent and do not pay rent are a landlord’s worst nightmare. However, checking every applicant with a professional tenant screening credit reports service can help to ensure that only the most viable and financially responsible renters are chosen.

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

In business and in life, good communication is key to success. Communication is crucial in all relationships, including the landlord and tenant connection. The article aims to provide landlord tips for optimizing communication with their tenants. For additional tips, check out our landlord resources page.

Landlords can use the six landlord tips below for maximizing and optimizing this important business relationship.

1. Be Polite

It might sound elementary, but it bears reminding that a bit of common courtesy can go a long way. Landlords can create a positive atmosphere for good communication in a landlord-tenant relationship by being as polite as they are firm.

2. Be a Good Listener

Communication is a two-way street, but all too many people “take” more than they give. Cultivating good listening skills allows landlords to pick up key details, make relevant changes and make their property even more appealing to quality, long-term renters.

3. Discern Communication Preferences

Just as no two people are identical, no two tenants will be alike; each will have a unique communication style. Becoming adept at understanding and relating to different personality types effectively will go a long way in facilitating good communication going forward. Landlords should strive to see from the perspective of each tenant even as they communicate their own needs.

4. Find Rapport

Good rapport is foundational to positive and mutually beneficial relationships. Subtly mirroring the tenant’s speaking pace can make them feel understood and respected. For some people, short and to-the-point communication is most effective; others may need a bit more “hand-holding” and friendly conversation to feel comfortable in the business arrangement.

5. Be Clear About Expectations

Being clear from the outset about what’s expected from renters reduces the risk of misunderstandings down the road. A rental agreement with clear parameters as well as verbal reiteration of the most salient points will help to clarify expectations for the lease term. A tenant screening service can help landlords to determine ahead of time if a tenant will meet their expectations.

6. Use Collaborative Language

Making tenants feel like they are an important part of a collaborative effort will cause them to be more willing to comply with policies or make necessary changes. Landlords should avoid “giving orders” and instead use phrasing like, “It would really help me out a lot if you would ___________.”

To be a truly effective landlord, good communication with tenants is key. Landlords can use these six landlord tips for more positive relationships with all of their renters. These landlord tips are just some of the ways for landlords to improve their relationships with their tenants. For more landlord tips and tips for renting to college students, check out our blog.

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.

The need to evict a problem tenant is a reality that landlords hope they never face, but unfortunately, it’s a potential reality of renting out property. Of course, using professional tenant screening can help with vetting applicants to increase the odds of avoiding a problem tenant.

However, if and when the need to evict arises, there are some specific steps and processes to use in order to enact the eviction legally. Not doing so can pave the way for a tenant to take legal action.

The first step is for the landlord to terminate tenancy in compliance with state statute. This usually involves giving the renter written notice of impending eviction. If the tenant does not pay rent or become compliant with the lease, a lawsuit to evict can then be filed. Again, each state differs on the specifics, and it is important to take this action in compliance with the law. In most states, there are three basic termination of tenancy notices that landlords can use:

1. The Pay Rent or Quit Notice

This type of notice applies to tenants who have not paid their rent. The landlord typically gives the tenant three to five days to become current, or they will be evicted.

2. The Cure or Quit Notice

This type of notice is given if a tenant is in violation of a lease term or condition, such as not having pets or refraining from playing loud music. With this type of notice, the tenant is typically given a set amount of time to correct the issue. If they do not comply, they can be served a lawsuit for eviction.

3. An Unconditional Quit Notice

This type of motion is the most severe. A problem tenant is in effect asked to vacate the rental unit immediately, with no chance to catch up on rent or rectify a violation. This type of notice is usually permitted if the renter has:

• Been late with the rent more than once
• Been in violation of the rental agreement clause repeatedly
• Has been engaged in illegal activity on the premises (like selling drugs)
• Has caused serious damage to the premises

Again, this can vary by state; some states allow the issuing of an unconditional quit notice for less severe infractions.

If the Problem Tenant Still Won’t Vacate

If a tenant ignores a notice and refuses to vacate, an unlawful detainer lawsuit may be filed. The summons and complaint for eviction must be properly served in compliance with the law for the state.

A tenant may also mount a defense, which can add weeks or months to the process. Landlords may not move or lock out a problem tenant, and each state has laws regarding the removal of property from the unit.

The eviction of a tenant is a headache that all landlords dread. Fortunately, professional tenant screening can assist with the screening of rental applicants to help reduce the odds of having this issue with a problem tenant.

Disclaimer: The information on this website does not constitute legal advice and is governed by our Terms of Use. We make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.