The issue of tenant gun ownership and gun owner’s rights are in the press quite a bit right now. Overall, tenants are protected under the second amendment of the Constitution, but landlords may still conduct criminal background checks to ensure tenants will be responsible gun owners.

Tenant Gun Ownership Specifics Vary By State

The second amendment as well as individual state’s rights play into what is acceptable for this issue on a state by state basis. Many states have conceal and carry laws on the books, which means that individuals with the required permit may carry a loaded firearm on their person. This means they may also have them in their living space, even if it is a rented apartment, condo or home.

Even in states that do not have conceal and carry permits on the books, tenant gun ownership is generally allowed by virtue of our nation’s Constitution. While many fear the integrity of the second amendment is in danger of being challenged by President Obama, for now, tenant gun ownership rights are still intact. That said, because landlords are technically business owners, they do have some latitude in the rules they set up for their properties.

From “Reasonable Regulations” to Inherent Rights

Some landlords and property owners have taken it upon themselves to challenge the Constitutional right to bear arms. A few have imposed bans on all weapons and firearms in their buildings and properties.

While gun owners can challenge these landlords and often win, some states like Colorado are actually more supportive of this type of action taken by landlords. The term “reasonable regulations” is often used to describe what landlords are allowed to enforce, although the specific meaning can be hazy.

Some states actually have laws on the books that prohibit property owners from issuing any type of restrictions on gun owners. Minnesota, California and Virginia are three such examples. Other states are more reticent on the issue, and a range of outcomes are possible if a landlord decides to impose parameters on the rights of gun owners who live in their properties.

Rental Screening Makes All the Difference

Regardless, landlords can always make use of a professional rental screening service to assist them in finding quality renters for their properties. Criminally-minded persons with guns are a threat to any vicinity; however, there are also many responsible, law-abiding gun owners in America. Resident screening can help with determining and avoiding the potential tenants who have a history of violence or criminal behavior.

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.

Having a pet-friendly apartment and allowing tenants to have pets has both risks and rewards. However, with some ground rules and tenant screening practices, it is possible to connect with responsible pet owners.

According to pet ownership statistics from 2012, nearly 67 percent of American households have at least one dog or cat. Not allowing renters with pets reduces a landlord’s potential tenant pool by about two-thirds. Conversely, having a pet-friendly apartment and allowing pets could allow vacancies to be filled much faster.

But how to make a pet-friendly apartment and the entire property “pet friendly” in a way that protects and preserves the property and a landlord’s livelihood?

The following tips and ideas can assist with making a pet-friendly apartment and a property open to pets in a way that is fair to everyone involved – including the animals:

1. Set Reasonable Limits

Ground rules should be set for properties and kept consistent for all renters. For example, one dog per unit could be the limit. Other landlords might consider a “total pounds” rule, meaning the weight of all pets combined may not exceed a certain limit.

2. Vaccinations

It is advisable to require that pets stay up to date on their vaccinations for rabies and distemper. These shots are required by law in most states anyway, so it’s a good idea to enforce them.

3. Spaying and Neutering

It is also reasonable to require that pets be spayed and neutered. This requirement will help to eliminate a number of undesirable behaviors, reducing the likelihood of property damage and liabilities. Animals that have been neutered are far less likely to urinate around the property and become aggressive or destructive.

4. Pet Deposits

Requiring an additional security deposit when a renter has a pet is a good idea. Some landlords choose to make this pet security deposit non-refundable; however, not all states allow for this. Landlords should check the specific rules in their state before having a pet-friendly apartment.

5. Screening Tenants
   

Screening tenants carefully and thoroughly can yield a wealth of valuable information. References should be collected from prior landlords. Character references can also be requested; garner permission for these persons to be contacted.

A professional tenant screening service can assist with checking an applicant’s credit history and criminal record. Insights into these areas can help determine if a potential tenant is likely to be a responsible pet owner – someone who will treat the property with respect.

Becoming a pet-friendly landlord and having a pet-friendly apartment can increase a rental business in positive ways if handled responsibly. Use these five tips to become a successful pet-friendly landlord.

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.

While being a landlord can be lucrative and satisfying if done well, it isn’t for everybody. New landlords should possess essential qualities and information to increase their chances for profits, success and a positive overall experience.

The following are four essential things new landlords should know:

1. Numbers Count

First and foremost, one should determine if being a landlord is in the best interests of their financial future. Startup costs are mainly about procuring a property or properties to rent, of course, and a mortgage payment will factor prominently in the math. New landlords must evaluate the chosen area and rental market and decide what kind of rent amounts and return on investment are possible. Repairs, maintenance, marketing, property taxes and other relevant costs should be factored in.

2. Becoming a New Landlord Means Running a Business

While renting to reliable, high-quality tenants in well-maintained properties can result in cash flow that feels like passive income, those considering this path should know that being a landlord is far from a passive activity. Persons who become new landlords should have entrepreneurial characteristics like discipline and big-picture thinking. They should also be skilled at DIY household projects and/or be prepared to outsource what they prefer not to do themselves. Being organized and keeping good records is important as well.

3. Outsourcing Can Lower Stress

New landlords should also know that they don’t have to go it alone. Many aspects of being a landlord can be outsourced, from repairs to maintenance to all the details of managing the property. Tenant screening may also be outsourced.

4. Rental Applicants Should Be Screened Thoroughly

Lastly, one of the key ways to help guarantee a positive experience for new landlords is by screening potential tenants before making final decisions. Tenant screening should involve asking applicants for permission to contact their employer, past landlords and references that they provide.

Applicants should be screened for state eviction records, criminal background records and their credit history at a minimum. Hiring a professional tenant screening service to take care of this important step can ensure that it is done thoroughly and in compliance with state and federal laws.

Being a new landlord can be lucrative and highly satisfying, but only if it is done with a keen business sense. Those considering becoming a new landlord should be aware of these four tips to maximize their odds for success.

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.

Recent studies have shown that rents are on the rise in the U.S. Harvard University found that the percentage of Americans who are renters has risen since 2004, and is now up to 43 million households. The rising rental market and trends toward renting continues, affording an excellent business opportunity. Being a landlord can be lucrative, but only when done well.

Here are four ways for landlords to take advantage of the rising rental market:

1. Be Aware of What’s Required

Being a landlord requires a certain type of individual who can blend customer service with professionalism, patience and attention to detail. Landlords must also be willing to follow state and Federal laws to ensure that they stay in compliance with current renting laws and practices; partnering with a professional tenant screener can assist in these areas.

2. Pride of Ownership

Drawing in quality tenants requires creating an appealing property that has both functionality and curb appeal. Finding the right balance between staying on budget and keeping properties attractive and appealing is another effective way landlords can draw in quality renters in this rising rental market and keep those tenants around long term.

3. Screen All Tenants

Finding good renters depends largely upon the effective screening of all applicants. Tenants should be screened in a broad range of areas, including their current income, employment status, past rental history, credit checks, eviction history and criminal history. A quality tenant screening service can assist with screening in several of these areas in a way that is compliant with current laws and assists with finding the best people to approve as tenants in this rising rental market.

4. Outsource to Professionals

While a landlord may be handy and proficient in some areas, a good one also knows when to let someone else handle more challenging tasks. Certain repair or remodeling jobs may be beyond the scope of what the landlord can handle. Tenant screening laws and considerations can be complex and difficult to navigate; outsourcing tenant screening can help to eliminate risk and ensure that it is done effectively.

More and more Americans than ever are renting instead of buying these days, and this creates an opportunity for property owners. Landlords can use these four tips to make the most of a potentially lucrative and rising rental market.

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.

With more people than ever looking to rent instead of buy, landlords must sort through a larger pool of potential renters than ever before to find quality tenants.

The following are some effective ways to help draw in and rent to the highest quality tenants available:

1. Offer a High Quality Product

The rental property is the landlord’s product, and it’s crucial that it be competitively priced while reflecting a high level of quality. Properties should have tremendous curb appeal as well as high quality features and accents. They should also reflect continual maintenance and upkeep. Keeping the house freshly painted and with excellent landscaping can also contribute to its appeal.

2. Use Online Media

The Internet offers a wealth of opportunities for listing vacant rentals in quality websites that are known and trusted by users. Zillow, Trulia, Rent.com and even CraigsList are all frequented by those looking for a home, apartment or condo to rent. A well-written listing, high quality photos and strict parameters about income requirements will all help to draw in high quality tenants and appealing renters.

3. Spread the Word

Asking current tenants who are of high quality for recommendations can help landlords to fill vacancies with high caliber renters. Ask your quality tenants to spread the word both the “old fashioned way” and online to their contacts. Social media sites, forums and local groups are all potential venues for connecting with new tenants.

4. Excellent Property Management

Whether the landlord outsources property management or does it themselves, a commitment to high quality is key. Responsiveness to tenant questions and needs as well as addressing problems when they arise is a hallmark of a good landlord, and they are more likely to attract high quality tenants and keep them.

5. A Professional Tenant Screening Service

Finding quality tenants requires a careful and comprehensive vetting process that allows landlords to sift through all applicants and zero in on the best candidates. A professional tenant screening service can assist with looking for past financial issues, state eviction records and criminal history records so that the best renters can be determined.

Great tenants may at times seem elusive, but they are out there. These five landlord tips can assist landlords in finding and keeping high quality tenants and running a successful business for years to come.

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.