Gone are the days when only big retail establishments accepted credit cards. Today, paying with credit is an easy, often preferable means of paying for most everything, including monthly living expenses, even rent. For people who view the process of writing a check and dropping it into the mail as archaic, payment via credit has become the go-to means of managing their finances.   So, yes, accepting rent payments via credit … Read More

There are pros and cons to everything in life. And that includes the issue of renting housing property to pet owners.   Did you know that in 2020, pet ownership in the U.S. rose from 67% of households to an all-time high of 70%? That’s according to Steve King, president, and CEO of the American Pet Products Association (APPA), in a preview of the association’s … Read More

It is not an easily answered question – there are pros and cons, advantages, and risks. So, let’s discuss it, but before we start, we need to make one item very clear.   “The subject of improvements must be clearly defined in the lease.”  Some property owners forbid it outright. They prefer to take care of all improvements whether they … Read More

Your front door is the gateway to your rental –and your #1 curb appeal attention grabber. Upgrading your entrance can make your property’s appeal go to the top of the scale, and it doesn’t have to take a boatload of cash or hours of work.   Paint it – choose an eye-catching color that contrasts with the … Read More

The property rental business can be both profitable and rewarding. But either of those hoped-for scenarios will only become a reality for the well-informed landlord. Being fully educated on the laws that govern the rental property industry and the rights of tenants is the first step to success in this business. Step two will be … Read More

The residential lease has an important task to fulfill. As a legal contract, it should outline the terms and conditions and obligations that will govern the landlord/tenant relationship.    The lease or rental agreement must contain “the basics,” including—  A description of the property  The names of the occupants  The terms of the lease   The monthly … Read More

On Thursday (August 26th, 2021), the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated the CDC eviction moratorium.  The underlying case was originally filed The Alabama Association of Realtors and contended that the CDC eviction moratorium was unconstitutional.  The case will now go through a slow appeal process, but during that time the eviction moratorium cannot be enforced. Here … Read More

According to TownSteel, 2020 found 40% of Americans are implementing smart home devices, and more than 60% wanted to expand their current setup. This desire for smart connection is not limited to homeowners. Smart home features that help lower their utilities, increase their security, and make life more convenient are a big draw for tenants. They want the option to control … Read More