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

It’s one of the downsides to owning rental properties. Sometimes tenants move out without cleaning out. Of course, you want to have the residence in tip-top shape and rented to a new tenant as soon as possible. So, what do you do with all the stuff?  Multiple Choice Pop Quiz:  A. It’s all junk – take it … Read More

Of course, you have your rental property covered on your homeowner’s insurance policy. That’s a given. But should tenants also carry renter’s insurance?  While many tenants and even a few landlords believe that the homeowner’s policy also covers the tenant’s personal possessions, that is not the case. Unfortunately, this fact often becomes painfully clear only after a mishap or disaster produces a claim that will not … Read More

 Late yesterday (August 3, 2021), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued a new eviction moratorium effective immediately and running through October 3, 2021.  Although this is a new moratorium, it basically matches the previously moratoriums with a small change regarding the spread of COVID-19 within counties. It applies to those counties that are considered … Read More

So, you just received an email from your tenant. He is renting your single-family unit and plans to stay but wants more storage space for lawn care items, outdoor furniture, and toys. Should you accommodate your tenant? Does this mean you can increase the rent? What if you install it, and then they move out – leaving it full of junk? … Read More