Years ago, lead was a popular paint component since it kept paint moisture-resistant and fresh. But science has shown that lead is highly toxic. If ingested or absorbed, lead damages vital organs and causes developmental delays in children. As a result, the U.S. government outlawed lead-based paint in 1978, though some states banned it sooner.  … Read More

Most landlords collect rent on the same day each month for the sake of efficiency and predictability. But if a tenant can move in sooner than expected, why lose money by keeping the property vacant till the original start date? Or if a renter must stay in his unit slightly beyond his lease’s end date, … Read More

A rental agreement should clearly state the important terms of a tenant’s property lease. Once signed by both the landlord and renter, it is a legally binding contract that lasts until the end date specified in the agreement.   But what if something changes? A tenant who agreed to keep a unit pet-free might wish to … Read More

When it comes to estate planning it’s tempting to procrastinate. It’s unpleasant to contemplate your incapacitation or death, and estate plans can feel distant and irrelevant while enjoying good health. But planning for the future is essential when passing your assets to your loved ones. And bequeathing rental properties may require special considerations. So don’t … Read More

A glance across Main Street in a bustling town reveals a blend of restaurants, stores, and services at ground level with apartments rising above them. Many downtown condominiums inhabit the same city block as coffee shops, supermarkets, and theaters. Every day, more of these mixed-use developments rear their heads. And landlords wonder if they should … Read More

A homeowner association (HOA) is an organization that supervises a subdivision of apartments, townhouses, condominiums, or single-family homes. Every property owner within the subdivision automatically becomes an HOA member. As such, he must pay dues to the organization and abide by its policies. In turn, the HOA’s board of directors oversees the proper maintenance of … Read More

During the screening process, landlords must ensure that potential tenants are financially able to pay rent on time and in full each month. But answering application questions doesn’t necessarily offer adequate assurance. Responses may be manipulated or may not represent consistent, ongoing income. As a result, property owners may ask applicants to provide proof of … Read More

Rent abatement comes up often in reference to commercial properties. But it can also apply to residential leases. For that reason, residential property owners should understand abatement and how it affects landlords’ and tenants’ rights.  What is abatement, and when does it apply? Abatement terms can vary among leases. But these terms free tenants from … Read More

Retirees often downsize from family homes to smaller rental properties. This fact makes senior citizens a significant body of potential tenants. In many respects, seniors make desirable renters since they are often quieter, less prone to recklessness, and are more experienced property caretakers. But the senior population also requires specific considerations from their landlords. Here … Read More

Sometimes, even though a tenant intends to fulfill the lease agreement term, he can’t follow through. After all, life’s major adjustments—relationship changes, job transfers, health conditions, or family deaths—don’t occur at convenient, predictable times. When a tenant moves partway through a lease, he may wish to rent his space to a different tenant for the … Read More