Leasing
Inherited Tenants: The Due Diligence That Decides
Before you accept inherited tenants in an occupied rental purchase, verify the lease, rent ledger, and estoppel letter. Here's what I learned managing units.
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Automation, tax, and operations for hands-on landlords who run their own stack.
- Leasing
Should a Couple Expecting a Baby Tell Their Landlord? No, and Here's Why
Retired property manager explains why expecting couples shouldn't disclose a pregnancy on a rental application, and what landlords should screen for instead.
- Leasing
What I Require Before a Tenant Moves Into Another Vacant Unit
A retired property manager's unit transfer policy for current tenants: same-size vs different-size, mid-lease vs near expiry, inspections, income checks, and lease amendments.
- Leasing
Effective Tenant Screening to Avoid Scammers and Risky Renters in a Stressed Economy
My hard-won screening routine: full background checks, document fraud detection, and direct employer verification to keep fake income and evictions out.
- Leasing
Don't Put a Daily Dog-Walk Rule in Your Lease—Do This Instead
Daily dog-walk lease clauses are unenforceable overreach. Here's what to write instead: a waste pickup rule, damage liability, and a pet addendum that holds up.
- Leasing
When Your Listing Agent Asks You to Fake a Tenant Reference
A listing agent asked me to fake a reference for my outgoing tenants. Here's what I did, and where the actual ethical line sits.
- Leasing
Screening Travel Nurses for Short-Term Furnished Rentals
A retired property manager shares a simpler screening process for traveling nurses: hospital contracts, photo ID, a 50-mile check, and a flexible month-to-month lease.
- Leasing
Negotiating a CAM Cap and Audit Rights in a Warehouse Lease
A retired property manager explains how to push back when a landlord says CAM caps are uncommon, including base year, controllable expenses, and audit rights.
- Leasing
When a Co-Applicant's History Won't Verify, Stop the Application
One co-applicant's job and home can't be confirmed? That's a stop sign, not a speed bump. After 30 years of screening, here's how I handle unverifiable applications.
- Leasing
What Lease Length Do I Prefer as a Landlord? Pros and Cons of Different Rental Terms
A retired property manager explains the pros and cons of different rental lease lengths, from one-year fixed terms to month-to-month, and how to time vacancies for the best season.
- Leasing
When Your Lease Requires Professional Move-Out Cleaning
A retired property manager explains why this clause is common, how it works, and how to document your move-in to protect your security deposit.
- Leasing
Agent Demands Finder's Fee Without a Contract? Here's What I Do
I've had agents show my rental without permission and then invoice me. Here's why you usually don't owe a cent — and how to shut it down fast.
- Leasing
Cut Rental Listing Tour No-Shows Without a Property Manager
A retired property manager's pre-qualifying routine that cuts listing-site tour no-shows and fills vacancies faster—without paying a property manager.
- Leasing
Removing an Ex from a Joint Tenancy: What Actually Works
Practical tips for getting your ex off a joint tenancy and convincing the landlord you can afford the place alone. From a retired property manager.
- Leasing
Getting a Solid Lease After the Listing Site Removed Its Builder
When the big listing site removed its lease builder, new landlords panicked. Here's what I used: local association forms, an eviction attorney, and a custom rebuild.
- Leasing
Screening a Canadian Applicant for a Commercial Lease
No US credit history? Screen a Canadian commercial lease applicant using Canadian credit bureaus, bank statements, and a personal guarantee.
- Leasing
When One Joint Tenant Gives Notice and the Other Stays
The whole joint tenancy ends when one tenant gives notice. I treat the remaining tenant as a new applicant with fresh checks and a new deposit.
- Leasing
First-Time Accidental Landlord? My Tenant Screening Rules
Accidental landlord? Here's my screening floor: credit score 650-700, a solid deposit, market-rate rent, and when a property manager earns their eight percent.
- Leasing
Open-Ended Viewing Clauses in UK Periodic Tenancies Are Not Standard
Broad landlord viewing clauses in UK periodic tenancies aren't standard. Here's what templates allow and what to amend before paying a holding deposit.
- Leasing
The Truth About Renting with a Debt Relief Order in the UK
A retired property manager explains why most UK landlords reject tenants with an active DRO, and what a tenant should do instead.
- Leasing
When One Co-Tenant Backs Out Before Move-In: Amend, Release, or Start Over?
A co-tenant backed out before move-in? Here's how I handle amending the lease, returning deposits, and re-screening the remaining tenant.
- Leasing
Breaking a Lease to Settle on a New Home: The Overlap You Should Plan For
A retired property manager's rule of thumb for the overlap between a tenant's lease end and settlement date when breaking early—and why a week is the bare minimum.
- Leasing
Is a 6.5-Foot Basement Ceiling a Deal Breaker for Renters?
No formal studies exist, but after decades managing rentals, I can tell you exactly how a low basement ceiling hurts rentability and what to do.
- Leasing
How to Get Zillow to List Your Townhome When It's Flagged as an Apartment Complex
Struggling to list your townhome on Zillow because it's misclassified as a 25+ unit apartment community? Here's what I'd do to get it fixed and keep your rental marketing on track.
- Leasing
Who Pays Maintenance Fees and Electric in a Co-op Rental?
Learn who typically pays co-op maintenance fees and electric bills when renting, how to structure your lease, and what's common in the market.
- Leasing
Reject a Tenant on Zillow? Here’s What I Do When There’s Only an Accept Button
Stuck with Zillow's accept-only button? I'll show you the professional way to reject a tenant application via email while staying fair and legal.
- Leasing
Can You Switch From a Key Fob Gate to an App in the Middle of a Lease?
A Florida landlord wonders if they can change a rental community's gate from a key fob to a smartphone app mid-lease. Here's what an experienced property manager would consider before making the switch.
- Leasing
Can You Pay Less Rent If Your Landlord Asks You to Move Out Early?
When a landlord requests an early move-out, tenants often wonder if they can prorate rent. Learn why a verbal agreement isn't enough and how to protect your security deposit.
- Leasing
Cash for Keys: When Your Tenant Wants to Sell You Their Lease
Ever had a tenant ask you to buy their leasehold interest? It’s called cash for keys, and it might be a good deal for both of you. Here’s what I’ve learned from decades in property management.
- Leasing
When the Lease Says Heat is Included but It's Electric: Who Pays the Bill?
A tenant’s lease says heat is included, but the heating system runs on electricity they pay for. Here’s what a retired property manager would do to resolve this sticky utility dispute.
- Leasing
How I’d Handle Tenants Disputing Made-Up Move-Out Charges as a DIY Landlord
A retired property manager’s guide to handling tenant disputes over unfair post-move-out charges — without involving lawyers or burning bridges.
