If you own property anywhere in the U.S., here are a few tips that will keep you out of our court systems and significantly reduce your yearly legal fees.
* One: Know thy Tenant -
Screen potential tenants with a rental application and credit check. Never, ever skip this step.
* Two: Always Use Written Leases -
An oral agreement isn't worth the paper it's printed on! And there's nothing worse than having a judge laugh at you because you don't have a written lease.
* Three: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words -
Use move-in/move-out checklists supported by before-and-after photographs and videotapes of the apartment. If you have photos or video, it'll take 60 seconds for the judge to rule in your favor.
* Four: No Money = No Keys -
Do not give the apartment keys to the tenant until the first month's rent and security deposit are paid.
* Five: Get the Lead Out -
Warn tenants of the dangers of lead paint and abate any existing lead paint. This warning needs to be in writing..
* Six: Don't Delay Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today -
Don't wait too long to evict a delinquent tenant. Start eviction proceedings at the first sign of trouble.
* Seven: You Get What You Pay For -
Never have tenants do repair work or painting in exchange for the payment of rent.
* Eight: Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse -
Do not ignore building code violations and drug-dealing tenants. It'll be you that ends up in Jail.
Screen potential tenants with a rental application and credit check. Never, ever skip this step.
* Two: Always Use Written Leases -
An oral agreement isn't worth the paper it's printed on! And there's nothing worse than having a judge laugh at you because you don't have a written lease.
* Three: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words -
Use move-in/move-out checklists supported by before-and-after photographs and videotapes of the apartment. If you have photos or video, it'll take 60 seconds for the judge to rule in your favor.
* Four: No Money = No Keys -
Do not give the apartment keys to the tenant until the first month's rent and security deposit are paid.
* Five: Get the Lead Out -
Warn tenants of the dangers of lead paint and abate any existing lead paint. This warning needs to be in writing..
* Six: Don't Delay Until Tomorrow What You Can Do Today -
Don't wait too long to evict a delinquent tenant. Start eviction proceedings at the first sign of trouble.
* Seven: You Get What You Pay For -
Never have tenants do repair work or painting in exchange for the payment of rent.
* Eight: Ignorance of the Law is No Excuse -
Do not ignore building code violations and drug-dealing tenants. It'll be you that ends up in Jail.
No comments:
Post a Comment