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<\/p>\nIf you own more than one property, the thought of renting out your place has surely occurred to you. After all, in a hot rental market, that should be easy, right?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s set the record straight. Read more to learn about the most common myths new landlords find themselves believing.<\/p>\n
Whether it\u2019s your first time renting out a property, or you find yourself in a questionable situation with an existing tenant, it\u2019s hard to determine what’s fact and what\u2019s fiction.<\/p>\n
If your tenant is saying that repairing a problem is your responsibility, that\u2019s not always the case. Having a detailed lease agreement will specify which repairs you are and aren\u2019t responsible for.<\/p>\n
Laws will vary depending on where you live. But the general rule of thumb is that landlords are responsible for any repairs that have to do with the \u201chabitability\u201d of the property.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also important to note how the damage was caused. Anything caused by a tenant, their friends, or their pets, is also generally their responsibility to fix.<\/p>\n
There are several laws protecting people with a criminal history from discrimination. But this doesn\u2019t mean you\u2019re forced to rent your property to them.<\/p>\n
Under the Federal Fair Housing Act, it\u2019s considered discrimination to deny housing to someone with any type of criminal record.<\/p>\n
However, if the potential tenant puts you, your property, or your other tenants at risk, then you\u2019re perfectly within your rights to refuse rent.<\/p>\n
How do you avoid being accused of discrimination?<\/p>\n
Consider the crime itself, when it happened, whether they were convicted and whether the nature of the crime puts anyone at risk.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re feeling concerned about any of the answers, chances are it\u2019s within your rights to refuse rent.<\/p>\n
Most landlords use form contracts through their local Realtor\u00ae association in place of a customized lease agreement.<\/p>\n
Sometimes this works just fine, but when it doesn\u2019t you could find yourself in a bind, with little legal authority to get out of it.<\/p>\n
The quality of these contracts varies. So, it\u2019s good to familiarize yourself with what they cover before using just any contract.<\/p>\n
Also, the contract might not cover extenuating circumstances that are specific to your property location.<\/p>\n
If your form doesn\u2019t cover the necessary information, you\u2019re better off finding a property manager<\/a> to help you write the lease you need.<\/p>\n According to David Reischer, attorney, and CEO of LegalAdvice.com, a landlord has a right to enter a tenant\u2019s space so long as they provide the tenant with a notice to enter in advance.<\/p>\n In most states, 24 hours is sufficient to advance notice. But this can change so be sure to check before entering.<\/p>\n If an emergency occurs, such as a flood or fire, a landlord does not need to provide any notice to legally enter the tenant\u2019s space.<\/p>\n So, if there\u2019s something you need to check on, or a repair to make, go ahead. You\u2019re not invading your tenant\u2019s privacy if you\u2019re doing it by the book.<\/p>\n Allow a professional to put their years of experience to work for you. They help maximize your revenue by keeping your property leased and maintenance costs low.<\/p>\n With a property manager, the weight of screening tenants, creating leases, making repairs, and evicting is off your shoulders.<\/p>\n SOURCE<\/a><\/p>\n S&D Real Estate Services, LLCYou can\u2019t enter your tenant\u2019s space<\/h1>\n
Consult with a property manager<\/h1>\n
2000 E. Edgewood Drive; Suite 103
Lakeland, FL\u00a0 33803-3600<\/p>\n