Helpful tips and articles to guide you to becoming a successful landlord!
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Accepting Electronic Rent Payments
A commonly asked question by both new and seasoned landlords is “How should I accept rental payments?” There are several options available for electronic rent payments, including direct deposit, automatic withdrawal, and internet services like PayPal, but each has their own pros and cons.
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Bed Bugs, Property Management, & Landlord Liability
Bed bugs have made a surprising and frightening comeback in the last decade, and no one has more to lose than landlords and property managers. Here's an overview of how to prevent, treat, and react to bed bugs from a landlord or property management perspective, including a bed bug policy that will help minimize the risk to you, your tenants, and your properties.
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An Overview: The Protecting Tenants from Foreclosure Act
Foreclosure rates have continued to rise across the country, including rental properties with an active lease agreement in place. The Protecting Tenants from Foreclosure Act took effect on May 20, 2009, and will expire on December 31, 2012.
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Pool Safety: Stay Informed and Protect Your Investment
Pools can be an enticing amenity for many tenants, and can raise the value of a rental property considerably, but they also come with liability for the landlord. If you own a rental property with a pool or spa/hot tub, you have a legal responsibility to make sure it is safely maintained.
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8 Ways to Reduce Rental Vacancy Rates
Hazard insurance, mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, break-ins, vandalism, maintenance, and landscaping are many of the costs associated with vacant rental properties. Reducing your vacancy rates to a bare minimum is extremely important, if you intend to have a successful real estate investing career.
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Raising the Rent: The Landlord's Guide to Successfully Raise Rental Income
Real estate costs rise over time, from property tax bills to insurance premiums to mortgage rate increases, so landlords sometimes need to raise tenants' rental payments.
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Collecting Rent Early & Other Tips for Peak Performance
While many tenants initially perform well, over time many become lackadaisical with their rental payments, and their adherence to the rental agreement. Try out these five great tips that will help ensure your tenants (and your rental investments) stay in great condition.
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Landlords Beware of Rent Check Scams
I am sure you are well aware of the recent increase in fraudulent claims and Internet scams. It was only a matter of time before landlords would be affected. Please become informed, and avoid the possibility of becoming a victim.
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When Does the Landlord Have the Right of Entry?
There's a delicate line between tenants' right to privacy in their home and landlords' right to maintain and protect their property, which can be a sticky issue between many landlords and tenants. Here's a quick guide to a landlord's right of entry, to help clarify this oft-confused issue.
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Mold Remediation: Mold Laws & What to Do if You Find Mold in your Rental Property
As recent events have shown, the presence of mold in a building can cause tenants to take drastic measures to have the problem resolved. Instead of waiting for a tenant to react, landlords should be proactive and look for potential mold issues and resolve them in a timely manner.
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Landlord Tax Strategies & Rental Property Accounting
The current economy has negatively affected many landlords' ability to maintain profitability. A good way to add to your bottom line, is to learn how to maximize your tax deductions. Robert D. Lattas, an attorney and landlord, explains what you need to know to take advantage of the different types of deductions.
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Rent Collection: Quick Response, Debt Collection & Techniques to Collect Rent
Collecting back rent doesn't have to be a difficult task. In this article, attorney Phil A. Taylor shows you how a quick response to the first sign that a tenant is falling behind can save you a lot of grief and a lot of money. He also discusses what to do when the collection problem has escalated into a situation that may require legal action.
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Nice Landlord or Mean Landlord
Many Landlords make the mistake of getting too emotional and personal with their Tenants.