Have you ever been frustrated at a landlord for not returning your inquiry about a tenant? Well, I might have been the landlord that you were frustrated at. I do not provide references. Honestly I usually don't even pick up the phone call because I feel bad. In this "sue" happy world where tenants often have more rights than landlords I have to be very careful to protect my interests. Answering a phone call and potentially causing extra issues … [Read more...]
How to Know if an Expense is a Tenant’s or a Landlord’s
I have noticed over the past couple of months on the various forums that I participate in that the most asked questions are about whether an expense is a landlord's or a tenant's. While EVERY landlord is different these are my opinions and advice on what I do and would provide. Whose Expense is it Anyway? 1. What does your lease identify as your responsibility versus the landlords?- I personally am a huge believer in having a detailed … [Read more...]
10 Hidden Costs of a Cheaper Rental
It's moving season and you are looking for that "perfect" home. You know the one: the one that meets EVERY single one of your requirements. So you are scouring the listings, and you find it. That PERFECT home, the one that meets EVERY SINGLE one of your needs AND is under market price! You scramble to call the agent and secure the house. Here's the thing. MOST landlords know the market price of their home. So beware of a "too good of a … [Read more...]
Break Lease Clause: A Tenant’s Point of View
As a landlord, I love the break lease clause. I have made that very clear here and here. After working with this break lease clause for a while I have noticed that there are some amazing benefits for the tenants too! That tenants who don't have it are usually bummed. As a landlord, it is very important to protect my assets and the best way for me to do that is to have an effective lease. That being said, I have been accused that the break … [Read more...]
6 Ways to Start off on the Wrong Foot as an Rental Applicant
Are you on the hunt for your dream house? Do you like to haggle? Do you try to negotiate with the landlord from the very beginning? Did you know that as a rental applicant you may be alienating your landlord before you even get started? I know your goal is to find a terrific house to raise your family. You know, that perfect house and you get the BEST deal. I truly get that! We rented before we bought. I was always on the hunt for a good … [Read more...]
6 Tips for Finding a Rental in a Competitive Market
Are you moving to a competitive neighborhood? Are you trying to find the perfect rental among tons of other people? Finding the right rental for you and your family can be hard enough as it is, but add in a competitive market and it can be even trickier. There are six main tips I have for finding the perfect rental for you in the midst of competition. 6 Tips for Being Successful in a Competitive Market 1. Be First - Follow up ASAP both in … [Read more...]
How to Find Short Term Rental Listings
Are you looking for a short term? Finding anything that is out of the norm can be hard and tricky! I have noticed that there have been a lot of people looking for short term rentals lately. The people that I have spoken to have said there is great difficulty in finding a suitable place. We have had to look for a short term rental twice. Unfortunately finding budget friendly short term places are MUCH harder. The first time was when … [Read more...]
Tips for Making Your Landlord Pet Friendly
I was asked by a dear friend how to get a reluctant owner on board regarding pets. It is true that allowing pets is one of the biggest assets that I, as a landlord, have to offer. Many landlords, depending on the area, are not pet friendly. Tools for Making a Landlord Pet Friendly Who is in the position of power? The key to getting a landlord pet friendly is to know how much power you have as a tenant. If you are in an area … [Read more...]
Tenant’s Guide to Finding and Getting a Great Property
Are you a tenant? Would you love a guide on where to look and what to do in order to find a successful property? Do you need information on how to have a great landlord/tenant relationship? On the surface, it appears this site is geared toward landlords. Look further and you will see the whole point of this website is to provide the knowledge that can be the power to have a successful and prosperous experience for both tenants … [Read more...]