Christa Niemann

The Top Software Used to Manage Student Rentals in 2025 Renting to college students? The fastest way to modernize your rental experience for these young, high-tech renters is to manage the property with student housing software. Student housing property management software is a specialized digital platform designed to simplify every element of managing student rental […]

What is the Best Software for Managing Residential Properties in 2025? Residential property management software is an online tool used to automate and simplify daily tasks for property managers everywhere, including rent collection, maintenance requests, tenant screening, and more. Whether you’re a local landlord or you’re states away from the properties you manage, exploring residential […]

Delaware Landlord Laws Delaware is generally considered a balanced state for both landlords and tenants. The state enforces clear guidelines under the Delaware Residential Landlord-Tenant Code, which regulates everything from rental agreements to eviction procedures. While Delaware does not impose rent control, it does outline specific rules on rent increases, security deposits, property maintenance, and […]

Eviction In Nebraska If you own and rent properties in the state of Nebraska, you are responsible for complying with Nebraska eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in Nebraska.  Nebraska’s eviction laws can be found at Neb. Stat. § 76-1431 to 76-1447.  Eviction Process in Nebraska  […]

Eviction In New Mexico  If you own and rent properties in the state of New Mexico, you are responsible for complying with New Mexico eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in New Mexico.  New Mexico’s eviction laws can be found at NMSA § 47-8-33 to 47-8-52.  […]

Eviction In Washington  Eviction is the legal process through which a landlord can remove a tenant from a rental property. In Washington State, this process is governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RLTA) and is further shaped by local court procedures. The law aims to ensure fairness for both landlords and tenants while supporting safe, […]

Eviction In Oklahoma Forcible Entry and Detainer action, the legal term for eviction in Oklahoma, is the process of removing a tenant from a rental property. Tenants may be evicted for a variety of reasons, so adhering to the regulations in place for each reason is extremely important. Eviction is governed by federal, state, and […]

Rent Prices vs U.S. Inflation Over the past decade, rent prices in the U.S. have increased rapidly, raising the pressing question: Is rent outpacing inflation? How much does rent increase per year? From sharp post-pandemic spikes to recent signs of stabilization, rent changes from 2015 to 2025 offer valuable insights into changes for renters, landlords, […]

Minnesota Landlord Laws Minnesota is considered a tenant-friendly state, with comprehensive laws that protect renters’ rights. These include rules on late fees, security deposits, lease termination, habitability standards, and more. Landlords in Minnesota must follow all applicable regulations when managing their rental properties to both avoid penalties and maintain healthy landlord-tenant relationships. In this article, […]

Landlord Laws in Missouri Missouri is generally considered a landlord-friendly state. With no rent control, flexible rules on security deposits and late fees, and straightforward eviction procedures, it’s an attractive place for property investors and rental unit owners. Landlords in Missouri must still follow all relevant federal, state, and local laws. These laws cover important […]

Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Law Understanding landlord-tenant laws is essential for anyone in the rental housing industry—and Rhode Island is no exception. Whether you manage one property or one hundred, knowing your legal rights and responsibilities is key. Fortunately, Rhode Island offers a balanced legal environment for landlords. There’s no statewide rent control laws in the […]

Eviction in North Carolina Renting out residential properties in any state comes with an array of responsibilities—including the less-than-ideal aspects, like eviction (referred to as “summary ejectment” in North Carolina law). Getting a thorough grasp of the eviction process where your business resides is important, even if you aren’t currently dealing with one. When/if the […]

Eviction In New York The New York eviction process, like all states, begins with a simple eviction notice to the tenant (typically to either cure any violations or to vacate the premises). However, if you face additional pushback from the tenant, then the case must be brought before the court of law, adhering to landlord-tenant […]

Eviction In New Hampshire The lawful removal of tenants from a property is a process governed by many federal, state, and local laws. In New Hampshire, as in every other state, these laws are enforced to protect both landlords and tenants from less-than-ideal scenarios. To ensure favorable treatment in court, it's vital that you follow […]

North Dakota Landlord-Tenant Law North Dakota is commonly considered a landlord-friendly state. The state does not impose rent control, has no statutory limits on late fees, and gives landlords flexibility when setting general lease terms. With a relatively low cost of living and a growing rental market in cities like Fargo and Bismarck, many people […]

Eviction In Ohio Filing for an eviction as a landlord is rarely ideal, given the process’s many moving parts. The lawful removal of tenants from a residential property is often necessary, though, so understanding the fundamentals of the eviction proceedings in your business’s state is extremely important. Eviction is an intricate process governed by many […]

Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Law Kentucky is considered a relatively landlord-friendly state, especially in areas that have not adopted the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA). In these non-URLTA counties, landlords have greater flexibility around lease terms, fees, and property management practices. However, landlords in URLTA jurisdictions must follow additional regulations designed to protect tenant rights. […]

Eviction In Virginia Eviction, the lawful removal of a tenant from a rental property, is a process governed by many federal, state, and local laws. Seasoned landlords and beginners alike may not be familiar with the intricacies of the process—laws may sometimes feel as though they're constantly changing or hard to understand. We're here to […]

Eviction In Texas Eviction is the legal process by which a landlord may remove a tenant from a rental property. Formally known as “forcible entry and detainer,” eviction is a civil procedure governed by state-specific laws and regulations that aim to balance the rights of landlords and tenants—while also upholding public health, safety, and housing […]

Oklahoma Landlord-Tenant Law Oklahoma is regarded as a landlord-friendly state thanks to its minimal regulations on rent control, security deposits, late fees, and more. For investors and landlords, this creates a desirable environment to operate rental properties, particularly in the state’s growing urban areas like Oklahoma City and Tulsa. That said, Oklahoma landlords are still […]

Revitalize your rental property’s appeal without breaking the bank by mastering DIY carpet cleaning. From pre-cleaning tips to effective homemade solutions, learn how to maintain a clean, inviting space that attracts and retains renters.

South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law South Carolina is generally considered a landlord-friendly state due to its simple eviction procedures, lack of rent control laws, and minimal regulations around late fees and grace periods. These factors make it an appealing option for real estate investors and rental property owners, particularly in cities like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville. […]

Eviction In Tennessee As a landlord, eviction is one of those parts of the job that’s never pleasant—but sometimes necessary. You might hear it called “forcible entry and detainer” or “unlawful detainer,” but whatever the term, the key thing to remember is this: eviction isn’t just a business decision—it’s a legal action. Because of that, […]

Eviction In New Jersey The lawful removal of a tenant from a property, also referred to as eviction, can seem like a slippery slope for everyone involved. As a landlord, the process may seem like a challenging series of legal hoops. But once you have a firm grasp on the legal eviction process, you’ll not […]

Eviction In South Carolina Eviction is the legal process used to remove a tenant from a rental property—formally known as “forcible entry and detainer” or “unlawful detainer.” While it may feel like a business decision, eviction is fundamentally a legal action, governed by a detailed framework of laws aimed at protecting public health, ensuring fairness, […]

Georgia Landlord-Tenant Law  In Georgia, both landlords and tenants are subject to the state’s rental laws. These laws cover everything from lease agreements to security deposits and evictions, and they help ensure landlord tenant relationships are regulated and fair. In this article, we’ll review some of the most important landlord-tenant laws for property owners in […]

Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Law In Tennessee, both landlords and tenants are responsible for complying with the state’s rental laws. Tennessee’s landlord-tenant laws cover a range of topics, including lease agreements, security deposits, evictions, maintenance, and more. This article will cover some of the most important laws landlords in Tennessee need to know to maintain compliant businesses […]

Nevada Landlord-Tenant Law  Both Nevada landlords and tenants are subject to the state’s rental laws. Landlord-tenant laws cover everything from security deposits and lease agreements to evictions and maintenance emergencies. These laws help ensure the relationships between landlords and tenants are regulated and fair. Every landlord tenant relationship can improve if both parties respect state […]

North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law  Whether you’re a new landlord learning the ropes of North Carolina rental laws or a seasoned landlord looking to brush up on your state’s rental rules, it’s important that you take landlord-tenant laws into account before renting a home to a new tenant. As a landlord in North Carolina, you’re responsible […]

Indiana Landlord-Tenant Laws In the Hoosier state, tenants and landlords must comply with state rental laws. Indiana’s laws apply to a range of topics, including habitable housing, security deposits, evictions, and more. This article will cover some of the most important laws landlords in Indiana need to know to conduct compliant business and facilitate respectful […]

Texas Landlord-Tenant Law  If you’re looking to rent out a home in the Lone Star State, there are a few things you should know before you sign a lease agreement with a potential tenant. As a landlord in Texas, you’re responsible for complying with Texas’ landlord-tenant laws. These rules and regulations detail information about everything […]

Colorado Landlord-Tenant Law  Renting out a property in the Centennial State? Before you sign that lease with your new tenant, there are a few things you should know first. As a landlord in Colorado, you are responsible for complying with the state’s landlord-tenant laws. This includes laws related to everything from required disclosures in a […]

Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law  In Louisiana, both landlords and tenants are responsible for adhering to the state’s rental laws. Landlord-tenant laws cover a range of topics, including lease agreements, security deposits, evictions, and more. This article will cover the most important of these laws to help guide Louisiana landlords in maintaining compliant rental businesses and tenant […]

California Landlord-Tenant Law California’s landlord-tenant laws are more articulated than almost any other state. Not only does California allow rent control, but tenants also have substantially more protections against unfair housing practices in California. As a landlord in the Golden State, it’s your responsibility to be familiar with these laws and regulations, proactively follow them, […]

Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law If you’re a landlord in Arkansas, you’re in one of the most landlord-friendly states in the country. The laws here give you a lot of flexibility when it comes to managing your rental properties. From setting lease terms to handling evictions, you’ve got a fair amount of control—and fewer state regulations to […]

Arizona Landlord-Tenant Law Arizona landlord-tenant laws are governed by the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (ARLTA). This legislation establishes the legal framework for rental agreements, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants. It covers various aspects, including lease terms, security deposits, maintenance obligations, and procedures for resolving disputes. As a landlord […]

Florida Landlord-Tenant Law  Florida is known for being a landlord-friendly state. With high rents in many areas, no state-wide rent control laws, and few strict rental regulations, Florida can be an ideal state for real estate investing. However, landlords are still responsible for understanding the laws and regulations Florida does establish for landlord-tenant relationships. Florida […]

Alabama Landlord-Tenant Law  When it comes to laws and regulations, Alabama is considered a landlord-friendly state by most. With fewer laws regulating rent, fees, and other aspects of rental management than other states, Alabama allows landlords to set their rent and competitive market rates and structure lease agreements with a bit more flexibility. However, landlords […]

New York Landlord-Tenant Law  New York is an advantageous state for landlords, given its high average rent rates and opportunities for growth and appreciation. However, from a regulatory perspective, New York is often considered tenant-friendly due to the number and variety of laws regulating rental properties in the state. As a landlord in the Empire […]

Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law Massachusetts landlord-tenant laws are among the most comprehensive in the country. While there is no statewide rent control, tenants in the Commonwealth benefit from strong legal protections around habitability, eviction, and fair housing practices. As a landlord in Massachusetts, it’s your responsibility to know and comply with these regulations, and to proactively […]

Michigan Landlord-Tenant Law  In general, Michigan is considered a fairly landlord-friendly state. With no rent control and few laws regulating late fees, security deposits, or grace periods, investing in the state’s many affordable cities is an attractive prospect for many landlords. However, landlords in Michigan are still obligated to understand and comply with many landlord-tenant […]

New Mexico Landlord-Tenant Law  New Mexico landlord-tenant laws offer a balanced framework of rights and responsibilities for both parties, with an emphasis on transparency, fair housing practices, and clearly defined rental procedures. While the state does not impose rent control, it does enforce specific limits on late fees, deposit handling, and entry notices, providing important […]

Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law  Ohio is generally considered a landlord-friendly state. This is because the state does not enforce many limits and regulations that others states have, including limits on application fees, rent increases, late fees, grace periods, and security deposits. However, Ohio landlords are still responsible for complying with basic standards for habitability, fair housing, […]

Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law  Landlords and tenants in Virginia are both subject to the state’s landlord tenant laws. Rental laws cover everything from lease agreements to security deposits to evictions. These laws help regulate landlord-tenant relationships and ensure fair outcomes for both parties. In this article, we’ll review some of the most important landlord-tenant laws that […]

New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law   New Jersey is considered a tenant-friendly state, with many laws and protections provided to tenants in the state’s law code. This means landlords in New Jersey must be extra careful to avoid violating the state’s landlord-tenant laws. Following these laws is not just about avoiding lawsuits or penalty fees. It also […]

Idaho Landlord-Tenant Law In general, Idaho is considered a landlord-friendly state. The state does not impose rent control, has minimal regulations on late fees and grace periods, and allows landlords broad discretion in setting lease terms. This flexibility makes Idaho an attractive option for property investors and landlords, particularly in cities like Boise, Meridian, and […]

Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Law  Hawaii is considered a tenant-friendly state with protective laws in place that prevent unfair housing practices. These laws include regulations on security deposits, eviction procedures, notice requirements, rent increases, and maintenance obligations. While the state does not have rent control, landlords must follow strict timelines and disclosure rules to remain compliant. These […]

Utah Landlord-Tenant Law Utah’s landlord-tenant laws are designed to ensure fair and balanced relationships between property owners and renters. While Utah does not impose rent control and offers landlords considerable flexibility in setting lease terms, it also mandates specific responsibilities to maintain habitable living conditions and protect tenant rights. The primary legal framework governing these […]

Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law  Oregon is considered a tenant-friendly state, with some of the strongest renter protections in the country. The state enforces statewide rent control, requires notice periods for rent increases, and limits the grounds for eviction in many cases. These laws can make Oregon a very complex environment for landlords to navigate, which is […]

Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law  Iowa landlord-tenant relationships are governed by the Iowa Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, found in Chapter 562A of the Iowa Code. This legislation outlines the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, including rules for rental agreements, security deposits, property maintenance, rent payments, and the eviction process. It ensures fair, […]

Washington Landlord-Tenant Law Washington landlord-tenant laws are governed by the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act (RCW § 59.18). This legislation outlines the legal obligations of both landlords and tenants and establishes clear standards for rental agreements, property maintenance, deposits, rent collection, and eviction procedures. These laws are designed to promote fairness and transparency, ensuring that tenants have […]

Eviction In Pennsylvania Eviction is the legal action whereby landlords can remove a tenant from a rental property. Also called “forcible entry and detainer” or “unlawful detainer,” eviction is governed by many complex laws and processes. These laws protect tenants from being unfairly ousted from their homes without cause or due process, but navigating them […]

Basic Tips for Property Management Accounting and Bookkeeping As a landlord, keeping track of your books is an important responsibility year-round. Establishing a robust accounting system for property management is crucial for tracking income, controlling expenses, and preparing for taxes. Landlord accounting helps you to manage your finances, get a clear picture of the health […]

Innago is built to meet all your property management needs, but when it comes to accounting and taxes, we know many landlords need even more specialized help. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our partnership with brand-new accounting software, Ledgre! Ledgre offers essential bookkeeping services, helping you track rental income, categorize expenses, generate reports, and […]

A Tenant’s Guide To Apartment Locks If you’re a tenant living in an apartment, there are many situations in which changing your locks can be desirable, necessary, or simply urgent. Maybe you’re interested in new lock technology that unlocks your door with a fingerprint, or your current lock isn’t working right. But can a tenant […]

In the real estate industry, it’s commonplace for landlords to request information about tenants to ensure they’re a good fit for the residence before they move in. This is referred to as tenant screening, and it’s an important part of renting a home. One of the ways that a landlord may check if you’re right […]

Reasons to Choose Apartment Furniture Rental When you move, your entire life is thrown into chaos as you pack everything you own into boxes, haul it all to your new destination, and then decide where it makes the most sense to put it all. The process is stressful enough without the burden of picking, purchasing, […]

Breaking Down Your Rental History Report When you’re looking to rent an apartment, it’s important to be prepared for the application and tenant screening process. Many renters know about tenant screening requirements such as submitting pay stubs, checking credit reports, and providing professional references, but some people may not be familiar with a rental history […]

Keeping Your Room Cool If you rent a property, there’s a chance that the unit doesn’t have an air conditioning system. And even if you are fortunate to have AC, you may still want to cut down on your energy costs and save money cooling your space. After all, if you live in a particularly […]

What Questions To Ask As A New Tenant  You may have been there before: You’re looking at an apartment and have no idea what you need to know. You know you should be asking the landlord questions about the unit, but you don’t know where to start. If you don’t know what questions to ask […]

What Does a First Time Renter Need to Know?  Renting an apartment for the first time is a huge milestone. It’s exciting to have a space of your own for the first time, whether you’re moving out of your parents’ house or leaving a college dorm, but it can also be scary and overwhelming to […]

Which Tenant Screening Service Should You Use? If you’re a landlord looking to fill units with new tenants, chances are you’re looking for someone reliable — someone who can afford your rent, who will pay rent on time every month, and who you know won’t cause noise or maintenance issues at the rental property. Finding […]

An Investor’s Guide To Tax Shelters  As a real estate investor, your personal or company tax burden may sometimes feel impossible to alleviate. Tax shelters and other tax reduction programs provide investors and other taxpayers an opportunity to legally lower their tax bill.   A tax shelter (not to be confused with a ‘tax haven’) refers […]

What Is A Percentage Lease? There are a few types of commercial leases that a tenant could enter when looking for a place to house their business. One of those types of commercial lease agreements is a percentage lease, where the tenant pays a base rent plus a percentage of their gross sales revenue.  Unlike […]

What To Know About State Eviction   State Eviction Processes  The federal government leaves it up to the states to determine eviction procedures and regulations. As a result, the eviction process varies widely across the U.S., and understanding the laws that govern it can be difficult, especially if you own properties in multiple states.  For this […]

When Is It Acceptable To Deny A Tenant? The tenant screening process is designed to weed out candidates who will pose a risk to the property, other tenants, or your rental business. However, that doesn’t mean landlords can deny tenant application for any reason.  There are several laws that protect tenants from discrimination. The Fair […]

Managing Fake Pay Stubs One of the most important steps in a tenant screening process is income verification.  In property management, it’s critical to find renters who can pay rent on time and in full.  Unfortunately, some potential tenants will go to great lengths to mislead you.   If you aren’t able to identify fraud and […]

Eviction In Wyoming  If you own and rent properties in the state of Wyoming, you are responsible for complying with Wyoming eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in Wyoming.  Wyoming’s eviction laws can be found at WS § 1-21-1001 to 1-21-1017.  Eviction Process in Wyoming  In […]

Eviction In Wisconsin  If you own and rent properties in the state of Wisconsin, you are responsible for complying with Wisconsin law on eviction. In this article, we break down each step of the legal process for eviction in Wisconsin.  Wisconsin’s eviction laws can be found at WI Stat. § 704.17-704.27 , 843.01-843.17, and 799.40-799.45.  […]

Eviction In West Virginia  If you own and rent properties in the state of West Virginia, you are responsible for complying with West Virginia law on eviction. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in West Virginia.  West Virginia’s eviction laws can be found at WV Code § 55-3A, […]

Eviction In Vermont If you own and rent properties in the state of Vermont, you are responsible for complying with Vermont eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in Vermont.  Vermont’s eviction laws can be found at 9 VSA § 4467-4468 and 12 VSA 4761-4859.  Eviction Process […]

Eviction In Utah  If you own and rent properties in the state of Utah, you are responsible for complying with Utah eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in Utah.  Utah’s eviction laws can be found at US § 78B-6-801 to 78B-6-816.  Eviction Process in Utah  In […]

Eviction In South Dakota If you own and rent properties in the state of South Dakota, you are responsible for complying with South Dakota law on eviction. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in South Dakota.  South Dakota’s eviction laws can be found at SDC § 21-16.  Eviction […]

Eviction In Rhode Island If you own and rent properties in the state of Rhode Island, you are responsible for complying with Rhode Island law on eviction. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in Rhode Island.  Rhode Island’s eviction laws can be found at RI Gen. Laws § […]

Eviction In Oregon  If you own and rent properties in the state of Oregon, you are responsible for complying with Oregon eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in Oregon.  Oregon’s eviction laws can be found at ORS § 90 and 105.  Eviction Process in Oregon  In […]

Eviction In North Dakota If you own and rent properties in the state of North Dakota, you are responsible for complying with North Dakota eviction laws. In this article, we break down each step of the legal eviction process in North Dakota.  North Dakota’s eviction laws can be found at NDC § 47-32-01 to 47-32-04.  […]

Eviction in Nevada Nevada’s eviction process is notoriously unique. In fact, state lawmakers have tried to revise the Nevada eviction process in recent months, even going as far as proposing a bill (AB 340) to modify the state’s policies. Some believe that the state’s process places an unfair burden on tenants to initiate court procedures. […]

A Guide To 1099 Forms If we had to guess, we’d say taxes probably aren’t your favorite part of being an investment property owner.   However, there’s no doubt that landlord taxes are a critical part of your job. The rules and expectations are updated regularly by the IRS, but as of 2023, landlords are required […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures   Lead-based paint Pending petitions Surcharges Rent increases Rent control status Code violations Nonrefundable fees Housing accommodation conversion Ownership information Mold Tenant Bill of Rights Voter registration packet Security deposit receipt   Rent and Fees    Application Fees Limit: $50 Rent Control: Yes Late Fee Limit: 5% of amount due Grace Period Minimum: 5 days    Security Deposits    Amount Limit: 1 month’s rent Interest: Yes Return Within: 45 days   Entry   Notice: 48 hours’ Permitted Times of Entry: 9:00 […]

A Tenant’s Guide To Security Cameras As a tenant, privacy and security are two of your top priorities for a rental home. But what happens when these two concerns are at odds with one another?  On one hand, you want your landlord’s help in protecting your community from theft, vandalism, crime, violence, etc. You might […]

How To Send Your Landlord A 30 Day Notice? Summer is here, and that means moving season. If you’re moving out of your rental in the next few months, one step of your preparation includes communicating to your landlord that you intend to move out. The standard way of doing so is sending them a […]

Rental housing scams can be a common problem, especially when searching for a new place online.  Thus, it’s important to know what to look for to avoid these scams.   Let’s look at some key things to keep in mind as you look for rentals.  Pay Attention to Price  Who doesn’t love a great deal? As consumers, […]

Life is unpredictable.  Even if you’ve found a rental that works well for you, you can’t know the future.  Thus, you may find yourself in a situation where you must move away for a bit.  But you don’t want to break your lease because you’re planning to return, and it sounds like a friend of […]

If you rent property, you understand the importance of a clean rental property.  Waiting until the day before you move out to clean everything is a recipe for disaster.  Instead, it’s wise to clean each room every two or three weeks and save yourself from a surefire headache in the future.   In this article, we’ll […]

Your lease is almost up on your current apartment.  You already have a new place lined up and you’re ready for a change of scenery.  But, before you leave your place behind, it’s important to make sure you move out the right way.  A tenant move-out checklist is a handy way to make sure the […]

It’s important to know the difference between an emergency maintenance situation and a non-emergency maintenance situation.   As a tenant, you don’t want to be the boy who cried wolf.  If you treat everything like an emergency, your landlord won’t know the actual severity of a given issue.  So, in this article, we’re going to help […]

As a tenant, not every maintenance issue is your landlord’s responsibility.  That said, the maintenance issues that are a landlord’s responsibility and the maintenance issues that are a tenant’s responsibility aren’t always cut and dry, either.   In this article, we’re going to look at which maintenance issues landlords are accountable for, and which ones are […]

A security deposit is a standard part of renting.  Almost every person will pay one at some point in their life.  And, because a security deposit is refundable, every tenant wants to get all of that money returned.  So, in this article, we’ll cover 8 tips to make sure you get your security deposit back.  […]

Every tenant’s eviction is different.  Each one depends on the rental agreement signed by the tenant and the landlord and the local laws.   As a tenant, it’s always wise to keep meticulous records and receipts, in case you encounter this situation.  The more knowledge you have on your rights and the laws surrounding evictions, the […]

As exciting as moving into a new place can be, it’s important to make sure you take care of certain things before you settle in.  The rental move-in checklist is one of those key items.  This is a written checklist you should work through with your landlord as you check out the condition of every […]

You’re excited about moving into a new apartment.  But now you’re starting to stress about the preparation.  No need to worry! We understand how stressful preparing to move can be, but we’ve got you covered.  Here are eight great tips for moving to a new rental.  #1: Consider hiring professional movers  Sometimes it’s in your […]

Renters’ insurance typically isn’t a top priority for most new tenants.  You have a lot on your plate when you’re moving into a new space.  However, renter’s insurance is more important than most people think.  For starters, most landlord’s insurance won’t cover your personal property. And you’ll want coverage for your belongings.  Beyond this reason, […]

Saving money is a priority for most people.  And, if you want to know how to save money during the winter season, we’ve got some tips to help you keep things frugal.   Here are five ways to minimize your rental’s energy bills during cold times.  Tip #1: Adjust the Thermostat  Setting the thermostat to an […]

It’s March, which means summer is right around the corner.  While most of us love the weather and can’t wait for more sunshine, summer is also a time when energy bills can soar if you’re not careful.  So, in this article, we’re going to look at 5 ways to minimize your property’s energy bills during […]

The White House released a Blueprint for a Renters Bill of Rights last month.  According to the White House, the goal of this document is to articulate key principles of resident-centered housing to help renters across the country.  In addition to releasing this document, the administration detailed several new actions that government agencies will take […]

As a tenant, one of your main responsibilities is to pay rent on time and in full by the agreed upon due date.  But, paying rent on time and in full isn’t just important because it’s a part of your lease.  It’s also important because it can help improve your credit score.  Tenant credit reporting […]

Why You Should Pay Rent Online, If You Aren’t Already Online payments are no longer the way of the future. They’re the way of the present. If you’re still paying rent in-person, you’re making your life harder than it needs to be. Online rent payments save tenants time and effort while keeping automatic digital receipts. […]

According to the 2021 United States Census, around 35% of Americans lived in rentals.  That’s a decent portion of the total population.  And, if you’re reading this tenant guide, that probably means you’re a renter in America.  So, what do you need to know about rentals and tenancies? Let’s get into it below.  Determining the […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures    Lead-based paint Nonrefundable fees   Rent and Fees    Application Fees: Permitted Rent Control: N/A Late Fee Limit: N/A Grace Period Minimum: N/A    Security Deposits   Amount Limit: N/A Interest: N/A Return Within: 60 days   Entry   Notice: Reasonable Permitted Times of Entry: N/A  Fair Housing Protections    Race  Color   National origin   Religion   Sex   Familial status Disability Ancestry Pregnancy   Eviction Notices    Rent Demand Notice: Immediate quit notice Notice for Lease Violation: Immediate quit notice West Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law  […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures    Lead-based paint Nonrefundable fees   Rent and Fees    Application Fees: Permitted Rent Control: N/A Late Fee Limit: N/A Grace Period Minimum: N/A    Security Deposits    Amount Limit: N/A Interest: N/A Return Within: 30 days; 60 days if there are damages   Entry    Notice: N/A Permitted Times of Entry: N/A  Fair Housing Protections    Race  Color   National origin   Religion   Sex   Familial status Disability Pregnancy   Eviction Notices    Rent Demand Notice: 3-day pay-or-quit noticeNotice for Lease […]

South Dakota Landlord-Tenant Law In general, South Dakota is considered a landlord-friendly state. There are no statewide rent control laws, and landlords have discretion when it comes to setting rental rates, charging late fees, and requiring security deposits. This flexibility, coupled with South Dakota’s low cost of living, makes it an appealing location for rental […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures    Lead-based paint Landlord/agent ID Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors Property condition Mold Methamphetamine contamination   Rent and Fees    Application Fees: Permitted Rent Control: N/A Late Fee Limit: N/A Grace Period Minimum: N/A    Security Deposits    Amount Limit: N/A Interest: N/A Return Within: 30 days; 10 days if no deductions are made   Entry    Notice: 24 hours’ Permitted Times of Entry: Reasonable Fair Housing Protections    Race  Color   National origin   Religion   Sex   Familial status Disability Marital status Creed Age   Eviction […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures    Lead-based paint  Landlord/agent ID Security deposit receipt Move-in/move-out checklist Code violations Water, heat, electricity inclusions Shared utilities DA addendum   Rent and Fees   Application Fees: $25 fees permitted Rent Control: Banned Late Fee Limit: N/A Grace Period Minimum: N/A    Security Deposits   Amount Limit: N/A Interest: N/A Return Within: 21 days   Entry   Notice: 12 hours’ Permitted Times of Entry: reasonable Fair Housing Protections    Race  Color   National origin   Religion   Sex   Familial status   Disability   Sexual orientation Marital status Domestic violence victim Source of income Age Ancestry    Eviction […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures   Lead-based paint  Landlord/agent ID Security deposit receipt Shared utilities   Rent and Fees   Application Fees: $35 Rent Control: N/A Late Fee Limit: 5% of monthly rent Grace Period Minimum: N/A    Security Deposits    Amount Limit: 2 months’ rent Interest: Yes Return Within: 45 days   Entry    Notice: N/A Permitted Times of Entry: N/A Fair Housing Protections    Race  Color   National origin   Religion   Sex   Familial status   Disability   Sexual orientation Gender identity Marital status Source of income   Eviction Notices    Rent Demand Notice: […]

Quick Facts Required Disclosures    Lead-based paint Landlord/agent ID Security deposit receipt Common interest communities Fire sprinkler system Bed bugs   Rent and Fees    Application Fees: Permitted Rent Control: Banned Late Fee Limit: Reasonable Grace Period Minimum: 9 days    Security Deposits    Amount Limit: 2 months’ rent Interest: Yes Return Within: 30 days   Entry    Notice: Reasonable Permitted Times of Entry: Reasonable Fair Housing Protections    Race  Color   National origin   Religion   Sex   Familial status Disability Sexual orientation Gender identity Age Ancestry Military status Marital status Source of […]

Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law  Whether you’re a first-time landlord in looking to learn the basics of Illinois landlord-tenant laws or you’re a seasoned landlord who just needs to brush up on the state’s rental rules, it’s vital that you take landlord-tenant laws into account before renting any units to tenants. As a landlord in Illinois, you’re […]

What Are The Important Tax Questions You Need To Ask? No matter who you are, you probably have at least one frustrating story regarding taxes. As a landlord, taxes can be quite daunting. However, if you ask yourself the right questions and gain the proper knowledge, taxes can be an advantage. Let’s look at seven […]

Calculating Depreciation As many investors know, there are three main ways to make money in real estate investing: appreciation, cash flow, and the tax advantages a rental property affords you. Fundamental to those tax advantages is the concept of depreciation. Tools like a real estate depreciation spreadsheet can help simplify these calculations and ensure accurate […]

Do You Know Why Cost Basis Is So Important For Your Taxes? When you sell a rental property, your capital gain or loss is determined by subtracting your cost basis from your selling price.   For this reason, understanding how to calculate cost basis and reporting it is critical when evaluating existing or future investments.   What […]

What Are The Landlord Basics Of Depreciation? In the world of taxes, depreciation is one of your best friends—it means more money in your pocket.  For that reason, depreciation can make a significant on your bottom line.  It can be complicated, though, so let’s take a look at the basics of depreciation and how you […]

You Need To Know These 4 Things About Taxes As A Landlord Taxes are an unavoidable part of being a landlord.  However, understanding the nuances and intricacies of taxes can save you substantial money in the long run.   With that being said, let’s go over four things you need to know about taxes.  #1: Key […]

How To Maximize Your Depreciation Deduction? Every year, tax time rolls around in the spring. And leading up to it, you need to think about whether your business needs to buy business equipment and other depreciable assets.   If you do, you might benefit from the Section 179 deduction for business property.   Section 179 expensing offers […]

Maximizing Your Pass-Through Deduction In 2018, a new income tax deduction went into effect under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.   It is called the pass-through deduction or, less commonly, the Qualified Business Income (QBI) deduction.   If you qualify (and most landlords do), you may be able to deduct up to 20% of your net […]

Things All Landlords Need To Know About Operating Expenses In a previous article, we went over how you can qualify as a business based on rental activities.  If you qualify, you’ll need to understand some key elements regarding rental expenses before you do your taxes.   Rental property operating expenses are the ongoing, everyday expenses that […]

What Is The Difference Between Repairs And Improvements? Maintenance is one of your largest expense categories as a landlord. Fortunately, most of your upkeep costs are tax deductible.  Just like operating expenses, repairs and improvements are common expenses acknowledged by the tax code.  However, they’re classified differently on your tax return.   It’s essential to understand […]

Why You Need To Understand Landlord Tax Classifications Taxes. Often, just the word makes people shudder.  As a landlord, taxes are a key part of your business.   The more you understand their nuances, the more successful your business will become.  And before you can take advantage of those critical tax deductions, you need to determine […]

What Are The Tax Deductions That Landlords Can Use? You’re probably aware that operating expenses are deductible, but there are also many other valuable deductions, particularly for smaller landlords.   These deductions aren’t difficult to qualify for, especially if you keep accurate records.  Let’s look at the top deductions for landlords, from start-up and home office […]

What You Need To Know About Cost Segregation As a landlord, it’s important to understand how taxes can benefit your business.  One of the key things you need to know as a landlord is how to maximize depreciation deductions.  Cost segregation, in particular, can be an invaluable method of maximizing depreciation deductions for real estate […]

What Does Depreciation Recapture Mean And How Does It Affect Your Taxes? In other articles on this blog, we’ve covered how to depreciate buildings, additions and improvements, and personal property.   But what happens with depreciation when you sell an investment property?  In short, it’s “recaptured.” But how exactly does this work and what does this […]

Everything You Need To Know About Taxes Every landlord needs to understand taxes.  Taxes are a crucial part of your business, and the money you can save is substantial.  And you don’t want to wait until tax season rolls around to take them seriously.  The more you know, and the earlier you know it, the […]

Creating A Tenant Scoring System There’s no doubt that tenant screening is a crucial part of any property manager’s application process. The benefits of tenant screening include finding higher quality tenants, avoiding bad tenants, reducing turnover, and minimizing or even eliminating evictions.  Choosing the best applicant can be hard when you’re reviewing all of their information […]

Everything You Need To Know When Screening Your Tenants Tenant screening is crucial in order to run a successful real estate business. Performing proper screening allows you to avoid bad tenants, find high quality renters, minimize evictions, reduce turnover… the list goes on. It can be difficult to find qualified tenants, and that’s exactly why you need to screen […]

What Are The Benefits Of Tenant Screening? It’s difficult to tell whether an applicant is as reliable as they seem. Oftentimes, their stories are just too good to be true. In order to find quality tenants and be assured that they are who they say they are, you must conduct thorough tenant screening. A rigorous […]

What You Need To Know When Screening Your Tenants Finding the right tenants and avoiding the bad ones is critical for any landlord who wants to maintain their sanity while growing their rental business. Online tenant screening is therefore an indispensable tool. Just think about it: Almost every nightmare rental scenario – late payments, trashed […]

How To Use Social Media When Screening Tenants Can I Use Social Media to Screen my Tenants? It’s no secret people love social media. Posting, retweeting, and keeping up with friends and celebrities has become a part of the daily routine for many. In fact, 7 out of every 10 Americans use social media to […]

How To Passively Screen Your Tenants Active Screening vs. Passive Screening Odds are, you aren’t familiar with the term passive tenant screening. When you think about “tenant screening,” you’ve probably got active screening on your mind. Active screening is the process by which landlords and property managers evaluate applicants, accept those that fit their requirements, […]

What Fair Housing Laws You Should Keep In Mind When Screening Tenants Dealing with a bad tenant is an experience that landlords look to avoid at all costs. Usually, it means lost income, wasted time, and damaged assets. Tenant screening is one of the best steps you can take to protect yourself, your properties and […]

Important Things You Should Include In Your Rental Application It’s difficult to overstate the importance of a rental application when it comes to effective tenant screening.  Even a bare bones application with little more than personal contact info can be cross-referenced against a credit report to weed out many of the more obvious bad apples. […]

What Is The Cost Of Skipping Tenant Screening? Particularly for first time landlords, tenant screening may seem like a waste of time – an unnecessary roadblock standing between you and your rent checks. Who is prepared to interpret a credit report or a background check? You trust yourself to meet a prospective tenant in person […]

Understanding Eviction & Criminal Reports Why Background Checks Matter As a landlord, you’re loaning one of your most valuable assets, a home, to someone who is essentially a complete stranger. That’s a pretty big deal. And as much as you’d love to believe that all prospective tenants are perfectly good people who would never damage […]

How Do Hard & Soft Credit Inquiries Affect You And Your Applicants? When you rent your property to a tenant, they agree to pay you a certain amount of money in exchange for access to a living or working space. Rent is an obligation to pay money owed and, in this way, is just debt […]

What You Should Know When Interpreting A Tenant’s Credit Report After a lease agreement, a credit report is arguably the most important document a landlord can learn to handle. If a tenant has a history of late payments or defaulting on debt, they are likely to do it again. Fortunately, running a tenant screening report […]