There’s a whole new generation moving out for the very first time! While millennials tend to take a bit longer to get out of their parents’ homes due to economic stressors, they do eventually get there. New landlords are on an exciting adventure too, learning what it is to manage property and learning how to be good at this job in rental housing. Being new to the industry isn’t necessarily a bad thing, people just have a bit of learning to do, as would anyone striking out to do something new. You just need to make sure you know what is true, and what is myth, fact or fiction.
Landlords Can Evict Tenants for Any Reason
One of the first myths that needs to be busted (thank you, Adam Savage) is that landlords can kick a tenant to the curb whenever they feel like it. It’s important you know, even as a brand-new landlord, that you cannot. If your tenant is renting on a month to month basis, a landlord may be able to just not renew the lease when it’s time to flip a page on a calendar, but a typical contract will have its clauses. When writing a contract, be careful with your listed reasons for eviction. Standard reasons may include missed rent, property damage, or violating the contract (such as having a dog despite a no pets policy). Typically, you will need evidence to evict a tenant of something listed within the contract.
Landlords are Responsible for All Maintenance and Repair
It’s true that HVAC, plumbing, and appliance needs are cared for by property management, but when a renter causes smaller damage, they can be expected to clean up their own mess. If a renter, as humans are wont to do, clogs a toilet, they have no need to call up the landlord. Or, if a renter’s child draws on the walls, it is their parents’ job to clean that up.
Landlords Can Waltz in Whenever They Want
It’s fun to imagine first time renters huddled by their windows, wanting to make sure they see their landlord make their way up to their door to find out if they’re holding wild parties. A landlord does need some access to the property, for things like checking the fire and smoke alarms, CO2 monitors, or routine maintenance. However, a landlord in general needs to give 24-hour notice and depending on the area, maybe needing at least 72-hour notice, before entering the rented property in order to adhere to renter’s right of privacy. The only exception is in an emergency, such as fire.
Don’t Trust Your Tenants? Better Screening Questions May Help!
There’s a whole new generation moving out for the very first time! While millennials tend to take a bit longer to get out of their parents’ homes due to economic stressors, they do eventually get there. New landlords are on an exciting adventure too, learning what it is to manage property and learning how to be good at this job in rental housing. Being new to the industry isn’t necessarily a bad thing, people just have a bit of learning to do, as would anyone striking out to do something new. You just need to make sure you know what is true, and what is myth, fact or fiction.
Landlords Can Evict Tenants for Any Reason
One of the first myths that needs to be busted (thank you, Adam Savage) is that landlords can kick a tenant to the curb whenever they feel like it. It’s important you know, even as a brand-new landlord, that you cannot. If your tenant is renting on a month to month basis, a landlord may be able to just not renew the lease when it’s time to flip a page on a calendar, but a typical contract will have its clauses. When writing a contract, be careful with your listed reasons for eviction. Standard reasons may include missed rent, property damage, or violating the contract (such as having a dog despite a no pets policy). Typically, you will need evidence to evict a tenant of something listed within the contract.
Landlords are Responsible for All Maintenance and Repair
It’s true that HVAC, plumbing, and appliance needs are cared for by property management, but when a renter causes smaller damage, they can be expected to clean up their own mess. If a renter, as humans are wont to do, clogs a toilet, they have no need to call up the landlord. Or, if a renter’s child draws on the walls, it is their parents’ job to clean that up.
Landlords Can Waltz in Whenever They Want
It’s fun to imagine first time renters huddled by their windows, wanting to make sure they see their landlord make their way up to their door to find out if they’re holding wild parties. A landlord does need some access to the property, for things like checking the fire and smoke alarms, CO2 monitors, or routine maintenance. However, a landlord in general needs to give 24-hour notice and depending on the area, maybe needing at least 72-hour notice, before entering the rented property in order to adhere to renter’s right of privacy. The only exception is in an emergency, such as fire.
Don’t Trust Your Tenants? Better Screening Questions May Help!
Tenant Screening is Hard
A major proponent of finding the perfect tenant is the tenant screening process. This will help you find out who is the right fit for you, the kind of background you’re looking for, if they’re fresh from college or an experienced renter. You need to screen tenants to make sure they fit your needs, but the general myth is that tenant screening is hard. There’s mountains of paperwork and you have to sort through every Jane Smith that’s out there. You’ll need lawyers to handle all the sensitive information and making sure all the tiny contract details line up. The good news is that in reality, it’s not that hard. ApplyConnect handles that load of work for you, making sure the screening process is easy and simple.
Every industry has one or two myths that outsiders whisper about, little fictions that are fun to gossip about. When first entering the industry, however, it’s always good to keep in check about what is real and what you need to learn.
What is your favorite myth about rental housing? Let us know in the comments below!
Tenant Screening is Hard
A major proponent of finding the perfect tenant is the tenant screening process. This will help you find out who is the right fit for you, the kind of background you’re looking for, if they’re fresh from college or an experienced renter. You need to screen tenants to make sure they fit your needs, but the general myth is that tenant screening is hard. There’s mountains of paperwork and you have to sort through every Jane Smith that’s out there. You’ll need lawyers to handle all the sensitive information and making sure all the tiny contract details line up. The good news is that in reality, it’s not that hard. ApplyConnect handles that load of work for you, making sure the screening process is easy and simple.
Every industry has one or two myths that outsiders whisper about, little fictions that are fun to gossip about. When first entering the industry, however, it’s always good to keep in check about what is real and what you need to learn.
What is your favorite myth about rental housing? Let us know in the comments below!
