Tag Page RentalTips

#RentalTips
charles88

how to avoid pet damage in your rental

Pet damage is one of the fastest ways a rental can lose value. And when it happens, security deposits often don’t cover the cost. If you allow pets, the lease needs to go beyond just “small” or “well-trained.” Spell out exactly what’s allowed — weight limits, number of pets, and even breed restrictions if your insurance requires it. Always take detailed move-in photos, including doors, baseboards, and flooring. That way, you have clear proof if damage happens later. Consider adding a separate pet deposit or monthly pet rent. It’s not just abou For high-risk properties, you can require tenants to carry renter’s insurance that includes pet damage coverage. Some policies exclude it, so make sure the lease states it’s required. Pets can be great for tenants’ quality of life. But without the right safeguards, they can also be very expensive for landlords. #House #landlord #RentalTips

how to avoid pet damage in your rental
charles88

lessons learned from nightmare tenants

After hearing stories like the one about the young couple, many homeowners ask the same question: how do you avoid this kind of nightmare? First, screen tenants thoroughly. Background checks, credit reports, and references aren’t optional. They give you an early warning about reliability. Second, include detailed clauses in your lease. Specify pet rules, maintenance responsibilities, and consequences for late payments. A clear contract leaves less room for excuses. Document everything. Photos, videos, written communications — they’re your safety net if issues arise. Don’t ignore small problems. A minor leak, a missing payment, or a suspicious smell might seem insignificant. But in combination, these small signs often predict bigger issues. Consider requiring renter’s insurance. It can cover damages, legal costs, or unpaid rent in certain situations. Finally, trust your instincts. If something feels off, investigate early. Perfect tenants may seem flawless at first, but early vigilance can prevent months of stress and thousands in losses. #House #landlord #RentalTips

lessons learned from nightmare tenants
charles88

how to protect yourself from tenant “accidents”

A lot of landlords think the biggest risk is tenants not paying rent. But sometimes, the real cost comes from “accidents” — the kind that leave you with bills you didn’t expect. Take the water bill situation I shared recently. Three weeks of running taps. Almost $3,000 in total damage. And no real way to recover the money. There are a few ways to avoid ending up in that position. First, add clear clauses in your lease about property care — including heat, water use, and emergency reporting. If tenants break those rules, you’ll have documentation on your side. Second, install smart leak detectors and temperature monitors. They’re not expensive compared to a repair bill, and they can send you alerts if something goes wrong. Third, check your insurance fine print. Many policies exclude tenant negligence, but some offer add-ons that cover it. You can’t stop every accident. But you can make sure you’re not the one paying for someone else’s carelessness. #House #landlord #RentalTips

how to protect yourself from tenant “accidents”
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