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An Abandoned Pet in Your Rental Property

What to Do When You Discover an Abandoned Pet in Your Rental Property

When a tenant abandons your rental property and leaves possessions behind, you have the legal responsibility to properly dispose of it according to the laws of your state. When that abandoned property includes dogs or cats, it adds a whole new level to your process. Abandoned dog what to do? (or any pet for that…
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Should The Tenant Or Landlord Pay To Rekey Locks?

Should The Tenant Or Landlord Pay To Rekey Locks?

Who is responsible to pay to rekey locks? Not only do locks on the exterior doors protect a unit from unwanted visits, it keeps tenants and their belongings safe and secure. Changing the locks for various reasons is just part of a landlord’s regular duties. However, rekeying locks cost money and many landlords and tenants…
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Agreement to Exchange Tenant Repairs for Reduced Rent

Agreement to Exchange Tenant Repairs for Reduced Rent (good or bad idea?)

Every landlord has considered allowing a tenant to do repairs for money off rent. One of the guaranteed duties of being a landlord is dealing with repair requests from tenants. They spend lots of time taking the call, arranging an appointment with a repair tech and processing invoices. Some tenants may offer to complete some…
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Shower Door vs Curtain for a rental property

Shower Door vs Curtain for a rental property

Water from the shower can cause a lot of damage to a rental property’s bathroom floor. Some landlords choose the option of putting in sliding shower doors, while others stick to the shower curtain. So what are the advantages or disadvantages to a shower door vs curtain for a rental? Shower door or curtain? Pros…
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Fire Extinguisher Recall For Rental Properties

Fire Extinguisher Recall For Rental Properties

There has been a massive fire extinguisher recall on Kidde fire extinguishers as imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These apply to their two types of extinguishers with plastic handles as shown below. Push-Button Fire Extinguisher Recall Plastic Handle Fire Extinguisher Recalls How Do I Replace My Recalled Fire Extinguisher? To get a replacement…
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Top 5 Worst Pets for a Rental Property

Top 5 Worst Pets for a Rental Property

Whether you’re a landlord or a renter, pets are always a huge sticking point when it comes to renting out a property. Some landlords allow cats and birds but no dogs, while others are open to pretty much everything. If you find yourself in a situation with a renter having a destructive pet, it’s important…
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How Should A Landlord Document Pet Urine?

How Should A Landlord Document Pet Urine?

Pets can cause a lot of damage in a rental property. In some areas, landlords can charge a pet deposit. Otherwise, landlords can deduct the cost of repairs and replacements from the tenant’s security deposit. In most states, the landlords must provide an itemized list of the expenses. Repair receipts and photos are other ways…
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Hiring Maintenance Workers for Rental Properties

Hiring Maintenance Workers for Rental Properties

If you own or manage several rental properties, chances are that maintenance issues are one of the biggest drains on your time and money. In order to keep your properties well-maintained and your tenants happy, it may be time to hire a full time or part time maintenance man for hire. If you don’t have…
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Can A Landlord Charge For Carpet Cleaning?

Can a Landlord Charge for Carpet Cleaning?

A good lease agreement should state that tenants should leave a rental in the same condition it was upon moving in, minus normal wear and tear. Th Carpets in rental units should be cleaned before a new tenant moves in. But can a landlord charge for carpet cleaning? Is it wear and tear? Or the…
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Can I Charge A Tenant For Mold?

Can I Charge A Tenant For Mold?

Many landlords have questions about what kinds of repairs they can deduct from the tenant’s security deposit. After all, there can be a lot of gray area when it comes to wear and tear. Most of the damage is discovered after the tenant has moved out and the landlord has a chance to look at…
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