Written by Amanda Walker
ezLandlordForms, a leading provider of property management solutions, is proud to announce the launch of its new Rent Payments feature. This new feature is designed to streamline rent transactions for landlords and tenants. It revolutionizes the rental management experience with industry-leading convenience, security, and efficiency.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Convenience: Landlords and tenants can now send and receive rent payments anytime, anywhere, with just a few clicks.
- Security: Advanced security protocols ensure that all transactions are safe and secure.
- Efficiency: Automated processes allow landlords and tenants to spend less time paying and processing rent while also minimizing errors.
“We are thrilled to introduce the Rent Payments feature, which marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing comprehensive and user-friendly property management solutions,” said Kevin Kiene, President of ezLandlordForms. “This new feature will greatly enhance the rental management process, making it easier and more secure for our users to handle rent transactions.”
The launch of the Rent Payments feature is a natural next step for ezLandlordForms as it consistently strives to innovate and provide exceptional value to its customers. By integrating this feature into its platform, ezLandlordForms will be able to provide a more seamless rental experience for Landlords and Tenants and further support landlords through every phase of the rental process.
For more information about the Rent Payments feature and other services offered by ezLandlordForms, please visit ezLandlordForms.com.
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About ezLandlordForms
ezLandlordForms is a premier provider of property management solutions, offering a comprehensive suite of tools and resources designed to help landlords manage their properties efficiently and effectively.
Our services include tenant screening, state-specific lease agreements with ezSign, over 500 landlord forms, and the newly launched rent payments feature. ezLandlordForms is among the select few companies that excel in all three critical areas of property management. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, we continue to lead the industry in delivering high-quality, user-friendly solutions.
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By Ryan Squires
Dealing with delinquent tenants who don’t pay rent on time is one of the most difficult aspects of property management. Tracking down late rent is time-consuming, receiving payments can take months, and it might require a long legal battle.
Reporting these tenants to a credit bureau can help show other landlords that they’re inconsistent with rent payments and help them avoid future headaches. While this process is an option for some landlords, it’s complicated and not an option for everyone. In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about how to report unpaid rent to credit bureaus and other ways landlords can attempt to collect unpaid rent.
How to Report Unpaid Rent to Credit Bureaus
Landlords can leverage credit reporting as a tool to encourage timely rent payments. However, direct reporting to credit bureaus is typically reserved for large landlords who process numerous rental payments monthly. Smaller landlords may find it challenging due to the need for a merchant account.
An alternative for smaller landlords is Experian’s RentBureau. This service allows landlords to automatically deduct rent from tenants’ bank accounts and report payment history to Experian. However, tenants must opt-in, and the service doesn’t cover other tenant behaviors like evictions or property damage.
Alternate Options to Collect Unpaid Rent
Reporting late rent payments to a credit bureau isn’t an option for every landlord, so what alternatives do you have? Here are a few options for landlords who need to collect unpaid rent.
Eviction
Eviction is often the most effective way to recoup unpaid rent, but it can take the longest. The eviction process varies by state but generally involves filing a formal eviction notice with the court. If the tenant doesn’t vacate the property within a specified timeframe, a court order is issued, and law enforcement can remove the tenant.
Evictions are also typically reported to credit bureaus, which impacts a tenant’s credit score and demonstrates to other landlords that the tenant might not be reliable.
Collections Agencies
Hiring a collections agency can be a viable option for recovering unpaid rent. These agencies specialize in debt collection and have the resources to pursue delinquent tenants. Keep in mind that there’s usually a fee associated with using a collections agency, and they typically receive a percentage of the recovered amount.
Rent Reporting Services
Another avenue to explore is rent reporting. While not a direct collection method, it can incentivize tenants to pay rent on time. Some companies specialize in reporting rental payment history to credit bureaus.
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Consequences for Tenants
Reporting unpaid rent to a credit bureau can have significant consequences for tenants. A negative rental payment history can:
- Lower their credit score: This can impact their ability to secure loans, credit cards, or even housing.
- Make finding future housing difficult: Many landlords use credit reports as part of their tenant screening process.
- Result in increased rental costs: Tenants with poor credit may be required to pay higher security deposits or increased rent.
Tenants must understand the importance of timely rent payments and their potential impact on their financial well-being.
How TurboTenant Can Assist Landlords
Reporting unpaid rent to credit bureaus can be an effective tool for landlords to encourage timely rent payments and mitigate financial losses. However, it’s a complex process that might only be an option for some landlords. So, it’s essential to prioritize direct communication with tenants and explore alternative solutions.
TurboTenant offers multiple features designed to make rent payments easier. With TurboTenant, landlords and tenants can:
- Easily make online rent payments from any device.
- Automatically report on-time rent payments to build tenant credit.
- Distribute automatic rent receipts to tenants for accurate record-keeping.
- Send automatic rent reminders to reduce late payments.
- Set up autopay and eliminate late rent payments.
Sign up for a TurboTenant account today to streamline the rent collection process. All the rent collection features are free and give you a cost-effective way to battle late payments before you’re forced to consider reporting unpaid rent.
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As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial for small landlords to get a clear picture of their rental property’s financial health. QuickBooks is a powerful tool that simplifies financial management for landlords, especially those who own fewer than 10 units. In this post, we’ll explain how you can use QuickBooks to organize your finances, track rental income, and prepare for tax season.
Your Landlord Resource is here to walk you through the best ways to use QuickBooks to ensure your rental business is ready for the end of the year.
Why Landlords Should Use QuickBooks
Managing a rental property business can get complicated quickly. Small landlords, especially those owning 1–10 units, need a system that can manage rent payments, track property expenses, and simplify tax preparation. QuickBooks does just that by offering:
- Expense and income tracking for each property
- Comprehensive financial reporting to give a clear business overview
- Tax preparation tools, such as categorizing deductible expenses
- Tenant management features to track rent payments easily
For small landlords who want to manage their rental properties like a professional, QuickBooks is a must-have tool.
Setting Up QuickBooks for Your Rental Property Business
To get the most out of QuickBooks, make sure you set it up properly. Here’s a quick guide for landlords looking to streamline their rental property finances:
1. Create Separate Accounts for Each Rental Property
If you own multiple rental properties, track each unit separately. QuickBooks allows landlords to set up different “Classes” or “Locations” to organize income and expenses by property. This is especially useful when comparing performance or preparing reports for individual properties.
2. Link Your Bank Accounts for Automatic Transaction Imports
QuickBooks integrates with your bank accounts, making it easier to track expenses like mortgage payments, utilities, and maintenance costs. You can save time by avoiding manual entries, and your accounts will always be up to date.
3. Track Rental Payments Automatically
You can set up recurring rent invoices for each tenant in QuickBooks, which makes it easy to send payment reminders and track who has paid and who hasn’t. This is essential for keeping cash flow steady and minimizing late payments.
QuickBooks Year-End Reporting for Landlords
As the year comes to a close, QuickBooks provides key reports that every landlord should run to prepare for tax season:
1. Profit and Loss (P&L) Statements
A P&L statement gives you an overview of how your rental properties performed during the year. QuickBooks makes it easy to generate this report, which is crucial for understanding your revenue and operating expenses.
2. Tax Summary Report
QuickBooks helps landlords prepare for tax season by automatically categorizing deductible expenses, such as property repairs, insurance, and utilities. You can easily generate a tax summary report that highlights all eligible deductions.
3. Prepare 1099 Forms for Contractors
If you’ve hired contractors to perform repairs or maintenance on your rental properties, QuickBooks helps you track payments and generate 1099 forms for tax purposes. This feature ensures you comply with IRS regulations and simplifies the process.
Why QuickBooks Simplifies Tax Preparation for Landlords
For landlords, tax season can be daunting without proper financial organization. QuickBooks provides several tools to help you prepare for taxes:
- Expense categorization: Automatically sorts expenses to make tax filing easier.
- Receipt storage: The QuickBooks mobile app lets you snap photos of receipts and store them digitally, making year-end documentation simple.
- Accountant collaboration: QuickBooks allows you to share your financial data directly with your CPA, ensuring they have everything needed to file your taxes accurately.
Conclusion: Get Organized Before the Year Ends with QuickBooks
QuickBooks is an invaluable tool for landlords, helping you organize your rental business finances, streamline operations, and prepare for tax season. By implementing QuickBooks now, you can ensure your rental property business is ready to close out the year with ease.
Love this post? You might enjoy this blog as well:
It’s that time of year where the leaves start falling, and there’s a nip in the air each morning and evening. Time to put away the tank tops and pull out the sweaters! For landlords, Fall is the time of year for seasonal maintenance on their rental properties. Here are some reminders on what you or your property manager should be checking out as preventative maintenance…
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Tenant screening software is becoming more and more popular now that landlords are working to improve their applicant vetting processes.
In this episode, we will cover what tenant screening software is, why it matters, and how it compares to other options like using property management software or hiring a property manager.
We’ll also cover a couple real-life horror stories about tenant screening gone wrong and the legal liabilities landlords need to be aware of.
So, whether you’re using screening software or not, by knowing the risks, the best practices, and the best tools can make or break your rental business.
Of course, we will also compare some of the top software options out there.
LINKS
👉 Episode 49: Analyzing Credit Reports for Tenant Selection
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👉 SmartMove Tenant Screening Software
👉 Tenant Alert, Tenant Screening Software
👉 RentPrep Tenant Screening Software
👉 My Rental Tenant Screening Software
👉 The Top 5 Prescreening Questions We Always Ask and WHY
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Source: Landlord Gurus
Before you get down to marketing your rental you need to decide on some basic rental terms you’ll be asking a renter to agree to. Below is a brief rundown.
Each property is different, so you’ll want to make sure you think carefully about what will work best in your case. Here are some common rental terms:
- 1-year lease
- Something shorter than a year, like for student housing
- Month-to-month
Something else to think about is whether the tenancy ends at the end of the term. For example, if it’s a one-year lease, at the end of the year, is the tenancy over or will it automatically revert to month-to-month?
Animals
Do you accept pets at all, and if so what kind and how many? For example, some of our properties will allow cats but not dogs.
Be careful not to lump Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals into your “pet policy”, as they are NOT considered pets and there are strict rules about what you can and cannot do when people have them.
If you do allow pets, consider the different types of pet fees and things you might need to ask for. For example, charging for pet screening, pet deposits, and pet rent. Are you going to charge a flat fee for having a pet? Or will you charge monthly?
Setting the Rent
You can quickly survey listings on Zillow, Craigslist, etc. to get a feel for how the competition is priced. Many property management software products also have free rent estimation features. You could also use products that give you comparables, trend lines for local rent, and pricing suggestions.
Utilities
You’re also going to want to decide how you and your tenant will handle utilities.
Which utilities can tenants put directly in their names? Generally, these should be metered separately so that they are only paying for what they use, but sometimes there are exceptions or tradeoffs.
Where not separately metered there are multiple ways to charge tenants for utility costs:
- RUBS: Ratio Utility Billing System — charging tenants for actual utility expenditures, usually calculated based on square footage or occupancy.
- Submeters
- Flat fees: For example, $40/person/month for water, sewer, and garbage.
WiFi
Will you provide WiFi for the property, or do tenants pay for their own service? Consider whether your building is wired in such a way that tenants can get their own service easily, and without a bunch of new holes being drilled.
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Parking
Will parking be included, or is it an extra fee? Some places, like Seattle, require parking to be separate.
Deposits and Fees
Consider whether you want to separate deposits for different purposes, or use one umbrella security deposit. We often just take one general security deposit. Note that there are requirements in some places regarding how you handle the money.
A security deposit is generally fully refundable but can be used for unpaid rent or fees, repairs, cleaning, or other amounts due.
Another type of deposit is a cleaning deposit, which tenants pre-pay for having the unit cleaned at move-out. They don’t need to deep clean anything at the end. This is a good way to handle concerns regarding cleanliness and having to hire cleaners without compensation.
Going back to pet deposits and fees, decide whether you want to collect a fee that’s not refundable. This can be used for services at the end of the tenancy to prepare your rental after having a pet in it.
Next is application fees. Nowadays, screening services will collect a fee, which makes it easy, as you don’t have to worry about collecting or refunding fees.
There are also some miscellaneous fees for things like storage or locker fees. If you have those amenities on your property, that’s something you can charge for. Amenity fees are something that we have seen at larger, nicer complexes. They might tack on a fee because they have a nice fitness center or other amenities that tenants can use.
Another thing that we charge for is a lockout or lost key fee. If the tenant does not want to pay that fee, they can instead hire a locksmith to let them into the property.
There will also be move-in costs. When the tenant first moves in, what will they have to pay upfront? Usually, it’s the first month’s rent and possibly the last month’s rent that you’ll collect upfront. Along with any of the deposits you choose to charge. In some places, there are regulations on how much you can collect.
Takeaway
Before marketing your property, be sure to decide on the things you’ll need to communicate upfront. This includes the things that we went over in this article, such as animals, rent, deposits, and fees. This will ensure that prospective tenants understand what they’ll be getting themselves into.
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By Ryan Squires
Ideally, the landlord-tenant relationship is built on great communication, timely issue resolution, and prompt rent payments. Although most tenants pay their rent as they’re supposed to, it can be stressful for landlords when days go by without a check or a promise to pay.
So, how can you ensure timely payments without pestering your tenants endlessly? How can you maintain a solid working relationship with your tenants so they understand the importance of timely payments? And how can you make sure that you maintain a solid foundation for your investment and properly anticipate your cash flow?
In this rent reminder guide, we’ll review some strategies for landlords and tenants to ensure timely rent payments.
Key Insights
- Understanding when rent payments are expected is a key component in understanding the cash flow of a landlord’s investment. It can dramatically impact maintenance schedules, property tax payments, and other property expenses.
- Rent reminders can be sent in various ways, including email, text messages, and push notifications. They should be polite, clear, and to the point.
- TurboTenant is a free-to-use property management platform that offers multiple ways to remind tenants to pay rent on time, regardless of how many properties they manage.
Understanding the Importance of Timely Rent Payments
Renting out property is an investment; receiving rent payments is critical to ensuring a return. Whether you own and lease out one or multiple properties, fully understanding your cash flow is crucial to effectively running your business.
For landlords, rent payments past their due date can lead to delayed maintenance, deficient cash flow, and a chain of potentially delayed payments for other property expenses, including property taxes, utilities, or other costs incurred from owning and renting a unit.
Late payments are generally subject to the lease terms for tenants, which can lead to late payment penalties and, eventually, potential legal consequences like eviction.
How to Set Up Rent Reminders
As a property manager, developing smart strategies to remind tenants to pay rent, ensure timely payments, and build a strong relationship with your tenants is essential. One way to set up a rent reminder is to utilize property management software like TurboTenant.
Many rent collection platforms offer the ability to automatically remind tenants through push notifications, text messages, or emails every month before rent is due. These methods are beneficial because they shift the conflict associated with asking for late rent to software. Now, you don’t have to be the bad guy.
Landlords can also offer auto payment options for tenants, where rent is automatically deducted monthly from the payment method of a landlord or tenant’s choice. This is a great way to ensure that rent is always on time.
Best Practices for Rent Reminders
Creating an effective rent reminder process is a great idea, especially for landlords who manage a large number of properties, where it can become challenging to keep track of each tenant.
In general, reminder messages should be concise, clear, and to the point, which helps set clear expectations. Here are some tips and best practices to help make the process as easy as possible for all parties.
Clear Communication from Day One
The best way to establish a positive landlord-tenant relationship is to ensure that the tenant thoroughly understands the expectations set out in the lease agreement. Explaining rent collection due dates, grace periods, and payment methods will smooth the process.
Use Multiple Reminder Channels
Not everyone is great at checking their email these days, so landlords might opt to send a rent reminder notice by text message, push notification from property management software, or even a quick phone call to check-in.
Send a Quick Thank You
Confirming receipt of rent payments and thanking tenants for paying on time is also a great way to make sure the tenant feels like a part of the rental process and not just a cog in a faceless business transaction. A quick “thank you” takes no time at all and can help build trust and a solid relationship foundation.
Sample Rent Reminder Messages
Keeping open lines of communication with your tenants is a great way to make sure they pay their rent on time. It also establishes a positive relationship that encourages tenants to stay in touch about maintenance or repair issues.
Here’s an example of a rent reminder email:
Hi [Tenant],
Just a quick reminder that your rent for next month is due on [Due Date]. Please make sure your payment is made on time to avoid any late fees. As a reminder, you can make your payment via [Option 1], [Option 2], or [Option 3].
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact me at [Phone / Email].
Thank you,
[Landlord name]
And here’s a rent reminder text message sample:
Hi [Tenant], this is [Landlord] reminding you that rent for your unit is due on [Due Date]. Please make your payment by this date to avoid any late fees via [Option 1], [Option 2], or [Option 3]. Thanks, and have a great day!
Rent reminders through push notifications are usually even shorter than text messages and are straight to the point:
Hi [Tenant]. Rent is due on [Due Date]. Please let me know if you have any questions.
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Dealing with Frequent Late Payments
Frequent late payments from a tenant can be challenging for landlords and potentially disastrous for tenants. So, what’s the best way to handle habitually late rent payments?
Understanding the root cause of late payments is the first step in determining a course of action. If tenants are experiencing temporary financial hardships, figuring out how to navigate it together could resolve the issue quicker than expected or encourage the tenant to find other ways to pay rent on time. Meeting with the tenant to go over the lease agreement and reinforce the terms in the lease could also help the tenant understand what’s at stake for them if they continue to pay rent later than the due date or an outlined grace period. Making sure they have their own copy of the lease guarantees they have a copy to reference.
For tenants experiencing hardship and frequently paying rent late, establishing a payment plan could also help ease the burden and quickly bring the tenant back into good standing. Any plan like this should be put into writing and signed by both parties and can be kept alongside the lease agreement for easy reference.
Legal proceedings could be the next step if the frequency of late payments increases to unsustainable levels. At this point, landlords might need to begin an eviction process and should consult local laws about how best to proceed in this situation.
How TurboTenant Can Help with Rent Reminders
TurboTenant’s free landlord software provides access to a comprehensive rent collection system that sends automatic reminders, applies late fees, and sends receipts automatically. There’s zero cost to landlords, and tenants pay a small $2 ACH fee in the free plan. That fee is waived when landlords upgrade to Premium.
Then, via TurboTenant’s integration with REI Hub, our robust rental accounting system automatically inputs rent payments, tracks expenses, and compiles it all in easy-to-generate reports that make tax time easier than ever. It’s an excellent tool for landlords who want to automate as much of their processes as possible to save time and increase accuracy.
Sign up for a free TurboTenant account today, and let us be the bad guy when your tenant needs a rent payment reminder.
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By John Triplett
Are you and your property management providing reasonable accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing to communicate effectively?
In the field of property management, effective communication is not just a courtesy—it’s a mandate under fair housing laws.
Ensuring that every individual, regardless of hearing ability, has equal access to housing information is not only ethical but also legally required.
This commitment to accessibility includes providing reasonable accommodations for the deaf and hard of hearing, a demographic that often faces significant barriers in accessing housing services. Are you and your team ensuring equal access?
How do I stay fair housing compliant?
Fair housing regulations stipulate that property managers must be equipped to communicate effectively with all prospects and residents. This inclusivity explicitly extends to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. When a deaf or hard-of-hearing resident requests an interpreter, this is considered a reasonable accommodation.
Interestingly, unlike other accommodation requests that require a more extensive review process, the need for an interpreter is often so apparent that it bypasses the usual procedural requirements. This streamlined approach underscores the importance of immediate and unimpeded communication.
But what if I can’t get an interpreter right away?
Despite the clear mandates, the practicalities of providing on-the-spot interpreter services can be challenging. It’s generally unrealistic to secure a sign language interpreter without prior notice. However, property managers are still obliged to facilitate communication as per fair housing standards.
Creative solutions become essential in these scenarios. Utilizing readily available tools such as whiteboards for written communication or exchanging SMS text messages can provide interim solutions that uphold the standards of accessibility and ensure that critical information is conveyed effectively and promptly.
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How do I prepare for the best-case scenario?
To truly embody the spirit of fair housing, property management teams should proactively prepare to meet the needs of deaf or hard-of-hearing individuals. This preparation involves more than just recognizing the need for accommodation; it requires active and ongoing training of staff. Role-playing scenarios can be an effective method for training, helping staff practice and prepare for real-life interactions.
Additionally, investing in services such as online, on-demand interpreters can significantly enhance a property management company’s ability to provide immediate and effective communication solutions. These investments not only comply with legal requirements but also demonstrate a genuine commitment to inclusivity.
Are you ensuring equal access?
The provision of translation services for the deaf and hard of hearing is a clear example of how property management can and should function under the guiding principles of fair housing.
Property management professionals can ensure that all residents receive the high standard of service they deserve by understanding the legal imperatives, embracing creative problem-solving, and investing in thorough preparation. Ultimately, these efforts reflect a broader commitment to equality and accessibility, pillars upon which the integrity of the property management industry rests.
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As landlords, it’s essential to balance protecting your property and tenants with complying with anti-discrimination laws. This episode explores the intricacies of how the Fair Housing Act intersects with tenant screening practices, focusing on HUD’s 2016 guidance regarding criminal records.
We explain why a blanket “no criminal history” policy can lead to unintended discrimination, particularly under the concept of disparate impact. You will learn the importance of conducting individualized assessments that take into account the nature and severity of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and any evidence of rehabilitation. We also break down state-specific laws, such as “ban the box” ordinances that restrict when and how landlords can inquire about criminal records.
Of course, we are providing practical advice on documenting decisions, staying compliant with evolving state and local laws, and common pitfalls to avoid, like relying on arrest records or treating applicants inconsistently.
If you’re a landlord navigating tenant screening, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to create a fair, legally compliant, and effective criminal background check policy. You’ll want to tune in for actionable insights and avoid legal risks while protecting your investment.
LINKS
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👉 Episode 6: Creating Standard Operating Procedures for Your Business
👉 Episode 49: Analyzing Credit Reports for Tenant Selection
👉 Fair Housing Information: US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development. This is your primary source for federal fair housing laws and regulations, including HUD’s 2016 guidance on the use of criminal background checks.
👉 The Fair Housing Act: This page from the Department of Justice outlines the full text of the Fair Housing Act and includes information on the enforcement of fair housing laws.
👉 Learn more about your local landlord-tenant laws: Look up “YOUR STATE/COUNTY”+ Local Housing Authority.
👉Get certified in Fair Housing Laws: The Fair Housing Institute. Use code YLR2024 for 15% Off any course purchase.
👉 Equal Rights Center: For $50 you can take a course called Best Practices for Ensuring that Criminal Records Screening Policies & Practices Comply with Fair Housing Requirements
👉 Text Us a Question! This is a one way text system only. If you want us to respond, you must include your email on the text.
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By Daniel Sharabi
There is no question that Ratio Utility Billing Systems are a benefit to housing providers. Regardless, conversations around RUBS among uninformed housing providers can lead to confusion and misconceptions regarding Ratio Utility Billing Systems.
While more traditional methods, such as flat fees or equal splits, offer simplicity, they lack fairness and precision. Enter Ratio Utility Billing Systems (RUBS), an ideal solution for a fair and streamlined billing process. Less-than-seasoned housing providers may share a laundry list of negatives they’ve heard regarding RUBS. Check out these common misconceptions of housing providers surrounding Ratio Utility Billing Systems that we are here to debunk.
MYTH #1: RESIDENTS WILL THINK I’M BEING UNFAIR
A concern among housing providers is that RUBS might not be perfectly fair. Residents who conserve utilities like water might end up subsidizing those who use more. This can lead to frustration and disputes. Explaining the logic behind the formula can be an uphill battle in the eyes of a housing provider.
Residents in well-maintained units with newer, more efficient dishwashers and low-flow showerheads might feel they’re subsidizing those who use more water, creating tension between residents and potentially leading to finger pointing and resentment toward the housing provider.
MYTH BUSTED
The right RUBS system can factor in square footage, occupancy and more so that billing is both
transparent and fair. Residents should be able to see how their bills are calculated and why the bill is what it is. Housing providers can also offer a “goodwill deduction” for any reason, including for a resident who has concerns about subsidizing other residents unfairly.
MYTH #2: COMPLIANCE WILL BE A HEADACHE
RUBS regulations can vary by location. Housing providers need to be sure they are following all the rules to avoid legal issues and many don’t want to take on that headache. Maintaining accurate records of occupancy changes, appliance upgrades, and historical usage data is crucial for a fair RUBS system. Housing providers may fear finding themselves dealing with the burden of meticulous record keeping to avoid legal trouble.
MYTH BUSTED
The right RUBS platform has compliance assistance built in. “At Livable, we provide a lease addendum for our housing providers so they are covered legally,” Sharabi explains. “Of course, housing providers need to make sure that they are in compliance with all local ordinances and regulations, but the lease addendum goes a long way toward achieving that.”
“We do always recommend that you check with your attorney before implementing RUBS for your residents, but our system is designed to aid with compliance for housing providers.”
“Livable Pro is so easy you can do it yourself,” Sharabi says. “We designed a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to set up RUBS. Just plug in the information as asked and you’re all set!”
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MYTH #3: IMPLEMENTING RUBS IS MORE TROUBLE THAN IT’S WORTH
Setting up RUBS properly requires choosing a fair formula, clearly communicating it to residents, and handling disputes fairly. This can take time and effort and many housing providers are reluctant to try.
MYTH BUSTED
“Livable Pro is so easy you can do it yourself,” Sharabi says. “We designed a user-friendly
interface that makes it simple to set up RUBS. Just plug in the information as asked and you’re all set!”
MYTH #4: RUBS IS ONLY FOR BIG COMPLEXES OR HIGH-RISES, NOT SMALL OWNERS LIKE ME
Some housing providers may believe that ratio utility billing only works or makes financial sense if you have a lot of units to bill.
MYTH BUSTED
“We created Livable Pro for the independent rental owner,” says Dan Sharabi, CEO of Livable. “Livable has never had unit minimums or a required commitment. We want housing providers to be able to hold residents accountable for their use, driving conservation, whether they have one rental unit or 1,000.”
CONCLUSION
Even with well-defined guidelines, disputes about RUBS bills may occur. Housing providers often fear being caught in the middle, mediating between residents who feel unfairly charged and the need to maintain a fair system for everyone. Housing providers considering RUBS should be prepared to navigate these potential resident concerns and ensure they have fully accessed the resources RUBS provides to effectively implement and manage the system. The reality is that the benefits of RUBS far outweigh the effort required for it to revolutionize your
billing. Ratio Utility Billing is a cost-effective way to allocate utilities, save you money and practice good conservation. Housing providers should explore the benefits of RUBS for themselves before listening to outside misconceptions.
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Provided by the Fair Housing Institute
An upsurge of tenants requesting reasonable accommodation due to allergies can create a challenges for rental housing providers.
There has been a noticeable upsurge of residents requesting reasonable accommodations due to allergies. This is likely due to an increase in people suffering from both chemical and environmental sensitivities. A resident requesting accommodation due to allergies can create a challenging situation for the housing provider. This raises two questions:
- Are properties required to offer reasonable accommodations for allergies?
- If yes, what are some best practices to follow?
What Criteria Do Allergies Need to Meet?
In order to determine if an allergy meets the criteria for a reasonable accommodation, we must first determine if the allergy qualifies as a disability. The Fair Housing Act defines a disability as a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
For most of us with allergies, while the reactions may be uncomfortable, it is probably reasonable to state that those reactions do not “substantially limit one or more major life activity,” thereby rising to the level of a disability.
To help you determine whether the allergies meet the criteria, you need to have reasonable-accommodation request and verification forms that can be filled out by a third-party verifier. It is okay for your reasonable-accommodation forms to highlight the difference between a disability and an impairment. Your forms can also include a section for the verifier to provide pertinent information regarding allergy testing to determine what the tenant is allergic to. It is important to note that only a third-party verifier can make the determination if the allergy is in fact a disability and what accommodations need to be met.
If the allergy is not a disability, then management is not legally required to accommodate the resident. On the other hand, if the allergy results in the resident’s throat closing and hives, these symptoms would probably be considered a fairly substantial limitation to major life activities and would meet the criteria for a reasonable accommodation. Now you are faced with how, and to what extent, modifications can be offered. This can be especially difficult in a multifamily setting.
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Creating a Reasonable Accommodation Plan
Once a reasonable-accommodation request has been verified, it is time to create a plan that addresses the needs of the resident. The housing provider wants to provide reasonable accommodations, while also not limiting the use of chemicals and products by other residents and staff, particularly those that are critical to building maintenance. This is where open communication to discuss alternatives is critical between the resident, the property owner or manager, and the verifier. HUD and the courts now view the “interactive process” as an essential step by housing providers during the reasonable-accommodation process, whether the property plans to deny or offer the resident an alternative accommodation. Documenting the plan is also a critical best practice and ensures that everyone clearly understands the plan.
Fair Housing Training Is a Must
Dealing with reasonable-accommodation requests can be quite dynamic. Regular Fair Housing training is a must for property-management professionals. Property-management professionals are best served when regularly trained to identify the issues and then discuss them as a team. If you are not clear on the legal requirements, reach out to a qualified fair housing attorney. The more you know, the better you will be when dealing with complex reasonable accommodation requests.
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