By Brad KrausÂ
Tenants may make unreasonable demands over maintenance issues asking for compensation or damages so landlords need to know the law.
The landlord/tenant relationship naturally has its ups and downs. Anyone who has ever lived in a house knows how things inevitably break down, need repairs, and/or require fixing.
In my experience, most of these items are small inconveniences that landlords and tenants work out between themselves without the need for attorneys like me. Occasionally, I have seen tenants make unreasonable demands for rent credits, damages, and other monetary claims for the smallest of inconveniencesâif they can be called that.
Fortunately, much of these demands can be pushed back upon, if the landlord has knowledge of the law and their legal obligations.
As an initial matter, Oregon landlords are required to provide habitable housing consistent with ORS 90.320, which is commonly known as the âlandlord dutiesâ statute. If the premises âsubstantially lacksâ any of the items set forth within that statute, then a tenant may have a claim for diminution of rent. On that point, it is important for both tenants and landlords to understand that diminution does not immediately mean âa month of rent.â
Diminution of rent is often discussed as a percentage of diminutionâi.e., how much of the premises is diminishedâor how much of the daily rent should be discounted based upon said diminution. An old case practitionerâs reference for this point is Lane v. Kelley. Additionally, diminution of rent is only discussed in terms of the stated monthly rent, and no more. The case to review for this point is L&M Investments v. Morrison.
These two cases inform the basis of legal analysis as to damages that may or may not be owed to a tenant for a particular issue. It goes without saying that any maintenance issue should be remedied as quickly as possible to avoid triggering any demands for compensation or damages. However, thatâs not always attainable or avoidable.
For example a maintenance issue. Assume that a tenantâs bathroomâone of two they have in the premisesâwas out of commission for a week. Because the property has multiple bathrooms, the premises may not âsubstantially lackâ what is required under ORS 90.320 at all. Even if it does, it would certainly be an appropriate argument that the premises was not diminished by 100% of the rental amount. However, even assuming that it was diminished by 100%, the tenant would not be entitled to any diminution of rent beyond one week (as thatâs the amount of time it took to remedy the issue).
Additional issues can arise when substitute housing is brought up. ORS 90.365 discusses substitute housing, which is required if the landlord âintentionally or negligently fails to supply any essential service.â
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After a notice period and allowing the landlord âa reasonable time and reasonable access under the circumstances to supply the essential service,â the tenant may procure substitute housing if the dwelling unit is unsafe or unfit to occupy. This provision is not triggered under the following circumstances:
(a) The landlord substantially supplies the essential service; or
(b) The landlord is making a reasonable and good-faith effort to supply the essential service and the failure is due to conditions beyond the landlordâs control; or
(6) âŚ. if the condition was caused by the deliberate or negligent act or omission of the tenant or a person on the premises with the tenantâs consent.
If substitute housing is required for some reason, then it behooves the landlord to control the substitute-housing cost by either offering the tenant a vacant unit in the complex/property, if available, or by procuring an extended-stay hotel with kitchen facilities in the area.
If that doesnât happen, and tenants are left to their own devices, it is not uncommon for tenants to book Airbnbs and seek to recover those costs from landlords. While the statutes contain some pushback for such actions, litigation that often comes after substitute-housing demands will cause costs to skyrocket beyond the costs of that Airbnb.
Habitability issues are no fun.
Things like acts of God that displace tenantsâwhich, in my opinion, are not the fault of landlords, despite what other narratives existâoften arise and sour the landlord/tenant relationship beyond repair. While that likely cannot be stopped, positioning yourself to mitigate costs and expense associated with such things requires knowledge of the laws, rules, and cases that control the analysis.
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Provided by The Fair Housing Institute
Marijuana use in rental housing presents a fair housing challenge for property managers who need to navigate the legal complexities in federal and state laws.
Navigating the legalities of marijuana use within property management is an ongoing challenge as states increasingly adopt diverse regulations.
This variance between state and federal laws places property managers in a complex position, tasked with adhering to legal requirements while addressing the needs and rights of residents.
This article provides a comprehensive overview for property management professionals to manage these legal complexities efficiently, fostering a compliant and supportive community environment.
State Law versus Federal Law
Navigating the complexities of marijuana laws can be perplexing for property management professionals.
Despite marijuana being legal for medical or recreational use in numerous states, it remains prohibited under federal law. This discord between state and federal regulations often confuses housing policies. Itâs crucial for property managers first to understand these legal distinctions as they develop guidelines for their properties, particularly when dealing with federal funding constraints.
How Your Propertyâs Funding Can Affect Policies
The source of your propertyâs funding plays a pivotal role in the policies you can enforce regarding marijuana use.
Properties that receive federal funding must adhere to federal laws that do not recognize the legality of marijuana. This means that regardless of state laws, properties with federal ties must prohibit marijuana use to remain compliant. Conversely, privately funded properties in states where marijuana is legal might have more flexibility in setting their policies.
No-smoking policies in residential properties play a crucial role in decisions regarding marijuana use.
Initially aimed at preserving air quality and minimizing fire risks, these policies naturally extend to prohibit all forms of smoking, including marijuana. This comprehensive approach prevents confusion and ensures uniform enforcement across all residents. In regions where marijuana is legally permitted, property managers must balance these no-smoking policies with potential medical accommodations, possibly suggesting non-smoking alternatives like edibles or vaporizers to comply with both health standards and legal requirements.
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Reasonable Accommodations and Their Verifications
When a resident requests a reasonable accommodation for the medical use of marijuana, property managers face a complex and sensitive task.
Verifying the legitimacy of such medical claims is not only legally necessary but also a meticulous process, often involving the review of medical marijuana cards or prescriptions.
Due to the intricate and varying nature of state and federal laws and the detailed attention required to ensure authenticity, these decisions should be reserved for senior management within the property management company.
Furthermore, consulting with a fair-housing attorney is crucial to establishing a robust, consistent verification process that meets legal standards. This approach ensures compliance and maintains a uniform policy across all resident requests, safeguarding the property management against potential legal challenges.
Other Resident Complaints
Handling resident complaints related to marijuana use, such as the odor from smoking, requires a balanced approach.
While itâs essential to accommodate medical needs, the comfort and well-being of other residents cannot be overlooked. If your property permits smoking and marijuana use aligns with state law, consider practical solutions to mitigate the impact and be prepared to discuss alternatives. For properties with a no-smoking policy, this rule would extend to marijuana as well, thereby simplifying policy enforcement.
As the legal landscape around marijuana continues to evolve, property-management professionals must stay informed to ensure their policies comply with both state and federal laws. Regular training and updates on fair-housing laws are crucial in navigating these complex scenarios and ensuring compliance and high resident service standards. By understanding the intricacies of marijuana legislation and its implications for property management, you can better serve your community while upholding the law.
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We have done some soul searching for the last several months and through that reflection, we have found that we are very overwhelmed. So much so that we have stopped doing the things that we love and have become, well, workaholics.
If we are not working on Your Landlord Resource, we are working on one of the investment properties. If not either of those, we are playing catch up to chores around the house.
We have been good about spending time with our kids and our parents as often as we can, but there is so much more we want to do. We just need more time to do those things.
So, in this episode we are talking about our need to step back from this podcast. To catch up on some much needed us time, maintenance to OUR home, and reset our time management.
This is not goodbye, this is simply âsee you soonâ.  To keep in touch with us, subscribe to our mailing list.
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Do you ever wonder what other landlords may be interested in learning? This week on the podcast we are kind of creating a little pseudo networking by discussing which episodes are landlord favorites with our top 5 podcast released.
As we approach our 100th episode and that 20,000 download mark, we thought maybe it would be a good idea to talk about what you, the listeners, loved the most.
Itâs a quicker episode with a short synopsis of our top 5 episodes. We are proud of them and hope you will love them too.
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đ Episode 6: Creating Standard Operating Procedures for Your Business
đ Episode 45: Basic Tax Strategies for Real Estate Investors
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đ Episode 56: How and When to Transfer Your Rental Property into an LLC
đ Episode 58: The Hidden Costs of Owning and Operating Rental Properties
đ Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
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Source: rentredi
Tenancy disputes are an inevitable part of managing properties. Roommates are certain to fall out, and damage to your property means youâll need to take legal action.
However, as a landlord, itâs your job to retain a professional, kind approach throughout. The space you lease may be your property, but it is home to your renters. This means you must take steps to de-escalate emotionally fraught conversations and focus on mediating conflict when it arises.
Youâll also want to ensure that your paperwork and documentation properly protect you. This is key if youâre concerned about late payments or find that tenants are abusing the terms of your lease agreement. Setting clear expectations in your initial paperwork ensures that everyone understands their responsibilities before handing over the keys.Â
Communication
Clear, regular communication is the key to a happy tenant-landlord relationship. Getting in touch with your tenants before you schedule maintenance work or are planning to visit the property can help you proactively avoid disputes and disagreements. Maintaining a polite, professional tone throughout shows that you care about looking after the property and take your responsibilities as a landlord seriously.
If conflict does arise, you must be clear about everyoneâs responsibilities. This is key, as some landlords can fall foul of the politeness paradox. Sometimes, striving to be âtoo niceâ can undermine your efforts to be assertive and may mean that your boundaries are crossed and your generosity is taken advantage of. While you should never take a rude or aggressive tone with tenants, itâs important to know when tenants have crossed a line and require polite but firm communication.Â
Taking an assertive, professional approach is particularly important if you feel that tenants are crossing boundaries. This can put you in an awkward position and lead to friction if left unresolved. Rather than falling into the politeness paradox, assert your boundaries and maintain a professional relationship with tenants by practicing the art of saying ânoâ and gracefully leaving conversations that have become unnecessarily heated.
Mediation Techniques
Tenants who raise disputes are usually in an elevated emotional state when they report their aggrievement. This is entirely understandable, as tenant disputes usually arise when something is wrong with the home they are living in. Rather than escalating conflict during a dispute, use emotional intelligence (EI) strategies to calm everyone down. Effective examples of EI include:Â
- Self-Regulation:Â Utilize mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce your cognitive stress and improve your impulse response in the heat of the moment.Â
- Empathy: Actively listening to your tenants helps you understand the root cause of their conflict. This can help you avoid hasty judgments and ensure you maintain your reputation as a good landlord.
- Recognize Your Feelings:Â Take the time to name your feelings to navigate conflict with more grace. Recognize when anger or frustration is getting in the way of good decision-making.Â
Itâs also worth noting that some conflicts have nothing to do with your responsibilities as a landlord. Sometimes, roommates fall out or relationships break down. When this occurs, you may need to take mediating measures to ensure that rent is paid on time while folks are given time to sort out their new living situation. If this does occur, youâll want to have a clear understanding of the next steps already outlined in your documentation.
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Proper Documentation
Clear, legally binding documentation is crucial during a conflict. If you havenât covered an issue in your lease agreement, itâs much harder to find a productive path forward with upset tenants. At a minimum, you should have paperwork that covers common landlord-tenant disputes like:Â
- Housing discrimination;
- Termination of tenancy;
- Eviction proceedings;
- Unlawful detainers;
- Rent abatements;
- Maintenance responsibilities.Â
Unless you happen to work in housing law, you probably canât assemble this document yourself. As such, you should seriously consider working with a legal professional who specializes in lease agreements and rental law. Having a specialist on hand can help you move forward in a professional, polite manner, too. You donât have to worry about arguing your case when you know the law is on your side, and you shouldnât worry about wrongfully evicting tenants if youâve squared things away with proper legal guidance.
Conclusion
Conflict and tenant disputes can be an almost inevitable part of renting a property. Eventually, you and/or your tenants will raise disputes that can be emotionally straining. Rather than getting drawn into heated arguments, put forward a clear, professional persona by working closely with trusted legal advisors who understand rental law. This will also ensure that all your paperwork is in order, which can act as a deterrent to tenants who might otherwise overlook their responsibilities.
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By Sarah Sher
Figuring out a rent-to-income ratio can be complex. Tenants want to ensure their rent doesnât take most of their paycheck, while landlords need to consider their rent-to-income ratio to determine if potential tenants can afford to live in the rental property.
In this guide, we break down what the rent-to-income ratio means for both sides, offering clear, straightforward tips on how to wield this powerful tool. Keep reading to see how getting this ratio right benefits everyone involved and makes the rental world just a bit easier to navigate.
What Is a Rent-to-Income Ratio?
A rent-to-income ratio is how much of a personâs gross monthly income should go toward rental costs. The general rule of thumb is to keep it at or below 30%, which allows tenants to cover rent and other expenses theyâre responsible for.
While the 30% mark is a solid aim, landlords arenât required to stick to this percentage. There may be times when the rent-to-income ratio for tenants can be 30% to 45% â especially now that rent prices are higher than they were a few years ago. In this case, looking at a personâs complete financial profile is essential to identify if this ratio may be too much for them.
For tenants, itâs okay if the rent-to-income is slightly above 30%, so long as they can afford to cover other rental expenses, like utilities, and can comfortably afford their desired lifestyle.
How Do You Calculate Your Rent-to-Income Ratio?
To calculate a rent-to-income ratio, divide the annual gross salary by 12 to get the monthly income. Then, multiply that number by 30% to get a general ballpark on how much rent a person can afford.
Another option would be to outline all current monthly expenses. Dedicate 30% of one monthâs portion to cover the rental payment. For example, if a person earns $60,000 yearly (before taxes), their monthly budget is $5,000 â placing the ideal rent at around $1,500.
Remember, factors like side hustles or unexpected expenses can tweak these numbers a bit.
Why Is a Rent-to-Income Ratio Important to Calculate?
Calculating a rent-to-income ratio opens the door to smarter financial choices that balance both living expenses and savings goals. A rent-to-income ratio helps to gauge whether a rental is within a personâs financial means, preventing budget strain and guaranteeing their ability to comfortably cover other life costs. Having this ratio also encourages a balanced approach to spending, which safeguards against financial overreach.
For landlords, the rent-to-income ratio is a tool for screening prospective tenants, highlighting those with a solid financial foundation who are less likely to miss rent payments. This ratio can play a pivotal role in setting competitive and fair rental prices by helping to determine income ranges prospective tenants should make to qualify.
Having a handle on rent-to-income ratio lays the foundation for a solid partnership between tenants and landlords, guaranteeing everyone can focus on their financial well-being.
How Much Should Tenants Spend on Rent?
When deciding how much to allocate toward monthly rent payments, tenants often juggle multiple financial considerations. The â30% ruleâ serves as a starting point for many. However, life isnât one-size-fits-all â and neither are budgeting strategies.
Another guideline, the 50/30/20 rule, offers a broader framework. In this practice, 50% of the monthly income covers needs (including rent), 30% goes to wants, and 20% is tucked away into savings.
So, if we use the same gross annual income analogy from earlier ($60,000 yearly), $2,500 per month would be set aside to cover needs (50%), which includes rent. This leaves $1,500 for wants and $1,000 for savings each month. When looking to balance everyday enjoyment with saving for the future, especially when rent prices inch upward due to inflation, the 50/30/20 rule is beneficial.
Regardless of which âruleâ a person follows, consider the full picture of rental costs. This includes the rent and other expenses, like parking, pet rent, and potential security deposits. Some landlords might even set a minimum monthly income requirement, which could steer a potential tenantâs apartment hunt.
Get creative in the search process for a dream rental that also fits within a defined budget. One method of doing this is to broaden the search parameters by looking for apartments that bundle utilities with rent. Or explore areas slightly outside the initial target location. Some online apartment search platforms also provide filtering options to match varying financial needs.
Finding the right place to call home involves balancing these rent rules with a personal financial plan, including savings and debt repayment. When considering these elements, craft a budget that supports a comfortable and financially sound living situation.
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Why Should Landlords Care About Rent-to-Income Ratio?
Focusing on the rent-to-income ratio is a key strategy for landlords who aim to create a positive rental community. Hereâs a closer look at how paying attention to this essential metric benefits property owners.
Attracting the Ideal Tenants
Adjusting rental prices based on a well-considered rent-to-income ratio draws tenants who are more than just interested in the property â theyâre financially comfortable with the rent. This match leads to longer stays, minimizing turnover and the challenges of empty units.
Setting Rent Thoughtfully
Applying the rent-to-income ratio guideline to rental pricing helps keep rates attractive to potential tenants while keeping the landlordâs financial health in mind.
Improving Tenant Screening
Incorporating the rent-to-income ratio into the screening process gives a clearer picture of a prospective tenantâs financial situation, informing decisions on security deposits and move-in fees. This careful approach helps secure the investment and lays the foundation for trust immediately.
Turning to the rent-to-income ratio is more than a numbers game â it reflects a commitment to both the financial health of the investment and the tenantsâ contentment. Consider the impact this could have on making a property management approach more effective while presenting the landlord as a collaborative part of the community.
What Are Some Other Metrics to Use With the Rent-to-Income Ratio?
Renting involves more than a keen eyeâ â âitâs about understanding all the numbers that shape decisions. Hereâs how researching these figures can benefit tenants and landlords:
For Tenants:
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Imagine balancing rent, student loans, and perhaps a car payment, all while keeping a social life alive. The DTI shows tenants what portion of their paycheck is already spoken for by these commitments. Aiming for a lower DTI isnât just smart; itâs about making room for lifeâs little extrasâ, âlike an impromptu concert or a weekend getaway.
For Landlords:
- Operating Expense Ratio (OER): Picture the property not merely breaking even but actively contributing to financial goals. The OER highlights the chunk of income consumed by property expenses. With it, landlords can make sure that the investment pays dividends, fueling âfuture goals.
- Cash Flow Analysis: Check whether the property is pulling its weight. Is there a financial cushion at ââmonthâs end, or is it time for a strategy shift? Positive cash flow is more than just reassuring; it signals that the property is more than just bricks and soil but a crucial asset in a financial landscape.
Blending these insights with the rent-to-income ratio provides a compass for finding financial health and investment triumph. For tenants, itâs about crafting an enjoyable and sustainable lifestyle. And for landlords, itâs about turning properties into prosperous ventures.
What Is the Future of the Rent-to-Income Ratio?
The rent-to-income ratio is poised to adapt as housing markets and the economy shift. It traditionally reacts to the pulse of the economic cycle. Being aware of these potential shifts is crucial to making savvy decisions that align with personal and financial goals.
Platforms like Avail are at the forefront of these changes. For prospective tenants, Avail offers a way to streamline the application process, helping save on fees by efficiently creating profiles. And for landlords and property managers, it simplifies finding the right tenants through comprehensive screening tools that check income and credit reports with ease. This level of detail strikes a balance between tenant financial capabilities and property offerings.
Next Steps With Avail
Whether itâs about a potential tenant determining how much they can comfortably spend on housing or a landlord aiming to maximize their rental income, the rent-to-income ratio is an essential metric to understand.
Avail simplifies this process from both angles. Prospective tenants can use the educational resources Avail provides to find their ideal personal rent range. And landlords can access robust rental pricing tools, analytics to optimize revenue, and tenant screening services.
Take the first step toward making more informed rental decisions today. Create a free Avail landlord account or tenant profile to join a community committed to responsible rental practices.
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Source:Â NewsNationÂ
A New York woman is set to be paid $165,000 in damages plus $585,000 for her apartment after the building attempted to evict her because of her three emotional support parrots.
Meril Lesser moved into the Rutherford, a 175-unit cooperative apartment building, in 1999. She lived there with the birds, which the Department of Justice said were to assist with her disabilities, without incident until March 2015. Thatâs when one of her neighbors started to complain about the alleged noise coming from Lesserâs apartment.
Over the course of a year, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection visited the building and Lesserâs apartment 15 times to conduct inspections. The DEP issues zero violations in any of those instances, with one inspector writing âno birds, no screeching â no noise,â on Feb. 7, 2016, The New York Post reported.
Rutherford did not conduct any evaluation over the noise themselves, and did not hire anyone with experience in soundproofing to address the neighborâs complaints either, the DOJ said.
In March 2016, Lesser asked Rutherford to let her keep the parrots and gave them a letter from her psychiatrist. Despite this, the DOJ said, the apartment building began eviction proceedings against her in May 2016, causing Lesser âsevere emotional harm.â Lesser left the apartment in July of that year, but Rutherford continued to maintain the eviction proceeding âwell into 2024,â the Justice Department said.
Lesser filed a complaint with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development in May 2018, saying the eviction proceeding interfered with her fair housing rights. Under federal law, reasonable accommodations in ârules, policies, practices, and servicesâ must be provided to afford equal housing opportunities to those with disabilities. The Federal Housing Administration allows people with disabilities to use a wide array of animals as support pets, as long as they do not pose a direct threat to othersâ safety or health, and donât damage the property.
Once HUD completed its investigation of Lesserâs case, it stated there was probable cause to believe that Rutherford violated the FHA. Given the choice to settle or go to court, Rutherford chose the letter, so the Justice Department filed suit.
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The DOJ and Lesser prevailed in court, and now, because of a consent decree approved by U.S. District Judge Jennifer H. Rearden, Rutherford was ordered to pay Lesser $165,000 in damages and $585,000 to buy her shares. Rutherford also needs to dismiss the eviction proceeding against Lesser, per the decree, as well as âadopt a reasonable accommodation policy for assistance animals.â
This is the tenth such case brought in recent years by the Southern District of New York. According to U.S. Attorney Damian Williams, itâs also the âlargest recovery the Department of Justice has ever obtained for a person with disabilities whose housing provider denied them their right to have an assistance animal.â
âThis outcome should prompt all housing providers to consider carefully whether their policies and procedures comply with federal law,â Williams said in a statement. âWe greatly appreciate our partners at HUD who provided invaluable assistance in the investigation and resolution of this matter.â
Peter Livingston, an attorney for the Rutherford co-op board, said his client was pleased to resolve the case, the Associated Press reported.
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Making sure your tenants are happy and satisfied âcustomersâ while living in your rental property is of utmost importance. The benefits of creating great tenant experiences will come back to you as the property and business owner in so many ways.
In this episode we are going over different things you can do to improve the living environment for your tenants. We discuss what tenants want, what they deserve, and how by doing these tasks it will increase your bottom line and make running YOUR rental property business a much more satisfying experience.
LINKS
đ Episode 87: Essential Communication Methods Every Landlord Should Know
đ Episode 39: The 50+ Must Ask Questions When Hiring a Property Manager, Part 1
đ Episode 40: The 50+ Must Ask Questions When Hiring a Property Manager, Part 2
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By Ryan Squires
Your rental is filled, your tenant is happy, and the only time you think about your property is when rent hits your bank account every month. Investing in a property was the best decision you ever madeâuntil you find yourself with a vacant unit, and suddenly, your passive income isnât feeling quite so passive.Â
Anyone whoâs managed a property has felt the pressure of navigating all the âTo-Dosâ that come with a vacancy. Listings, marketing, showings, screenings⌠what are you even allowed to ask on an application anymore? This applicant seems fine, but so did Ted BundyâŚÂ And just like that, youâre regretting ever thinking youâd have time to manage a rental property on top of everything else you have going on.
Fear not, TurboTenantâs free tools are here to help you put the âpassiveâ back in âpassive income.â
- One-Click Marketing
- Centralized Lead Management
- Seamless Showings
- Professional Screening & Applications
âI listed my house for rent on Sunday and had a ton of interest thanks to the effortless marketing. The leads were easy to manage, and the screening feature saved me a lot of time. I had a signed lease by Thursday. THANK YOU!â ~ Caitlin | 1 property
One-Click Marketing
Finding a great tenant starts with getting a lot of leads. But how do you get enough leads without the headache of posting to dozens of listing sites?
- Start by creating the best possible listing with embedded insights on what renters are looking for, then leverage our Rent Estimate Report, which compares your property to similar rentals nearby and calculates a suggested monthly rent amount in seconds.
- Not sure how to catch rentersâ eyes? Just enter the basic information about your property and TurboTenantâs AI Property Description Generator feature will write a unique, personalized listing for you in less than five seconds.
- When your listing is complete, instantly distribute it to dozens of popular sites with one click. You can also share a custom listing link directly from TurboTenant. Simply drop in a prospectâs email or phone number, and theyâll receive a professional message with all the information they need to view your listing and apply.
Need help getting started? Get a step-by-step walk-through to help you create your first listing.
Centralized Lead Management
TurboTenant landlords average 28 leads per property, so youâre going to need an easy way to keep track of your inquiries. But donât sweat itâTurboTenant automatically organizes all your leads, whether they found your property on external sites or through your TurboTenant listing page.
From your TurboTenant dashboard, you can message multiple leads at once, see their activity, and invite them to take the next steps (showing, screening, application) so you can find your new favorite tenant that much faster.
Seamless Showings
Phone tag, youâre (done with) it!
Ever typed out all your showing availability in an email only to hear back, âwhat about the next weekâ? TurboTenantâs Showing Scheduling feature frees you from the back-and-forth.
Set your availability, then share your unique link with qualified renters. When renters book, youâll be notified and appointments will be added to your Showings Calendar. Weâll send you and prospective tenants appointment reminders and make canceling easy to help weed out no-shows before you show up.
A landlords one stop shop for tenant managementâŚfor FREE
You canât beat free and the only time you pay is if you want to purchase a lease or have expedited rent deposits. Most everything else costs zip, zero, zilch.
Professional Screening & Applications
TurboTenantâs applications and screening reports are an easy-to-read, digital record of all the information you need to pick the best tenant for your rental property. Best of all? TurboTenantâs applications and tenant screenings are free for landlords.
TurboTenantâs application is available anywhere, anytimeâcomplete with industry-standard questions. Itâs easy to invite leads to apply via text or email and our digital application streamlines the tenant selection process while keeping you compliant and organized.
Fill your vacancies with confidence while providing an easy, professional experience for tenants. By collecting applications with TurboTenant today, you can minimize turnover for tomorrow.
Shorten Vacancy Cycles For Free
With TurboTenant, you donât have to sacrifice profit for professional property management tools. Create your listing with TurboTenant in minutes and find a qualified renter fast.
Once you find your perfect renter, use TurboTenantâs free fill-in-the-blank lease-builder to quickly create a rental agreement that complies with your state-specific laws. Plus, with tools to support you throughout the rental processâfrom securing e-signatures, to collecting rent, to tracking expenses, and moreâTurboTenant is your free, one-stop shop for finding and managing tenants.
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Source: Rental Awareness
Landlords can typically charge tenants reasonable costs for repairing an excessive number of nail holes, beyond normal wear and tear. Small charges of $5-10 per hole to patch and repaint are common. However, minor wall damage from a few small holes for hanging pictures is expected.
Some landlords may charge a flat fee for repairs, while others may deduct the cost of repairing the nail holes from the security deposit.
The specific amount a landlord can charge for nail holes should be clearly stated in the lease agreement or discussed with the tenant before any repairs are made.
It is always best to communicate and clarify these details with the landlord to avoid any disputes or misunderstandings regarding the cost of nail holes.
The Landlord-Tenant Relationship
When it comes to renting a property, itâs crucial for both landlords and tenants to have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities.
A good landlord-tenant relationship is built on open communication and a shared understanding of the rules that govern the tenancy.
This includes knowing what repairs are the tenantâs responsibility and what charges the landlord can impose for damages, such as nail holes.
Importance Of Clear Guidelines On Repairs And Charges
Having clear guidelines is essential for landlords and tenants to avoid any confusion or disputes when it comes to repairs and charges.
By clearly outlining the responsibilities of each party in the rental agreement, there is less room for misunderstandings or disagreements down the line.
For landlords, it is key to provide tenants with a comprehensive list of what repairs they are responsible for, as well as a breakdown of any charges they may incur for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
On the other hand, tenants must fully understand these guidelines to ensure they can maintain the property and fulfill their obligations effectively.
Common Areas Of Confusion Between Landlords And Tenants
Despite clear guidelines, conflicts can still arise between landlords and tenants regarding repairs and charges.
Some common areas of confusion include:
- Disagreement on what constitutes normal wear and tear versus tenant-caused damages.
- Inconsistent enforcement of repair responsibilities leads to tenants being held liable for issues beyond their control.
- Unclear documentation of damages makes it difficult to determine the appropriate charges.
- Disputes over the reasonableness of charges for repairs and replacements.
To address these potential areas of confusion, it is essential for landlords and tenants to maintain open lines of communication throughout the tenancy.
Timely reporting and documentation of damages can help minimize disputes, while regular inspections can ensure that both parties are aware of any needed repairs or maintenance.
Determining Tenant Responsibility For Nail Holes
Determining tenant responsibility for nail holes is essential to understanding how much a landlord can charge.
It is important to know the rules and regulations regarding nail holes to ensure a fair and proper assessment of costs.
Normal Wear And Tear Vs. Tenant Damage
It is essential to understand the distinction between normal wear and tear and tenant damage when it comes to nail holes.
Normal wear and tear refers to the natural deterioration that occurs over time due to the everyday use of the property.
This includes minor scuffing, fading, and other common signs of use that one would reasonably expect.
On the other hand, tenant damage involves any intentional or negligent actions that result in excessive or unnecessary harm to the property.
Nail holes left behind from hanging pictures or mirrors can fall into either of these categories, depending on the circumstances.
Factors That Influence Whether Nail Holes Are Considered Tenant Damage
When determining whether nail holes should be considered tenant damage, several factors come into play.
These factors can include the number and size of the holes, the location on the walls, and whether the tenant received permission to hang items.
Additionally, the duration of the tenantâs occupancy and the overall state of the property can also influence this assessment.
For instance, a few small nail holes in inconspicuous areas may be considered normal wear and tear, while large or numerous holes in prominent locations may be deemed tenant damage.
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Tips For Documenting The Condition Of Walls Before And After Tenancy
To ensure a fair assessment of responsibility for nail holes, it is critical to document the condition of the walls both before and after the tenancy.
Here are some practical tips to consider in this process:
Conduct a thorough initial inspection
Prior to the tenant moving in, conduct a detailed inspection of the property, paying close attention to the condition of the walls.
Take clear and timestamped photographs of each room, focusing on the walls and any existing nail holes or damage.
Include a detailed move-in checklist
Provide the tenant with a move-in checklist that outlines the condition of the walls and encourages them to report any pre-existing damage.
This will help establish a clear baseline for responsibility assessment later on.
Communicate guidelines for hanging items
Clearly communicate your guidelines for hanging items, such as using adhesive hooks or obtaining permission for nail usage.
Keep a record of any written agreements or correspondence regarding this matter.
Conduct a thorough final inspection
When the tenant is preparing to move out, conduct a final inspection of the property and specifically examine the walls for any new nail holes or damage.
Again, document the findings with clear photographs and written notes.
Compare before and after
Finally, compare the initial and final documentation to determine whether there are any new nail holes or damages that fall outside the realm of normal wear and tear.
This will help you make an informed decision regarding tenant responsibility.
Legal Limits On Charges For Nail Holes
Landlords are subject to legal limits on charges for nail holes.
Discover how much a landlord can legally charge for nail holes in rental properties.
Familiarizing With Local Landlord-tenant Laws
Prior to understanding the legal limits on charges for nail holes, it is crucial to familiarize oneself with local landlord-tenant laws.
These laws may vary from one jurisdiction to another and can greatly influence the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.
The Legal Limitations On Charging For Nail Holes
As a landlord, itâs important to know your rights when it comes to charging tenants for nail holes in the rental property.
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