landlords

Tenant Troubles: Who Is Responsible for Problems in Your Rental?

One of renting’s major benefits is that you don’t have to worry about upkeep, maintenance and expensive repairs. So when things go bad – your dishwasher stops working, the roof is leaking or the bugs just won’t go away – your first call is usually your landlord. But how do you know what’s really their responsibility

How to Perform a Landlord Background Check

You’ve found the perfect new apartment or rental house. You love the neighborhood. Your application has been approved. You’re ready to sign on the dotted line, right? Not so fast. How much do you know about your soon-to-be landlord, property manager or property management company? There are lots of reasons why you should take the

6 Ways to Score a Lease in a Competitive Rental Market

In a competitive rental market, you’ll need to do quite a bit more than simply fill out an application and put down a deposit. Since 2005, there has been “an uptick in renters, with people in their 50s and 60s making up the largest chunk of the increase,” CNN Money reports. With large numbers of millennials

6 Clever Hacks for Landing Your Dream Apartment

Finding a new apartment is a time-intensive process. It typically takes an average of 2 ½ months and includes plenty of paperwork, research and calling potential landlords. In fact, according to a 2016 study, 82 percent of adults say moving is somewhat stressful or very stressful – more stressful than getting a root canal, being

Your Lease Is Up? Here Are 3 Good Reasons to Renew

If you’re approaching the end of your lease, it’s easy to think of reasons to move – new neighborhood, change of scenery, different amenities. But there are many compelling reasons why staying put might be a better choice. Take these three considerations into account before packing up and making the move. Dollars and cents From

How to Choose a Property Manager for Your Rental Home

You would never turn your home over to a stranger, so choosing a property manager shouldn’t be any different – finding one you trust is vital.  “You are entrusting probably one of the biggest investments you’ll make into the hands of someone else, so you want to make sure you feel confident that they’ll handle things

10 Ways to Get Your Security Deposit Back

Getting your security deposit back from your landlord after you move may feel like an impossible feat, but it isn’t. Remember that your security deposit is essentially your money, so not all hope is lost when it’s time to move out. “It’s the landlord’s obligation to return [the deposit] at the end of the lease,” says

10 Ways to Make Sure You Get Your Security Deposit Back

Getting your security deposit back from your landlord after you move may feel like an impossible feat, but it isn’t. Remember that your security deposit is essentially your money, so not all hope is lost when it’s time to move out. “It’s the landlord’s obligation to return [the deposit] at the end of the lease,” says

The 4 Phases of the Landlord/Renter Relationship

Creating and keeping a good working relationship between you and your landlord is crucial to having a good experience in the rental – and getting great referrals after you no longer live there. Here are a few tips on how to establish a great partnership from all phases of renting, from before you move in

How to Avoid Breaking Your Lease

Renters often plan out their lives in six- to 12-month increments. But sometimes life brings an unforeseen circumstance. Whether you just accepted a new job that’s in a different city, or you need to make room for a new baby, the idea of breaking your lease might make you a little nervous. Before you fork over