All property owners are required to protect their tenants from criminal activity to some degree. Not only are landlords liable for criminal acts committed by their tenants, but they also have a responsibility to protect the neighborhood from the illegal activities of strangers. With that in mind, landlords need to take steps that not only… Read more »
Flushable Wipes: A Potential Plumbing Nightmare in the Making
Flushable wet wipes have become increasingly popular over the past decade or so. Marketed as “plumbing and septic” friendly, it’s easy to see why many consumers have embraced the hygiene product –especially when toilet paper shortages affected much of the nation last spring. Despite their name and how they’re marketed, it’s important to know that… Read more »
Refresh Your Knowledge of Fair Housing Laws
As a landlord or property manager, you’re likely familiar with the Fair Housing Act of 1968 (FHA). The FHA was created to ensure anyone searching for a place to live has a fair chance at finding one, without fear of discrimination based on their protected class. Although it wasn’t the first law of its kind… Read more »
Tips for Maintaining Your Rental Property’s Roof and Reducing Roofing Costs
The roof is your rental property’s first line of defense against the elements, but it’s also arguably one of the most vulnerable parts of the building – and one of the costliest to replace. However, just like bringing your vehicle to the mechanic regularly for maintenance will lower your overall repair costs, roof maintenance can… Read more »
8 Tax Breaks Landlords May Be Overlooking
Tax season is here again, so it’s an ideal time to review several important tax breaks that you could be overlooking with your rental housing properties. Here’s a look at some common tax deductions you may be able to take advantage of this tax season; please note that this is for informational purposes only and… Read more »
When is it Valid to Decline a Rental Application?
Renting to tenants is risky, so it’s understandable that you want to choose the best applicants when filling a vacancy. Tenants can cause property damage, hurt your reputation, or even potentially sue you for damages, which is why it’s important to screen your applicants before extending an offer. However, some landlords can get a little… Read more »
Is My Rental Property Considered a Business?
Whether you’re the landlord of a single-family home or you own a multi-unit apartment building, it’s important to understand whether your rental is considered an investment or a business because the distinction can have important tax consequences. If you’re considered a business owner, you’ll receive valuable tax deductions that don’t apply to investors. With tax… Read more »
What Landlords Need to Know About the Federal Eviction Moratorium
In September, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a temporary nationwide eviction moratorium on most evictions for nonpayment of rent to curb the spread of COVID-19. The CDC stated that the moratorium, which is set to end December 31, 2020, would help reduce the spread by allowing people to follow stay-at-home orders… Read more »
An Overview of California’s State-Wide Rent Control
The housing crisis isn’t a new development in California; since about 1970, the state has experienced an increasing housing shortage, and by 2018, California ranked 49th in the nation in housing units per capita. Rising rents, stagnant wages, and overall high cost of living have all been named as factors in the increase in homelessness… Read more »
4 Types of Illegal Evictions You Should Know About
Although some states still have restrictions on evictions due to COVID-19, many of them have now begun the process of hearing eviction cases again. As a landlord or property manager, you likely know your local eviction laws fairly well. However, there’s been a growing movement over the past couple of years to amend the normal… Read more »