Managing a rental property as a landlord is tough and can result in various legal problems. One of the main managing aspects of being a landlord is preventing these problems from happening or from escalating to even larger issues. Landlords and tenants should be fully aware of the basic duties of managing property, so both parties can avoid any future legal issues. Here are some landlord tips that will help prevent any future unwanted legal affairs.
Have a Landlord/Tenant Agreement in Writing: One of the most important landlord tips is to make sure you have any rental agreements in writing. This will create a solid landlord/tenant relationship from the beginning and will make any agreements contractual by law. Ensure that all important information is written in these contracts.
Regularly Inspect the Property: Landlords should always be inspecting the rental property for dangerous conditions. Most of the time, a landlord has legal responsibility if a tenant gets injured on the property, so regular inspections will help protect both parties from lawsuits.
Don’t Discriminate Against Tenants: Landlords are prohibited from rejecting any prospective tenants based on race, national origin, familial status, financial history, disability or sex. Landlords are disallowed from inspecting any credit, employment, or income history based solely on discrimination.
Give Notice Before Entering the Rental Unit: Landlords should always give previous notice (via phone call or email, for example) to their tenants if they plan on entering a rental unit for inspections or some other relevant reason. An emergency will usually override this rule.
Make Repairs Immediately: As soon as a landlord is notified of a repair needed for the rental property or for a specific rental unit, it is the landlord’s duty to repair and maintain the issue. Requests for repairs should be handled promptly, and communication of any extra costs and timelines should be made between landlords and tenants.
If you have encountered any legal issues with your rental or commercial property as a landlord, the attorneys at Hecht Walker, P.C. can help you resolve your problems. Contact our office today to speak to our attorneys at law and schedule a free consultation.