Monthly Archives: June 2016

LGBT Discrimination Laws: What Landlords Need to Know

Over the past several years, the spotlight of discrimination for sexual orientation and gender identity has been shining on the rental business, and landlords must be knowledgeable about what’s going on, both locally and nationally. Even landlords who are up to speed on their state’s protective laws or lack of them can see things change quickly as more states are addressing the issue. When it comes to rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (LGBT) applicants and tenants, landlords need to be very aware of discrimination laws.

Looking for Good Tenants

Most landlords simply want long-term tenants that take care of the rental property and pay the rent in full and on time. Beyond that, landlords should not care about the tenant’s personal life as long as it doesn’t interfere with others or the rental property itself. However, there are some landlords out there who feel that it is their business to know the business of others and they may even discriminate against applicants and tenants. Landlords that have strong feelings about LGBT applicants often make it very clear that they will refuse to rent to them.

In some areas, discriminating for sexual orientation or gender identity is illegal, while in other places it is not. This means it is still legal in some places for landlords to refuse to rent to LGBT individuals. The varied laws can be confusing to landlords who are not paying attention to LGBT discrimination issues in housing across the country.

What the Law Says About LGBT Discrimination and Housing

Most landlords are familiar with the Fair Housing Act that lists certain protected classes from discrimination. These protected classes are race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability and familial status. The Fair Housing Act does not include sexual orientation or gender identity and therefore such applicants and tenants are not protected from discrimination by landlords.

However, many states have enacted laws that forbid discrimination in housing situations based on sexual orientation and gender identity. A few states have laws that prohibit discrimination for sexual orientation only. The states are as follows:

• California
• Connecticut
• Colorado
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New Hampshire (sexual orientation only)
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• Oregon
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• Washington
• Wisconsin (sexual orientation only)

In addition, many major cities have also passed laws that designate sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class from housing discrimination. These cities include Chicago, Miami, New York and Seattle, just to name a few. The rest of the states have no such protections for LGBT renters and applicants, so landlords are within their rights to deny applications to them.

As the United States grows more accepting of and showing a greater tolerance for different sexual orientations, it’s expected that more cities and states will add protective laws in the near future. It’s up to landlords to stay on top of things in their communities to ensure they are compliant with the law.

Avoid All Discrimination With Set Applicant Criteria

Landlords should create a list of applicant criteria that firmly outlines everything they will consider when screening applicants. For most landlords, this means factors like income verification, certain income to rent percentages, minimum credit score, criminal history, rental history and employment confirmation. They should also consider any state and local occupancy requirements that the landlords must comply with. Of course, additions such as no smoking or no pets (allowing for service animals) can also apply as those can negatively affect the actual rental property and are not protected classes. Landlords should fairly apply all criteria to every applicant every time when selecting tenants .

Whether or not sexual orientation or gender identity is protected in their city or state, landlords can remain fair and consistent with all applicants and work toward finding and retaining those high quality tenants that every landlord dreams of.

Landlords that are interested in becoming more familiar with LGBT laws as they relate to housing in their area should check with their state’s Housing Authority.

The post LGBT Discrimination Laws: What Landlords Need to Know appeared first on RentPrep.

Nationwide Lack of Starter Homes Can Benefit Landlords

Anyone with an interest in national real estate market trends knows that over the past month or so, the housing market has picked up dramatically. However, the number of first time home buyers isn’t showing much increase, which means people are renting longer than in the past.

One of the big reasons for this, say experts, is the lack of starter homes. While the shortage of affordable homes for sale may not make potential home buyers happy, it is good news for landlords.

Why a Lack of Starter Homes?

A starter home is one that is most affordable for new home buyers who are seeking financing. Often starter homes are in the form of condos, apartments or small single family homes. Younger people who are just getting started in their careers are the top candidates for first time home ownership, but recent economic challenges and a sluggish housing market has created some unique circumstances that can’t be ignored.

The lack of sufficient starter homes on the market stems from several different causes. According to some experts, the home construction market is focusing on projects like luxury apartments and homes. Few builders are putting their time and resources to more affordable options.

Also, the current supply of starter homes is low, but what is available is costing more as home prices are rising. This is especially true in the West and the South. Still another factor may be that many potential first time home buyers aren’t willing or able to trade their luxury rental situations for a more bare bones home.

No matter which reason applies to each area of the country, or several combined factors, the result is a lower number of people that are transitioning from renting to owning. As a result, the rental industry is booming, and there’s no decline in sight.

How Landlords Might Benefit

Landords are always going to lose good tenants to home ownership. After all, the common plan is to rent until the person has enough money saved up to start the home buying process. For many, this means saving up around 3 percent for a down payment for an FHA loan, or a higher percentage for a conventional loan. With a greater number of current renters unable or unwilling to make that leap to home ownership, landlords and their rental properties are really experiencing a boom time as well.

Landords can benefit in several ways because it means that good tenants that are responsible and saving up money won’t actually be able to find a starter home and continue renting for a while longer. It can also mean that renters prefer to stay where they are rather than buy a home because they are getting more for their money. These are just a few of the ways that landlords can see benefits from this type of real estate news.

3 Things Landlords Can Do

Landlords should always pay attention to the real estate news nationally, both for rentals and the housing market. Being able to see trends can help landlords create the best possible situation for tenants, and maximize the most recent housing trends to best benefit themselves.

Here are 3 things landlords can do to capitalize on the news about the lack of starter homes nationwide:

  • Change their tenant avatar. The ideal applicant may change a little based on this news. Since more first time home buyers are delaying this big step, their rental needs will change as their lives do. Whether this means making adjustments for income, number of occupants, or something else, landlords can get closer to their ideal tenant by knowing who is actually out there looking for quality rentals.
  • Boost amenities and allowances. Just because potential first time home buyers are delaying ownership doesn’t mean they don’t desire all the amazing benefits of owning their own home. Landlords should consider what type of amenities these types of tenants are looking for. Examples might be adding a patio or covered outdoor room, boosting storage space, putting in a surround sound system or allowing a garden or custom color paint in certain rooms, like kids’ bedrooms. If good tenants are getting all the amenities they need in a rental, they are more likely to stay put.
  • Maximize renewal incentives. Good tenants that are thinking about making the leap to buying a starter home may be convinced to put off this big step if the renewal incentives are good. Examples include a reduced rent, cash bonus, fun gifts, property upgrades and much more. If tenants have more money in their pockets or receive something they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves, they may be more inclined to stay put.

It doesn’t matter whether a landlord has one rental property or several, it always makes sense to pay attention to the housing trends in their community, their state and even nationally. Adjusting to fit the needs of the most qualified and best tenants is the key to being successful as a real estate investor. With the recent dilemma of fewer starter homes available, landlords can help out those who need a quality place to live for a long time, even if they don’t own it.

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AB 1799 on Community Association Elections is Halted

Saturday Assembly Member Mayes (R-Yucca Valley) pulled AB 1799 from committee. This means the bill is no longer active and halts the progress of the bill into law for this session.

This bill would have corrected an illogical and expensive process in an uncontested community association board election where there is no contest to vote on, yet a ballot is required. It also clarified the eligibility process for office on boards and specified the notification process to members. AB 1799 would have improved the voting process for all community association members.

We are sorry that this clear and practical bill won’t be enacted this session, but want to thank all of you, CAI-CLAC members, who energetically supported the bill with calls and letters to your representatives at the Capitol. There was a tremendous response to the bill and we are so proud of everyone for their hard work.

We appreciate Assembly Member Mayes’ work to get the bill this far. Those of you he represents, please thank him for his effort when you see or talk to him.

For more information about AB 1799 or CAI-CLAC you can visit the website at www.caiclac.org.


How to Select the Right Accessories to Dress Up Your Listings

By Patti Stern, PJ & Company Staging and Interior Decorating If sellers want to get their home noticed in today’s competitive real estate market, they must create a “show ready” property so buyers will feel at home and want to move right in.  After first taking the time to declutter, depersonalize, and streamline your home, […]

Election Confidential

QUESTION: For Christmas, I gave out gag gifts to my fellow board members–a condom for the men and an early pregnancy test kit for the ladies. The recipients are all over 65; most are in their 70s. A week later I received a letter from our HOA attorney accusing me of sexual harassment. At a meet the candidates forum, a shareholder asked a question that referenced the content of the letter. Do I have any protection from this confidential letter being shared?

ANSWER: If there is one thing I’ve learned, it’s that people like to talk–especially when directors behave badly. Your options are quite limited. No court is going to order people to stop talking about you. Can you sue for defamation? If members truthfully describe what you did, you would spend a lot of money and lose. Moreover, your litigation would alienate everyone and they would talk about you, your prank, and your lawsuit endlessly.

RECOMMENDATION: If you want to run for the board and win, you should own-up to your gag and apologize for it. If members believe your apology is sincere, you have a better chance of winning their votes.

NON-DISCLOSURE
OF SECOND HOA


QUESTION: I just purchased a condo in a senior community. The seller failed to disclose that there is a second HOA that requires dues from homeowners. The second HOA has contacted me for payment of dues. Is it common for there to be two HOAs for the same property?

ANSWER: It’s not uncommon to have a master association and multiple sub-associations, especially in large retirement communities. As for the non-disclosure by the seller, that is something you may want to explore with your attorney.

HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION
AND BOARD ELECTIONS


QUESTION: If a board member harassed and intimidated vendors and entered into a contract without board approval, is he eligible to run for the board again?

ANSWER: As long as he meets your bylaw qualifications, he can be in a jail cell and be elected. An incarcerated board member may have trouble attending meetings but could get around that obstacle by phoning in (assuming the jail accommodates his meeting schedule).

RECOMMENDATION. If a director misbehaves while on the board, homeowners (including current board members using their own money) can campaign against him. They can use his record to defeat him at the ballot box. Afterwards, you should consider amending your bylaws to add director qualifications.

SHORT-TERM
RENTALS


A new appellate decision further supports an association’s ability to enforce restrictions on short-term rentals.

Vacation Rentals. The Carsons leased their property for short-term vacation rentals even though the CC&Rs prohibited owners from using their lots for transient hotel purposes and prohibited rentals for less than 30 days. In addition, the Carsons disputed rules imposed by the association related to parking regulations, trash storage, use of common areas, and decals for boats.

Trial Court. The association fined the Carsons and eventually sued them. The Carsons cross-complained disputing the association’s authority to enforce rules and alleging intentional interference with prospective economic advantage. The court ruled for the association deciding it could enforce its rules but awarded significantly reduced fines in the amount of $6,620 (~10% of the amount imposed by the association). In addition, the court awarded attorneys fees against the Carsons in the amount of $101,803.15.

Appellate Court. The Carsons appealed. The appellate court agreed with the trial court that the association was the prevailing party, even though 90% of its fines had been disallowed. The court concluded that the key issue was not the amount of fines but rather the association’s right to enforce rules and impose fines, thereby making it the prevailing party. For more detail, read Almanor Lakeside Villas v. Carson.

TALES
FROM BEYOND


Everyone knows our business gets a little quirky. Board members, managers and attorneys deal with lot of odd situations. Maybe it’s time to start a little feature dedicated to that element of our business. From time to time, I will include one of our more interesting tales.

A director shared that a few nights ago, around 11 p.m., he noticed a bright light shining into his unit. He looked out the window and saw a young topless woman (20s to 30s) dancing around in the association’s fountain with a snake around her. Another woman was taking photographs in the illumination. The director contacted other directors each of whom, in turn, viewed the scene. One, an octogenarian, started tapping her keys on the railing. The owner, his girlfriend (with snake in tow), and the photographer scurried off.

QUESTION: Does the board set a violation hearing with the owner? If so, for what?

MAINTENANCE
FEEDBACK


Maintenance #1: Our condo balconies have stucco walls and ceilings. Shouldn’t owners paint them? Do they need licenses and specialized tools to slap on a coat? -Carol R.

RESPONSE: Right now there is disagreement on the meaning of maintenance. As a result, each association needs to clearly define owner obligations when it comes to exclusive use common areas. Otherwise, whenever there is a claim for damage, everyone will disagree over who is responsible for the loss. The best way to avoid costly litigation is to work with your HOA’s legal counsel to create a maintenance chart. If necessary, associations may need to amend their CC&Rs.

Maintenance #2. Who is responsible for repairing balconies if they are damaged as a result of the association’s failure to install or maintain rain gutters, downspouts, and roof drains? I believe those components are common area, not exclusive use common area (they are not a unit’s air space) and, therefore, the association is responsible to repair (because the owner cannot touch common areas). -Stephany Y.

RESPONSE: The negligent party will be responsible for the cost of repairs. A unit’s air space is not the problem–it’s the assignment of maintenance duties that matters. That varies from association to association depending on their governing documents.

Maintenance #3. As a 34-year community manager I have long insisted that my boards have a “maintenance matrix” prepared for their association by an attorney to determine exactly what the association is responsible for maintaining. This eliminates any questions or conflicts as to who is financially and personally responsible. Thanks for this info which backs up my long-time requirements. -Pat G.

Maintenance #4. I don’t believe balconies should be maintained by individual owners. Along with resealing is the need to inspect the balcony for subtle signs of decay. An owner may not believe a small crack or a bit of rust is a problem, but to an expert, it is a sign of the end times of the deck. The biggest problem is cost, to have a contractor clean and repaint one deck will cost far more for that one deck as opposed to purchasing in bulk for 100 balconies. With the HOA maintaining the decks, they can ensure that cleaning, repairing and repainting is done. Decks, like roofs, should only be maintained, inspected, repaired and replaced by the HOA. -Bill L.

Adrian J. Adams, Esq.
  
Adrian J. Adams, Esq.
ADAMS | STIRLING
A Professional Law Corporation

We’re friendly lawyers–boards and managers can reach us at (800) 464-2817 or info@AdamsStirling.com.

Landlords—Why Use Avvo Legal Services?

“Recently I was tasked with testing Avvo’s legal services for landlords. And while I typically don’t often openly support one service over another, I loved the idea of the flat fee legal services Avvo offers, especially since this is what I use myself.”

“After testing Avvo’s product with several landlords in our private community, the feedback was good enough to say this might be a good solution for other landlords. Obviously your own situation will dictate, but the service itself got good reviews from the landlords who tested it. The only downside was the Avvo service was not yet available in some areas of the country.”   –Stephen White, RentPrep CEO

The following guest post is contributed by Avvo, an online legal services marketplace that offers on-demand, affordable legal advice, especially when it comes to landlord/tenant laws.

Our legal process in the U.S. is complex and written in a technical language. Equally, the law itself is separate from its enforcement, a fact that makes simple research challenging.

With these barriers, most folks come to understand “the law” through word-of-mouth and over-simplified articles. For many, a vague understanding is enough to keep them in the clear.

Conversely, real estate professionals can be in a more precarious spot. Unlike regular folks, landlords rely on complex and state-specific legal nuances to run their business. Making a mistake could result in loss of money or even worse, a lawsuit.

Let Avvo Legal Services Help Out

With this quandary in mind, Avvo has designed a realistic way to do DIY legal. The system leverages attorneys almost like contractors. These lawyers offer their expertise to either:

Furthermore, you get to choose the lawyer that works with you! They provide a basic profile—including client reviews—so that you can make an informed decision as to the best fit. The lawyer you choose will call you within 1 business day to start or provide the legal service you purchased.

Keep in mind that you are the client. Any advice that the lawyer gives will be to protect your best interests as a landlord, property owner, or property manager. For example, in the case of a document review, the attorney may suggest more clauses to protect you from problems with tenants.

How Much Is It?

 All services are fixed-fee, meaning you will no longer have to worry about the cost associated with legal help.

What About Customer Service?

We’ve heard all the horror stories of unprofessionalism elsewhere. To fight that battle, we’re committed to being consumer-focused.  As such, we have a “satisfaction guarantee” promise. If you’re not happy with the outcome of the service, then we’ll explore the situation and make it right. In general, this means refunding your money entirely.

Anything Else?

As well as the issues most relevant to landlords, we also have services that deal with residential and commercial real estate, as well as business services. Similar to before, these include advice sessions, residential or commercial lease reviews, and create a residential or commercial lease agreement.

Also, be aware that these services are protected by attorney-client privilege, so, anything that you share with the lawyer is completely private.

How Easy Is It?

It’s super easy. From picking your service to being done with checkout takes about 2 minutes. Then, you sit back and wait for your attorney to call.

The post Landlords—Why Use Avvo Legal Services? appeared first on RentPrep.

Adding More Square Footage to a Rental Property

As landlords seek to attract the best tenants and get the most profit from their investment, they often look to improve the rental property. Taking the rental from its current condition and appearance and transforming it into something more desirable is definitely going to grab the attention of eager applicants looking for the best place to live. Adding more square footage to a single family rental property may just be the remodeling project that makes all the difference.

Here are 5 ideas for adding more square footage to a single family rental property that can boost property values and attract top tenants:

1. Add a Bathroom

There are few things more in demand in a rental property than enough bathrooms, so landlords that make plans to add a bathroom to the existing property are going to see the value go up and demand for the rental increase. Adding a bathroom doesn’t have to take up much space either—a half bathroom can fit into a 3-ft. by 5-ft. addition, and a full bath only takes a 3-ft. by 8-ft. addition. Extending a closet, pantry, or hallway can easily provide the space needed for this exciting expansion.

2. Finish an Attic Bedroom

Many single family homes have unused space in the attic, and more home owners and real estate investors are turning this area into usable square footage. Depending on the work and cost to renovate this space, it can be a wonderful way to boost the bedroom count and increase the value of the property. One of the newest remodeling trends is to create a master bedroom suite in attic spaces, and the results can be spectacular. Add on the appeal of a large space with lots of natural light and great views and it will be hard for interested parties to walk away.

3. Put in a Bonus Room

These flexible add-ons are just what their name implies—a bonus room that can be used for just about anything. Ranging from a family room or an extra bedroom to a hobby room or playroom for kids, a bonus room is hard to resist. Bonus rooms can be put onto the back or sides of a single family home, and some are even added to unused space above a garage. No matter where the bonus room goes, it’s sure to make an impact.

4. Add a Sun Room

Whether a real estate investor builds one from scratch or creates a glass and beam sun room off the current back door, adding a pretty and functional outdoor room really does increase the total usable space in a home. Especially in climates where winters are mild, a sun room can bring added value to tenants and expand the rental property’s usable space. While a sun room may not count as actual square footage according to a real estate agent, anyone can see that it is a real bonus to have one. Even if a full sun room is beyond a property owner’s limits, adding a nice screened in porch may provide some of the same aesthetic and practical benefits.

5. Enclose a Porch or Breezeway

Many homes have outdoor living spaces that can easily be converted to additional rooms. Using the footprints of existing porches, patios or breezeways, home owners can put in walls, electricity, heating and more to expand the home’s square footage. Depending on size, these spaces can become bonus rooms, extra closets, extra bathrooms, mud rooms and home offices, just to name  a few. Even a few hundred square feet of new space can make a big difference in appearance and functionality of the whole home.

Landlords that are considering increasing the square footage should take care that the remodeling cost doesn’t price the property right out of the market or result in the real estate owner having the most expensive home on the block. As long as the costs are not so significant that they offset the purpose of owning rental property, increasing square footage can be a good investment for the long term. It’s worth exploring whether thoughtful room additions, remodeling or expansions to an existing property can ultimately pay for itself in terms of property value and increased rent.

The post Adding More Square Footage to a Rental Property appeared first on RentPrep.

My Favorite Staging Accessory: Greenery

Styled Staged & Sold will be featuring staging professionals’ favorite staging accessories and props over the next few weeks. (Do you have a favorite? Submit your favorite for consideration to mtracey@realtors.org.) Go-to prop: Fake tree or plant Stager: Michelle Boyle, owner of California Chic Staging Co., Roseville, Calif. Why I love it: “So many people […]

Visiting Your Legislators Made Easy

Visiting your legislator can be easy, but the first time you do anything can be a little intimidating – a little nerve racking. That’s only the first time. We all need to get that one over with as soon as possible because we need your help.

We need your legislators to hear your voice on community association issues. We want to make it as easy as possible for you, so we’ve provided a step by step process to visiting your legislators. First, get to know the issues.

On the CAI-CLAC Website
If you are a member be sure to sign up for CLAC-TRAC e-news on the website (www.caiclac.com) under the Get Involved tab. If you’re not a CAI member, the first step is to join. That’s under the same tab!

When the email comes to contact your legislator (a call to action), CAI-CLAC will send you the information you need about our position and issues with the bill you are calling about. All you need to do is click the link in the alert to send a letter to your legislator.

Fortunately, it is all detailed for you if you want to get to know your legislator without a Call to Action. On the Get Involved tab at the top center of the home page:

  1. Click on the Contact Your Legislator subtab. There you can search to identify your representatives by inputting your home zip code. Click on SEARCH BY ADDRESS.
    a.   Add your home street address to the next page.
    b.   This should pull up a list of elected officials who represent you, the constituent. CAI-CLAC  serves you in California so click on your State Assembly and Senate representatives. Write down or copy their contact information.
  2.  Call your Assembly member or Senate member’s District Office, ask for the District Director.
    a. Explain who you are, who you represent (your association, management company, etc. and Community Associations Institute).
    b. If there are specific bills to discuss, name them by number, author, and topic.
    c. Ask to set a time on a Friday to meet with your Assembly member, if possible. Assembly members are usually in the District on Fridays, and are in Sacramento the rest of the week. Staff is just as good, because they research legislation and brief the Assembly member.
    d. If you cannot meet with anyone in a timely manner, ask to leave your comments and recommendation by phone or email.

Visiting Your Legislator
After you schedule your visit, go to caiclac.com again. Under the Get Involved tab go to What to Expect When Visiting Your Legislator subtab.
a. Read and do all 14 steps outlined, including the last paragraph.
b. Read the material on the tab, What to Take to Your Legislator’s Office.
c. Contact your local CAI Chapter, or go to the Resources tab and click on Visiting Your Legislator to gather the materials to take with you.

When you click directly on the Get Involved tab, instead of the sub tab, you will learn How to Respond to a Call to Action.
a. Read the information on this page.
b. Watch the full two minute, 49 second film of an actual call on a legislator.
c. In the last paragraph, click on “here” for what to bring on the visit. Bring two copies, for the legislator and a staff member. Staff will read material and brief the legislator.

If this is your first time visiting with a legislator, it is recommended that you ask an experienced member of your Chapter’s Legislative Support Committee to attend with you. Allow yourself a week to gather materials, talk to your chapter representatives, or to email Skip Daum at caiclac@aol.com. Many Chapters have folders, or binders you can use to put materials in.

To encourage you to spend some time with our resource-rich website CLAC is holding a contest. To be eligible to win the $25 VISA Gift Card, visit the CAI-CLAC website. There you will need to identify and watch the two advocacy videos (hint: we’ve already provided one to you). Once you watch the videos you will need to identify the percentage of legislators that say a constituent visit could help them reach a decision. Write this information (location of two advocacy videos and percentage of legislators) down in an email and send it to PRchair@caiclac.com. Submissions with the correct information will be entered into a drawing for a $25 VISA Gift Card.

All entries must be emailed no later than Friday, June 24, 2016. Gift card will be mailed or presented at a chapter meeting. All decisions regarding winners are the PR Chair’s. All decisions are final. Rules are subject to change.

Good luck!

Dick Pruess

Dick Pruess

A CAI-CLAC post with contributing content from Dick Pruess, an At-Large Delegate to CAI-CLAC from Pasadena and past CLAC Chair.


The Best Summer Property Management Tips for Landlords

Summer is in full swing, and the season brings an extra set of challenges for landlords and the way they manage their rental properties. From swimming pools and fireworks to grilling and keeping on top of air condition repairs, landlords can really have their hands full in the summertime.

Here is a list of RentPrep’s best summer property management articles, so grab a fruity drink and take some time to learn more about avoiding typical warm-weather problems at your property.

3 Simple Ways to Beat the Summer Heat

When temperatures soar, landlords will either hear about a lack of air conditioning from their tenants or get phone calls when the air conditioning unit isn’t working.

Is Air Conditioning a Tenant Right?

As part of providing a habitable environment, many landlords wonder if they are compelled to provide an air conditioning system for tenants. This article answers that question once and for all.

Landlord’s Guide to Gas Grill Regulations

For most people, summer means grilling outdoors, but in a rental property there should be some strict rules and regulations in place about these appliances before they cause incredible damage.

Landlord’s Guide to Patio Rules and Regulations

There’s no doubt that the patio is the center of activity in the summer months, so landlords need to make sure their guidelines for proper use are up to date.

How to Handle Excessive Noise From a Tenant

It’s the season for outdoor parties, family gatherings and warm-weather events, which means the noise level is bound to increase. Here are some tips on what landlords can do to help control tenant noise.

What Landlords Should Know About Tenants and Swimming Pools

Whether the rental property has a swimming pool or tenants want to set up an above ground system, landlords need to be informed of all the details, from maintenance to liability.

Can a Tenant Plant Their Own Garden at a Rental Property?

Some tenants want to put in a garden, but landlords may not want to allow it for many reasons. Find out the pros and cons of a garden at a rental property and decide what is best for everyone.

Fireworks and Rental Properties: Minimize the Risks

Summer holidays are fast approaching, and fireworks are often a big part of tenant celebrations. Landlords should always have some firework rules and regulations in place to keep both people and property safe.

Send Tenants a Firework Notice One Week Before a Holiday

Even the best tenants can be forgetful, so landlords should remind everyone about any firework rules and regulations via a written notice at least a week before a holiday.

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