New Landlord looking for tips and advice.

[Chris Gilliland]

Hello Everyone. I am a new landlord about to get my first rental ready for a tenant. I am looking to the Pro's here for any advice/tips/things to look for as I go about this. Specifically as far as clauses/ rules to make sure are in the lease and any tips on screening tenants.

The home has been a rental property since 2010 with the previous tenant staying 5 years. Before that, it was owned by my grandparents. I purchased the house from their estate. It is a single family home on a large fenced lot with an outbuilding. I'm generally in the No Pet side, but the yard lends itself to outside dogs (fenced in plus fenced kennel). Does anyone have luck with "outside" dogs actually staying outside?  Everything is in good shape so my current plan is interior paint, refinish hardwood floors and clean up the yard. Of course, make any needed repairs.

[Bettina F.]

If you are going to allow pets, or even if not given the plethora of Emotional Support Animals, you need an Animal Agreement.  Learn about what you can legally require with ESAs. 

Your Animal agreement should cover licensing, vaccinations, a photo of the pet, flea control, instructions on waste disposal and an inspection schedule.  It should talk about how damages are billed and paid by the tenant.  Mandate proof of liability insurance by the tenant in case the animal bites someone.  Mandate meeting the animal and that the animal must not be aggressive.

For general LL how-tos I recommend the book "Landlording" by Leigh Robinson.  Not only does it have tons of forms, it promotes the proper LL mindset. 

Step 1 is ALWAYS downloading your state and local LL/tenant laws, putting them in a three ring binder and reading and knowing them.

Step 2 is taking Fair Housing Training, either on-line or in person, so you do not violate the law and get sued.  Literally, the wrong words in an innocent phone call can violate the law.

Step 3 is spending a day observing in eviction court.  Pay special attention to the judge, who wins and who loses.  If there is one attorney who has the majority of cases,  get his business card.  This will be your local flat fee eviction attorney and your go-to guy in case you need an eviction.

Step 4 is setting up your rental criteria and a  process for screening and evaluating tenants.  99% of potential tenant problems will be prevented by proper screening.

Step 5 is taking prompt action when managing your properties and you notice minor lease violations, late rent, etc.  Squash these problems early or they will only snowball into $1000s of dollars of lost rent and/or damages.

Good luck and rent on!