If they claim someone must have tried to break in, then request the Police report number so you can get a copy for your records.

How would I best respond to the request?

I also heard that many realtors request an exclusive partnership.

You can "sell" the idea by stating that every renewal gives you the opportunity to raise the rent based on the changing market, while "locking in" for a year gives them better stability.You do not state what their reason for requesting the shorter term is...you should ask for specifics.

I believe that getting a nightmare tenent out of a property is difficult and time consuming in DC, but you can request that they sign a Waiver of Notice which speeds up to process for eviction.

You can also Google and request additional resources.

I'm looking to do the same thing and not getting clear guidance from the mortgage holder as to process for "requesting" approval to move the property under an LLC so I can do things above board... thinking of just changing the policy but insurance said they would need to write a whole new policy as opposed to just moving it under the name of the LLC... which I would imagine will tip off the mortgage holder.

For some time, I offered the use of our vendors at our rates and discounts for maintenance, and in our management agreements, requested small reserves for maintenance escrow, to handle costs.

Second you need to find out which JP Precinct your property is located in and request their forms for an eviction. 

Buyers, sellers, agents, etc. don't want to wait until you punch out from your day job to get information/paperwork they are requesting.