As a landlord, there’s no bigger headache than to have a tenant who doesn’t abide by the rules. Late or missed payments, pet damage, sub-letting, or damaged property can eat into your expected income, and damage your finances. If your lease agreement isn’t well thought out, and drawn up properly, you may have no recourse against tenants who ignore, or misunderstand, the rules.
Landlords need to make certain that they have covered all the bases when they write up a lease. Here are some important tips that a landlord should take into consideration when drawing up a new lease.
Understand Florida Law
Almost every state has their own laws regarding landlord/tenant agreements. Take some time and make sure that you’re absolutely clear about …show more content…
Specifically state the difference between normal wear-and-tear and damage that will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Pet clauses
Pets can be the most destructive occupant of a rental property. If you want to allow for pets, make sure a pet deposit, or additional amount of added monthly rent, is clearly stated in the lease. Some landlords will allow only certain types or sizes of pets. Again, make your pet policy clearly stated.
Don’t ask the tenant to do too much
As the landlord, you’re required to provide a habitable dwelling for your renters. Be careful about placing too much maintenance or upkeep responsibility on a tenant. Requiring a tenant to perform work such as plumbing, painting, or repairs to heating or cooling units, are against the law. Know exactly what types of work you are required to do.
Landlord right of entry
Every state has a provision for giving a tenant notice if you plan on entering the property. In most states the notice is 24 hours. In some states, however, the requirement is for a 48 or 72 hour notice. Whichever amount of notice your state requires, make sure it is stated clearly in the lease agreement.
Additional lease agreement
Landlords need to make certain that they have covered all the bases when they write up a lease. Here are some important tips that a landlord should take into consideration when drawing up a new lease.
Understand Florida Law
Almost every state has their own laws regarding landlord/tenant agreements. Take some time and make sure that you’re absolutely clear about …show more content…
Specifically state the difference between normal wear-and-tear and damage that will result in the forfeiture of the deposit.
Pet clauses
Pets can be the most destructive occupant of a rental property. If you want to allow for pets, make sure a pet deposit, or additional amount of added monthly rent, is clearly stated in the lease. Some landlords will allow only certain types or sizes of pets. Again, make your pet policy clearly stated.
Don’t ask the tenant to do too much
As the landlord, you’re required to provide a habitable dwelling for your renters. Be careful about placing too much maintenance or upkeep responsibility on a tenant. Requiring a tenant to perform work such as plumbing, painting, or repairs to heating or cooling units, are against the law. Know exactly what types of work you are required to do.
Landlord right of entry
Every state has a provision for giving a tenant notice if you plan on entering the property. In most states the notice is 24 hours. In some states, however, the requirement is for a 48 or 72 hour notice. Whichever amount of notice your state requires, make sure it is stated clearly in the lease agreement.
Additional lease agreement