Whether you’re someone who rents out a few rooms in your residential property, or a full- fledged landlord who has multiple commercial buildings up for lease, you need certain legal
documents to keep you protected.
Let’s say, you rent out an apartment.
You did an initial inspection with your tenant but didn’t record it down on a Renter’s Inspection Worksheet . Without this simple legal document to validate the inspection, you and your tenant may get into a heated contest over something, like what was initially
damaged and what wasn’t, when your tenant moves out. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Make sure you stay protected by completing these legal documents that every landlord needs.
Finding the right tenant:
No matter how great of a landlord you are, if you choose the wrong person as your tenant, you can set yourself up for a less-than-pleasant experience. Here are some ways to ensure that you find the right tenant.
Rental Application:
A Rental Application is the perfect way to learn more about your potential tenants. Where do you work? Will you bring pets with you? How long will the lease be?
Questions like these will help you weed
out candidates that don’t fit your criteria
for a good tenant.
Reference Letter:
It’s important that you vet your tenants.
Meeting your prospective tenants for an
in-person interview is a great first step.
But be sure to request a Reference Letter— whether it’s from their manager at work or a former landlord. You should ask for a few more Reference Letters if you’re on the fence.
Working with your tenant:
Even if you’ve found your *perfect* tenant, it’s important that you create certain legal documents to keep both you and your tenant protected. Here are some ways to work with your tenant and establish a good relationship.
Landlord’s Notice to Enter:
Though you’re the owner of the property, you’re still required to give proper notice to your tenants before you swing by for a visit — whether it’s to fix a leaky faucet or to pick up a check. You can use our Landlord’s Notice to Enter letter to keep your tenants informed about when you’re
coming by.
