Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Tenant Got a Pet Without Asking? Here's What to Do
An unauthorized pet is a lease violation you can fix with a written notice, a pet addendum, and a clear deadline — usually within 30 days.
Repair Reported Too Late? A Landlord's Liability Guide
A tenant who waits weeks to report a leak can shift some repair costs back onto themselves, but you still have to fix it fast and document everything.
How to Document a Lease Violation Before Sending Notice
Courts dismiss weak eviction cases when landlords can't prove a violation happened, so photos, dates, and written notice logs matter more than memory.
How to Add a Renters Insurance Requirement to Your Lease
Most states let landlords require renters insurance with as little as $100,000 in liability coverage, and the clause takes about 10 minutes to add.
Add a No-Smoking Clause to an Existing Lease: A Landlord's Guide
Adding a no-smoking clause mid-lease requires a signed addendum and 30-60 days' notice in most states, not a unilateral memo.
How to Add a Co-Signer to a Rental Lease (Step by Step)
Adding a co-signer to a rental lease takes a signed addendum, a credit check, and clear language on how far their liability extends.
How Much Security Deposit Should You Actually Collect?
Most states cap security deposits at one to two months' rent, but the "right" amount depends on your risk, not the legal maximum.
How Much Notice to Enter a Tenant's Unit? 24-48 Hour Rule
Most states require 24 to 48 hours written notice before a landlord enters an occupied rental, though a few allow same-day notice or none.
How Much Can You Raise Rent Without Losing a Good Tenant?
Most landlords can raise rent 3-5% a year without pushing out a good tenant, but the right number depends on your local market and turnover cost.
Hard vs Soft Credit Pull for Tenant Screening: What to Use
A soft credit pull won't touch an applicant's FICO score, while a hard pull can drop it 5-10 points for up to two years.
Do You Owe Interest on a Tenant's Security Deposit?
15 states plus DC require landlords to pay interest on security deposits, with rates ranging from 0.1% to 5% depending on where the rental sits.
Cash, Check, or App: The Best Way for Tenants to Pay Rent
Digital rent payment apps now settle funds in 1-3 business days and log every transaction, cutting the disputes that cash and paper checks create.
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