Renting &amp; Tenants

Tenant Sublets Without Permission? Here's What to Do Next

An unauthorized sublet is a lease violation in most states, and landlords typically have 3 to 30 days to issue a notice to cure or quit.

What to Do When a Tenant Stops Paying Rent: 5 Steps

Rent is late by day 5 in most states before you can even serve a notice, so document, notify, and follow your state's timeline exactly.

Emotional Support Animal Requests: A Landlord's 4-Step Guide

An ESA request is a Fair Housing Act accommodation, not a pet request — here's the 4-step process to handle it correctly and avoid a costly complaint.

Tenant Moved Out Without Notice? 5 Steps to Take Now

Most states require a landlord to document abandonment before reclaiming a unit, and skipping that step can turn a vacancy into a legal problem.

Tenant Left Belongings Behind? What to Do Legally in 2026

Most states require written notice and 15-30 days of storage before you can dispose of a tenant's abandoned belongings, or you risk a lawsuit.

Tenant Files Bankruptcy During Lease? Do This First

Once a tenant files bankruptcy, an automatic stay under 11 U.S.C. § 362 stops most collection and eviction action the same day the petition is filed.

Tenant Habitability Complaint: 4 Steps to Take Now

A habitability complaint gives you 24 hours to weeks to fix the issue, depending on severity, before a tenant can withhold rent or call the city.

What to Do When a Tenant Dies Mid-Lease: A Landlord's Guide

When a tenant dies mid-lease, the lease usually passes to their estate, not to you, so unpaid rent becomes a probate claim, not an eviction.

Tenant Damage Beyond the Deposit? Here's What to Do

When repair costs exceed the security deposit, landlords have three real paths: small claims court, collections, or eating the loss.

What to Do When a Tenant Breaks the Lease Early (2026 Guide)

A tenant who breaks a lease early usually still owes rent until you re-rent the unit, but most states require you to mitigate damages first.

Tenant Breaking Lease for Job Relocation? Your 4 Options

Most states don't require landlords to release a tenant early for a job transfer, but a written buyout agreement usually saves both sides money and time.

Tenant Screening Mistakes That Lead to Problem Renters

Skipping income verification and relying on a credit score alone are the two mistakes most likely to hand you a problem renter you'll spend months trying to evict.