Okoniq Journal
Property tips, taxes & HOA guides
Plain-language guides for homeowners, landlords, and HOA boards — written to help you stay organized and keep more of your money at tax time.
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Getting Started
New to managing property? Start here.
Taxes & Accounting
Deductions, basis, Schedule E, and staying audit-ready.
Renting & Tenants
Leases, rent, screening, and tenant relationships.
Maintenance & Repairs
Upkeep, vendors, and keeping a home in shape.
Mortgage & Money
Financing, refinancing, insurance, and cash flow.
Buying & Selling
Valuation, prepping to sell, and the closing process.
HOA & Community
Boards, reserves, meetings, and living in an HOA.
Latest articles
New York Security Deposit Rules 2026: The 5 Changes to Know
New York caps security deposits at one month's rent and requires landlords to return them within 14 days of move-out with an itemized statement.
Massachusetts Security Deposit Rules 2026: The Strictest in the US
Massachusetts caps security deposits at one month's rent and requires interest, receipts, and a strict 30-day return — miss a step and you can owe triple damages.
Illinois Security Deposit Rules 2026: A Landlord's Guide
Illinois landlords with 5+ units must itemize deposit deductions within 30 days and refund the balance within 45 days of move-out.
Florida Security Deposit Rules 2026: Limits, Timelines, Notices
Florida sets no dollar cap on security deposits, but landlords must send a written notice within 30 days and return funds within 15 to 60 days.
California Security Deposit Rules 2026: Limits & Deadlines
California caps most security deposits at one month's rent under AB 12, and landlords have 21 days to return the balance with an itemized statement.
Security Deposit Mistakes That Get Landlords Sued
Missing a state deposit-return deadline by even one day can force a landlord to pay 2-3x the deposit back to a former tenant.
Second Mortgage vs Cash-Out Refinance: Which Costs Less?
A second mortgage keeps your original loan rate intact, while a cash-out refinance replaces it entirely, often at a higher rate on the full balance.
Second-Home Mortgage Interest — What's Deductible in 2025
You can deduct mortgage interest on a second home only if you itemize and your combined mortgage debt stays under $750,000.
Sealing Air Leaks: A Weekend Project That Pays for Itself
Sealing air leaks around a typical home can cut heating and cooling costs by 10-20% and usually costs under $200 in materials.
Salt Bridge in Your Water Softener: How to Spot It & Break It
A salt bridge is a hard crust that forms above the water in your softener's brine tank, and it's the top reason softeners quit working without warning.
Reverse Mortgage vs HELOC for Seniors: 4 Key Differences
A reverse mortgage requires no monthly payment and needs you to be 62+, while a HELOC has lower fees but demands payments starting immediately.
Reverse 1031 Exchanges, Explained — Buy First, Sell Later
A reverse 1031 exchange lets a landlord buy replacement property before selling the old one, using a third-party titleholder to hold it temporarily.
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