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The terms landlords and tenants agree to abide by in their renting arrangement are outlined in a lease or rental agreement. It’s a binding legal agreement and highly useful as it contains all the essential business information, including the duration of the tenant’s occupancy of the property and the monthly fee owed. 

The basic parameters of the tenancy must be covered by the lease to protect both the tenant and landlord. What’s more, the lease should be in writing. The following are some of the most crucial provisions listed to include in your lease or rental agreement.

All Tenants’ and Occupants’ Names

All those residing on the property, including individuals in a married or civil partnership, should be included as tenants and need to sign a lease or rental agreement. Having all adult inhabitants sign a lease gives landlords more insurance should an issue occur.

Each tenant shall pay the rent in full and comply with the lease provisions. As a result, if one renter vacates the property without paying the rent, you may legally demand payment from the remaining tenants. Additionally, you have the authority to evict all renters, not just the offender, if they break the lease or rental agreement terms.

It’s also a good idea to include an occupancy provision that specifies that only the renters and their minor children are permitted to dwell in the rental and that visitors are only permitted for a predetermined number of days. This will protect you if a renter brings in an unapproved roommate or sublets the apartment without your permission.

Rent Policies 

The timing, method, and location of rent payments are some of the most crucial aspects to include in a rental agreement. You must list the exact amount of rent you’re charging and the due date. Rent is always best paid at the beginning of the month. The cost of your rent is influenced by your property’s location, value, and rental amenities. 

To determine what you might be able to charge, it’s crucial to look at the local rental market. Setting fair market rent guarantees that your rental is priced competitively to draw tenants while also increasing your revenue. To find out how much rent is being charged, look at nearby, like-kind properties. 

In addition to the rent price and payment deadline, it’s good to list the accepted payment methods as well as any penalties for late or missed payments.

Fees and Deposits

By collecting a security deposit, you’ll have a monetary safety net on hand if the tenant damages the home. You can use the security deposit to cover repair costs for damages that go beyond normal wear and tear. A security deposit can also motivate your tenants to maintain the apartment, so they can receive their money back at the end of the tenancy.

Remember to also account for any additional charges and deposits, including parking fees, key deposits or replacement costs, and pet deposits in your lease agreement. If the tenant refuses to pay any fees, you’ll want to be able to refer to the agreement. Finally, make sure you have legal justification if you need to keep some of the deposit after they move out.

Repairs and Maintenance

Regardless of how wonderful your tenants are, something will break eventually, and your agreement needs to spell out who is responsible for what kind of repairs. Answer the following questions in your lease:

• Do tenants have to provide notice to the landlord or a maintenance worker? 
• Who will bear the financial burden of the repairs? 
• What time frame can tenants expect repairs to be completed?

Additionally, routine property inspections and maintenance are crucial. Therefore, in the lease make it clear who is responsible for kinds of maintenance and cleaning tasks. Doing so will help keep your rental in good condition and ensure that everyone is doing their part.

Duration of Tenancy

There are different kinds of lease agreements. That said, whether it be for one month, six months, a year, or longer, a fixed-term lease is one that starts and finishes on a certain date. A new contract will be required to include those details and the new dates after the lease ends.

A periodic-term lease, on the other hand, is one that lasts until the tenant or landlord provides the other party written notice that it’s terminating. Indicate in your rental agreement exactly what your terms are, how long your lease will last, and whether it may be renewed. 

Additional Rules and Clauses

It’s a good idea to include behavior clauses and other guidelines if you’re a landlord renting out a property. For instance, state certain “Quiet Hours” during which tenants must refrain from making excessive noise in order to prevent future issues of noise complaints. 

If you include a clause like this, you should define “extreme noise”, and specify what constitutes it and how to reduce noise levels. Explain in detail what occurs after the first, second, and subsequent infractions and the fees and actions taken if tenants violate these regulations. Give your new tenants a move-in package that includes useful information in addition to the rules they’re expected to abide by during their tenancy.

Bottom Line

Crafted a detailed lease agreement will protect you, your tenants, and your property. Ensure that all signing parties have read and understand the terms as this will prevent disputes or confusion. If you would like help leasing your rentals or managing them, contact Home Choice Property Management. 

We have been in the real estate industry for more than ten years and have assisted countless landlords with maintaining their rental properties. Our business provides clients with full-service property management solutions. 

We will work together to ensure you receive excellent returns on your investments without having to deal with the burden of managing a rental on your own. Our real estate and property management team have years of practical industry experience. We’ll see to it that everything is taken care of for you, your tenants, and your properties. Contact us today to learn more!

The front of your property can be made more attractive to generate interest from new occupants. The outside is essential regardless of how well-maintained the inside of your rental is. Since it’s the primary thing potential occupants will see when coming to visit the property, you need to create a positive environment immediately.

Even if you have popular amenities like contemporary furnishings and energy-saving appliances, potential tenants will factor how appealing your property looks from the outside into their final decision for renting the space. There are several options available to you when improving curb appeal. The best part is that you can increase curb appeal with little effort or cost. 

Little changes can go quite far in renewing the look and feel of the outside of your property and attracting prospective tenants. Here, Home Choice Property Management will share a few ways to enhance the curb appeal of your rental property.

Utilize Vibrant Colors

Utilize clear and vibrant colors on the outside of your property. You can paint the walls, doors,  window shudders, or mailboxes in eye-catching colors to separate your property from your competitors.

Moreover, you can improve the exterior of your home and cultivate a positive air for potential occupants by planting nice flowers or putting potted plants on either side of the front steps. A bold splash of color has the ability to attract attention.

Upgrade Your Front door

Prospective tenants will first see your investment property’s front entry. The way in which you maintain the home’s entryway can also indicate the level of care that you take when maintaining the inside of the house. 

The curb appeal of your property can easily be improved by replacing the front door. Pick a tint or color that stands out. While a bold and unique color will differentiate the home from others on the block, it might not appeal to a wide range of tenants. Picking a charcoal dark door could speak to a bigger number of occupants. You can also change of the hardware on the door for an added splash. 

Focus on Landscaping and Maintenance

Focus on your front yard to build up your curb appeal. First-time prospective tenants assessing your investment property will pass judgment on the state of the yard. Set aside some time to weed the garden, mow the lawn, and replace any dead plants. Keep a standard upkeep schedule. 

Keeping your rental home’s outside clean and well maintained also reduces the possible break-ins or vandalism as people will realize that there are individuals on the property caring for it. 

Assess the Roof

Buy quality material. Give comfort to your new occupants by having a durable rooftop. Although expensive, a good rooftop keeps your property safe and keeps up with its external allure. Since strong rooftop materials are costly, set aside savings. You should also note that roofs should be changed every 15 to 30 years. 

You ought to call an expert if you notice stains on the roof or missing shingles. To ensure the occupants are living in a protected and clean rental, you may likewise have it checked for leaks and mold inside the property. An extraordinary rooftop can help improve the worth of your property and safeguard occupants.

Give the Garage Door a Refresh

The garage door is regularly neglected. Since most of your neighbors are fine with basic garage doors, you get the opportunity to give your property more character. Adding some extraordinarily reasonable garage door improvements you’ll be able to stand out further from the competition. 

A new garage door can cost a lot. That said, there are many cost-effective alternatives available to property owners. It will significantly improve the curb appeal if you power washes the outside and add either a new coat of paint or fixtures to the door.

Install Quality Lighting in Your Walkways

Any great exterior design plan should incorporate lighting, as well positioned lighting might assist with showcasing your rental’s front yard and make it stick out. Therefore, your home’s curb appeal should be attractive day and night. 

There is a large variety of lighting choices available on the market, no matter your spending limit. Spotlights and hanging lights can improve the structure’s appeal and illuminate the outside of your property. 

In addition to this, walkway lighting makes it easy for people to get and from their door in the evenings and early morning. Moreover, a well-lit exterior provides more security as it’s often a deterrent from thieves and vandals. 

Add Plants and Greenery

One of the finest ways to make your rental home stand out is with greenery. Trees and plants can give a place color and life while also giving any potential tenants more privacy. If vegetation isn’t quite what they want, try including flower planters. They are always a fantastic way to add life while being simple to maintain in any environment. You aim to establish a calm yet energizing atmosphere.

Keep in mind that the plants and other flora you choose should require little upkeep. Consult with professionals in landscape design if you want a lovely but low-maintenance yard.

Conclusion

It’s important for landowners to think both about the inside and outside appearance of their properties. By doing this, you put your rental space above other rentals on the market. Furthermore, it makes the property marketing process easier as the exterior of the home will sell itself. If that’s not enough, when you make an effort to protect your property’s curb appeal you’ll keep existing tenants happy!

If you need advice on how to market your rentals and improve your property’s overall appeal to tenants, contact real estate experts. The team at Home Choice Property Management is more than happy to help you achieve your investment goals. Contact us today to learn more about our property management services!

A landlord’s top priority should be to keep their tenants happy during their time in the rental. This is because happy tenant is more likely to renew their lease and stay long-term. Having a long-term tenant means more consistent passive income. 

In order to keep renters happy, you want to ensure that the property is well-maintained and clean. You also want to make yourself available to the tenants should they have questions. When the tenant feels like they have been taken care of they’ll feel confident staying in your rental property. 

If you want to learn how to keep your tenants happy, keep on reading!

Draft a Detailed Lease Agreement

The lease or rental agreement is a very important document as it details the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. It also includes all the terms and policies associated with occupying the rental unit. 

If your lease agreement is vague you’re more likely to experience conflict with your tenants. To avoid this issue, you want to ensure that your lease guides the renter on their duties, rights, and different procedures to follow. Having these details spelled out can serve as a reference during minor conflicts and can help avoid issues altogether. 

Always be Professional 

Approaching your role with the right attitude makes a difference. You have to remember that your tenants are also your clients, therefore they deserve a certain level of professional contest and respect. 

Remember that although you may be the property owner, the tenant is still paying to rent the space. Therefore, you cannot enter the unit as you please. Coordinate times with tenants if you need to inspect the unit to ensure that they are aware of the visit. When communicating with your tenant, you also want to ensure that you treat them with respect.

You always want to be patient, approachable, and respectful when interacting with your tenants. Doing so will help make them feel more comfortable and happy which will only solidify your working relationship with them. 

Be Responsive to a Tenants Needs

As a landlord, you have many responsibilities that you have to handle. Sometimes you’ll find yourself overseeing multiple things at once. That said, you still need to be sure that you are accessible and responsive to your tenant’s needs. 

If a tenant contacts you about a necessary repair, you want to follow up swiftly and keep them informed of what is being done and how long the repair should take. Provide your tenants with the same level of customer service and care that you would want to receive.

Respect the Tenant’s Privacy 

Everyone has a right to privacy. When it comes to managing rental properties, a tenant’s primacy is protected under the implied covenant of quiet enjoyment. This ensures that tenants are able to live in a rental unit without experiencing consistent disturbances. 

As the landlord, you can respect the tenant’s privacy by providing them with notices prior to entering their space. This ensures that the tenant won’t experience surprise inspections or other visits. You also want to ensure that you aren’t checking too frequently as this could also invade their primacy. 

Make Property Improvements 

If your tenant has been in the rental for some time, consider offering to conduct some property improvements. These renovations don’t need to be too costly, something as simple as a fresh coat of paint or providing new appliances can go a long way in making tenants happy. 

You can also offer to have a professional cleaner come in to freshen up the space for your tenants. By taking these steps to maintain the unit, you’re showing the tenant that you care about their comfort and safety. 

Don’t Leave Conflicts Unresolved 

During your time managing rentals conflicts are bound to occur. This can be between the landlord and the tenants or between tenants and neighbors. Whatever the conflict is, as the landlord, you want to de-escalate the situation and maybe even act as the mediator. 

If a conflict is left unresolved then it’s bound to only get worse. The tenant may also feel neglected. However, if you make an effort to keep the peace, this will translate to happier clients. 

Learn What Amenities Renters Want

Different kinds of tenants will desire different amenities in their rentals. For instance, some may want more storage space and modern appliances while others will prioritize having things like updated kitchens and bathrooms and additional security. 

Take the time to look into what your target demographic of renters desires and speak to current tenants as well. By learning what people want and need you’ll be better positioned to make property improvements and changes that will differentiate you from your competition. 

What’s more, by speaking with tenants and applying changes, you’ll also show that you value their opinions which can motivate them to stay long-term. 

Bottom Line

As a landlord, you want to keep tenants happy. This will help ensure that they stay long-term thus protecting your investment. Keeping them doesn’t have to cost you a lot of money but it does require attention to detail. 

If you feel overwhelmed when managing your rentals and feel you need help, contact the experts at Home Choice Property Management today! Our team of property managers is capable of handling everything from property marketing and tenant screenings to maintenance work and rent collection. 

Reach out to us today to learn more about our property management services!

Many first-time landlords underestimate how much work goes into managing rental properties. There is a myriad of issues that can occur making the job more taxing. Among these issues are tenant complaints! Tenant complaints can arise in a variety of ways, ranging from maintenance issues to pest infestations and anything in between. How quickly and efficiently you’ll be able to address these complaints will make all the difference. 

If your tenant doesn’t feel that you’ve addressed their concerns, they will be less likely to renew their leases. High tenant turnover means fewer profits for you. That’s because you’ll need to spend more on advertising, marketing, and repairs and maintenance. 

Luckily for you, tenant complaints don’t have to derail your investment goals. The following are top tenant complaints and how you can solve them. 

Maintenance Complaints 

This is inarguably one of the most common types of tenant complaints. As a landlord, you have a responsibility to ensure your rental property is well-maintained; the law requires it. 

The state of California requires that landlords maintain their units to certain health and safety codes. If you aren’t able to meet them, your unit may become uninhabitable and your tenant may be able to exercise a number of legal options including:

• Breaking their lease without penalty
• Reporting you to a relevant government agency for action
• Withholding rent until you have fixed the maintenance issues
• Repair the issues themselves and then deduct the cost from future rent payments

What to Do? 

Once you receive a maintenance complaint, visit the property in person. This will allow you to get a better, first-hand, understanding of the issue so that you can plan accordingly. As you plan to enter the unit, make sure to notify your tenant beforehand. California requires that landlords provide their tenants with “reasonable” notice prior to entry. 24 hours is considered reasonable. 

After examining the problem, find a solution right away. You’ll also want to let your tenant know that you’re sorting out the problem and provide them with updates if it’s an issue that will likely take more time. 

Noisy Neighbors 

Noise is also one of the top tenant complaints you’ll encounter when renting out your property. All tenants have a right to the “quiet enjoyment” of their rented premises. This means that your tenant has a right to the undisturbed use and enjoyment of their rented premises. This right is also implied. This means that it doesn’t have to be written down on the lease in order to be enforceable. 

What to Do? 

After receiving the noise complaint from your tenant, it’s your responsibility to have the matter sorted out. There can be financial repercussions should you choose to do nothing. That being said, as a landlord, you can only deal with a noise issue you can control. The following are steps you can take:

• Identify the source of the noise – Is it coming from a neighbor who also happens to be your tenant? If so, let the tenant know that a noise complaint has been filed against them and should stop. 
• Take action – If the tenant doesn’t stop the violation, consider evicting them. However, this can only work if you have a clear policy on noise guidelines. For example, if you have outlined the specific quiet hours or put a limit on the number of overnight guests. 
• Choose the right type of flooring – The right flooring option can go a long way in minimizing sound transmission. Carpet and cork flooring make great options. 
• Insulate the walls – Have you gotten multiple complaints about noise traveling between the walls of your rental property? If you have, it can be prudent for you to invest in wall insulation. 

Pest Infestations 

Pest infestations can make you lose good tenants faster than you can imagine. Just like unaddressed maintenance issues, pests can make your rental property uninhabitable. Therefore, you must take swift action to resolve the issue. 

What to Do? 

Did the pest infestation exist before the tenancy began or did it arise by no fault of the tenant? If so, it’s your responsibility to fix the issue if the infestation arises from the disrepair of the rented property. For instance, if rodents are accessing the unit through holes on floors or walls. 

Your tenant may also have a responsibility of fixing a pest infestation if they engage in certain actions such as failing to dispose of food properly or failing to clear the excessive mess. 

Pet Complaints 

The most common complaints about pets have to do with owners not cleaning up after them, barking, or aggressive behavior. 

What to Do? 

To address a barking dog, deal with the issue the same way you would a noise complaint. Start by identifying the problem, and try to find an amicable solution. But if the problem doesn’t go away, issue a warning to the tenant. You may also want to request the owner to remove the dog or else face eviction. 

To address complaints regarding messes, the first step to take is to bring the matter to the tenant. Let them know that a complaint has been lodged against them and need to rectify it. Again, if the issue doesn’t go away, start an eviction action against the tenant. 

When it comes to an aggressive dog, you’ll need to take immediate corrective measures. Remember, you have a responsibility to ensure your tenant’s safety. If it’s threatened, they can use that as a legal justification to move out if you fail to respond quickly.

If the aggressive behavior continues after written warnings, contact the city for action. Then, begin the eviction proceedings against the tenant. You might also consider conducting pet screenings prior to accepting pets into the rentals.

Summary

Tenant complaints are inevitable. As a landlord, however, it’s your responsibility to ensure they are addressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. But should you find this daunting, Home Choice Property Management can help. 

We are a full-service property management company ready to assist you in managing your rentals and maximizing your ROI. Contact us today to learn more!

As part of the landlord-tenant laws in California, landlords are required to treat their tenants with respect and fairness. Enacted by Congress in 1968, the goal of the Fair Housing Act is to eliminate housing discrimination when it comes to the renting and buying of homes. Mortgage lenders are also not an exemption. 

If you are a landlord and want to learn more about the act and your responsibilities under it, keep on reading. 

What Led to the Passage of the Act by Congress? 

As already mentioned, the Fair Housing Act (FHA) was passed by Congress in 1968. Before the passage of this act, two attempts were made to stamp out housing discrimination. The first attempt was the Rumford Fair Housing Act. The author behind the act was W. Byron Rumford, an assembly member of the California Legislature. 

The California Legislature passed the Rumford Fair Housing Act to help end racial discrimination by property owners and landlords who refused to sell or rent their property to people of color in 1963. 

The second attempt at ensuring fair housing was made a year later with the Civil Rights Act. It was first proposed by President John F. Kennedy and was signed into law by Lyndon B. Johnson, Kennedy’s successor. 

The act outlawed housing discrimination based on race, religion, color, or national origin. It also gave federal law enforcement agencies the power to prevent racial discrimination in voting, employment, and the use of public facilities. 

But the Fair Housing Act of 1968 was the groundbreaking piece of legislation that brought real change in matters of housing discrimination. First introduced in the U.S. Congress in 1966, its goal was to protect people from discrimination in housing matters. 

At first, it only prohibited discrimination based on four protected characteristics. That is, race, color, religion, and national origin. Sex was added as a protected characteristic in 1974. 

Another amendment was made in 1988. Signed into law on September 13, 1988, the Fair Housing Amendments Act (FHAA) became effective on March 12, 1989. The act amended Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 to add more protected characteristics: disability and familial status. 

So, in total, there are 7 protected characteristics at the federal level. That is, race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, and national origin. Some states, including California, have also passed legislation to add more protected characteristics to the list. 

What are Protected Characteristics in the State of California? 

According to the California Department of Fair Housing, the protected characteristics are as follows: 

• Race – It’s illegal to discriminate against a tenant based on their race. Therefore, a person’s race shouldn’t factor when it comes to renting a property. 
• Color – It’s illegal for landlords to discriminate against a tenant based on their skin color. 
• Religion – A landlord cannot refuse to rent to someone based on the tenant’s religious beliefs. 
• Medical Condition – It’s illegal to discriminate against a tenant based on their medical condition. Including, history or record of cancer or any genetic characteristic.

• Marital Status – Whether a person is married or single, you have a responsibility to treat them equally without discrimination. 
• Gender – Under the Fair Housing Act in the state a person’s gender cannot be a determining factor in whether or not they are suitable to rent the unit. 
• Sexual Orientation – This protection is primarily intended for members of the LGBTQ community.

Other protected characteristics include disability, age, genetic information, ancestry, and national origin. 

What Types of Homes Does the Fair Housing Act Apply to? 

The Fair Housing Act applies to all types of housing that are either rented, sold, or leased. This, therefore, includes properties such as apartments, condominiums, single-family homes, mobile home parks, and even homeowners’ associations. 

But are there any exceptions? Yes, there are. In very limited circumstances, the Act exempts private clubs, religious-operated organizations, single-family homes rented or sold by the owner without agency services, as well as owner-occupied buildings having less than 4 units. 

How Can Landlords Discriminate Against Tenants? 

The following is how discrimination in housing can occur:

• Running rental ads that contain discriminatory language. For example, “Ideal for Single Professionals,” or “Suitable for a Female Student.” 
• Asking illegal questions during the tenant qualifying process. For example, “Is that a service dog,” “How many children do you have,” or “Where are you originally from.” 
• Using a different qualifying standard based on the race, color, or another protected characteristic of a tenant. 

• Treating tenants differently based on a protected characteristic. For instance, responding to maintenance requests quickly for male tenants but not for female tenants.
• Terminating a tenant’s lease for discriminatory reasons.
• Saying your unit is not available for renting when it actually is. 
• Steering a tenant away from a section of a community or neighborhood. 

What Rights to Disabled Tenants Have in California? 

First and foremost, in California, a disabled tenant has the same rights as every other tenant. As such, disability shouldn’t factor in a landlord’s decision. The following are some of the things you should know as a landlord:

• It’s illegal to ask discriminatory questions. For one, you cannot ask about the severity of a disability. In addition, it’d be illegal for you to inquire about a disabled tenant’s medical records. 
• You have a responsibility to honor reasonable requests from a disabled tenant. 
• Your disabled tenant has a right to make reasonable modifications to their unit. 

Summary

There you have it! Everything you need to know about the state’s Fair Housing laws. As a landlord renting out a property, you also need to ensure that you understand landlord-tenant laws, the legal eviction process, security deposit laws, leasing regulations, and more. 

Do you have questions regarding property management? Home Choice Property Management can help! We are a trustworthy property management company that can help you in all aspects of property management. Get in touch to learn more!

Disclaimer: This post should not be used as a substitute for professional legal advice. If you need legal assistance please contact a licensed attorney.