Discrimination lawsuit against Pittsburgh landlord underscores importance of...
A landlord making headlines in Pittsburgh and across the state for alleged discrimination against Asian renters has underscored the importance of adhering to Fair Housing laws when accepting rental...
View ArticleLandlords Dealt New Laws in 2012
As a landlord, it’s always important to stay up-to-date on the laws governing your profession. This is especially important if you are a property owner across multiple states, or a new landlord. In...
View ArticleNJ Landlord Faces Manslaughter Charges After Fatal Fire
A New Jersey landlord was indicted on manslaughter charges last week, following a 2010 fire in her multi-housing unit that killed four people. Investigators claim the fire started from faulty...
View ArticleWhat Are a Landlord’s Obligations if A Rental Unit Burns Down?
Recently, an apartment fire in Florida destroyed eight units and displaced thirty renters. The property management group relocated the tenants to available empty units, but is now asking them to sign a...
View ArticleWhen Does a Landlord Need a Lawyer?
Whether you are a new landlord or experienced property manager, you know there are times when it’s necessary to seek professional advice on certain legal matters. However, lawyers can be expensive. So,...
View ArticleCan Landlords Prohibit Gun Ownership?
Much of the country is divided in their stance on gun control. As a landlord or property owner you have a right to set many rules regarding your rental property, but can landlords include a clause in...
View ArticleWould you Accept Tenants with A Previous Bankruptcy Filing?
As a landlord you get to decide your tenant screening standards, so long as they do not discriminate under the Fair Housing laws. So, what happens if a tenant applicant passes your criminal background...
View ArticleCharacteristics of a Great Landlord
Most people are always looking for ways to improve their job performance. Landlords are no exception. If you are a new landlord, here are some tips to becoming a great landlord: Consistency: Tenants...
View ArticleThe Section 8 Debate
Earlier this month, the Cook County commissioners in Illinois approved an amendment that will prevent landlords from discriminating against Section 8 vouchers holders. A landlord can no longer cite...
View ArticleBest Way to Turn Away Applicants After Tenant Screening
If you are a new landlord, you might be apprehensive about having to reject a tenant applicant. Are there ways to make this process less awkward and more comfortable for all parties? Yes. Perhaps you...
View ArticleHot Outside? Landlord’s guide to air conditioning
Summer is finally here, and it’s likely most parts of the US are already feeling the heat. While landlords are not obligated to supply their rental units with air conditioning, be aware that if your...
View ArticleDeadbeat NY landlord facing jail time
A now-infamous New York landlord might be sent to prison for neglecting the deteriorating condition of his multifamily housing unit. A Bronx judge issued a warrant for the landlord, Joel Loutan, and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Conn Landlords fined $100,000 for Fair Housing violations
Two Connecticut landlords have been ordered by a federal judge to pay $100,000 in damages for discriminating against a prospective tenant because she was black. According to the judge presiding over...
View ArticleClik here to view.
HUD’s Fair Housing Rule Has Strong Support
The “Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing” (AFFH) regulation from the US Department of Housing an Urban Development (HUD) is gaining support from several key groups. The NAACP, National Fair Housing...
View ArticleClik here to view.
How should landlords deal with termites in rental?
We’ve discussed the issue of pests in rental properties before. As you well know, a landlord’s level of responsibility depends on two things: 1. What does your lease say you are accountable for? 2. Are...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Biggest Landlord Turkeys of 2013
Several notorious landlords made headlines in 2013 for behaving quite badly against their tenants. Thankfully, these cases were few and far between. Lucky for you, hearing these stories may make your...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Have more than one qualified tenant?
Here’s a great problem to have: You’ve weeded through rental applications, completed background checks, and you have more than one qualified tenant. Both have great credit scores, acceptable incomes,...
View ArticleClik here to view.
What to consider when renting a smoker
Last week we discussed ways to keep your property from getting damaged, and prohibiting smoking was at the top of that list. If you are a landlord who hasn’t been strict about smoking policies in your...
View Article
