6 Landlord Traps to Avoid

The 6 Biggest Landlord Traps



Even landlords who have been around for a long time have fallen into these common landlord traps.



1. Improper Screening



95% of tenant problems can be eliminated in the screening process."



Believe it or not, many landlords still are very trusting and comfortable with a basic application if any or a handshake. The eviction courts are full of landlords who like to trust their gut feeling.



I highly recommend you use our rental application or another comparable application. Applications are powerful screening tools when you verify the information that they contain.



2. Advertising



Do you really have to spend a lot of money?



When you list your rental with an experienced, landlord oriented real estate agent,your advertising should be included with the service. If you are not using an agent to rent your property, you can advertise very inexpensively or totally free through various

websites including craigslist or through a service like the National Tenant Register, which is a listing of prospective tenants in search of rentals. The tenants advertise their rental needs to landlords through web sites such as ezlandlordordforms com web site. The ads are broken down geographically into categories for the convenience of the landlord.



3. Relying On Non-Landlord Agents



How can someone who has never experienced the same responsibilities advise you how to rent your property?



If you are forced to use an agent inexperienced in landlord matters, be sure to do the screening and accepting of the prospective tenant yourself. If your agent is not using the The ezlandlordforms .com Rental Application or a comparable one, be sure to supply him with one.



4. Developing Friendships with Tenants



Is it possible for a tenant to take advantage of a good rapport with his landlord? Allowing tenants to cross the professional line can be a mistake.



Many tenants have a way of making it their mission to become friends with their landlords. It has always been a valuable rule of thumb to not do business with friends and family. If possible, keep a friendly professional arms length from your tenants.



5. Using A Substandard Lease



The conventional leases need improvement. Most leases on the market are quite generic, designed not to offend the tenant. They often have more tenant protection than landlord protection.



Landlords need a lease designed by professional landlords and attorneys that will protect them and their properties. Our LPA Lease and the Essential Landlord Forms do just that.



6. Paying For Credit Reports



Why pay for a credit report on a prospective tenant that turns out to be undesirable?



Have your application require a tenant screening fee as included in our ezlandlordforms .com Rental Application



Stirling Gardner consults for EZ Landlord Forms - your best online resource for a state specific free rental applications, free landlord forms, including a free rent receipt.