Spectrum Enterprises LLC
Common Mistakes by Landlords
Learn from your mistakes, often the remark that we hear primarily to improve ourselves. Landlords should internalize this remark because oftentimes they make the same errors in dealing with their tenants. Here are some common mistakes committed and best to avoid.
Security deposits: One of the top-5 causes of disputes between landlords and tenants seem focused on security deposit issues. Communication gaps caused by unspoken expectations are traced to be the cause of these disputes. Tenants always assume that they are going to receive back 100% of their deposit when they back out from a negotiated deal. The landlord’s job is to explain all matters about the negotiations clearly so that tenants will fully understand their responsibility. They should be made to understand that damages or alterations done on the rental unit after they move in; is their responsibility.
Review of policy. Landlords should see to it that the tenants have reviewed and understand the State-owned or his own security deposit policy, move-in and move-out self-made inspection lists, and the thorough initial walk-through of the rental unit before the new tenants sign a statement. They should also ask the tenants to initial the condition of each item on the list and take photos for future verifications. The landlord should discuss the issues when the tenants are ready to move out, schedule another walk-through with the tenant, establish damages and take more photos.
Failure of keeping records. You never know when you’ll need them so always keep pristine records. Keep tenants’ file until three years after the end of the lease especially each tenant’s application, background screening and credit check report, lease documents and correspondence. Notes of emails and notes conversations, too (aside from the “nice day, huh?” conversations) should also be kept. Someday, if you find yourself in front of a judge over a landlord/tenant dispute, it could work in your favor because you keep good records showing you’re serious about your business. This practice certainly can’t hurt!
Unintentional discrimination: It is the landlord’s right to become discriminatory but with limitations. Asking a disabled tenant applicant about issues that don’t need their particular attention is tantamount to telling them to mind their own business. Landlords can stay away from possible legal trouble by trying to avoid asking personal questions to applicants.
Fair treatment. Being fair and consistent is one attitude landlords need to practice when dealing with tenants. Be fair to all tenants; if you allow a single day of leeway for one, then allow also for the others. Enforcing rules strictly for one tenant and not for the others should be avoided. Sometimes making immediate repairs for one and letting the others wait for a longer time to fix is not fair. Rules should be applied the same way to all tenants and fairness should be practiced in enforcing the rules. It is easier to say you’re sorry to a tenant than entertaining a call from a lawyer and face a fair housing complaint.
Spectrum Enterprises, LLC was created by investors for investors. We
recognize the importance of maximizing cash flow and profitability in
your real estate endeavors in Washington DC. Spectrum specializes in a
myriad of services, which consists of investments, consulting, sales and
property management. www.spectrum-ent.net
Security deposits: One of the top-5 causes of disputes between landlords and tenants seem focused on security deposit issues. Communication gaps caused by unspoken expectations are traced to be the cause of these disputes. Tenants always assume that they are going to receive back 100% of their deposit when they back out from a negotiated deal. The landlord’s job is to explain all matters about the negotiations clearly so that tenants will fully understand their responsibility. They should be made to understand that damages or alterations done on the rental unit after they move in; is their responsibility.
Review of policy. Landlords should see to it that the tenants have reviewed and understand the State-owned or his own security deposit policy, move-in and move-out self-made inspection lists, and the thorough initial walk-through of the rental unit before the new tenants sign a statement. They should also ask the tenants to initial the condition of each item on the list and take photos for future verifications. The landlord should discuss the issues when the tenants are ready to move out, schedule another walk-through with the tenant, establish damages and take more photos.
Failure of keeping records. You never know when you’ll need them so always keep pristine records. Keep tenants’ file until three years after the end of the lease especially each tenant’s application, background screening and credit check report, lease documents and correspondence. Notes of emails and notes conversations, too (aside from the “nice day, huh?” conversations) should also be kept. Someday, if you find yourself in front of a judge over a landlord/tenant dispute, it could work in your favor because you keep good records showing you’re serious about your business. This practice certainly can’t hurt!
Unintentional discrimination: It is the landlord’s right to become discriminatory but with limitations. Asking a disabled tenant applicant about issues that don’t need their particular attention is tantamount to telling them to mind their own business. Landlords can stay away from possible legal trouble by trying to avoid asking personal questions to applicants.
Fair treatment. Being fair and consistent is one attitude landlords need to practice when dealing with tenants. Be fair to all tenants; if you allow a single day of leeway for one, then allow also for the others. Enforcing rules strictly for one tenant and not for the others should be avoided. Sometimes making immediate repairs for one and letting the others wait for a longer time to fix is not fair. Rules should be applied the same way to all tenants and fairness should be practiced in enforcing the rules. It is easier to say you’re sorry to a tenant than entertaining a call from a lawyer and face a fair housing complaint.
Spectrum Enterprises, LLC was created by investors for investors. We
recognize the importance of maximizing cash flow and profitability in
your real estate endeavors in Washington DC. Spectrum specializes in a
myriad of services, which consists of investments, consulting, sales and
property management. www.spectrum-ent.net
