Whether you rent one unit or several, good records protect you and treat tenants fairly. Most landlord headaches trace back to a missing document.
The lease
A written, signed lease with the rent, due date, deposit, late fees, who pays utilities and the rules of the property. Keep the signed original and give the tenant a copy.
The rent ledger
A running record of every charge and every payment, with dates, amounts and how it was paid. Give receipts. A ledger that matches the bank statements is hard to argue with. Our rent ledger keeps one for you.
Move-in and move-out
A dated checklist and photos of the unit at move-in and move-out, signed by the tenant, settle most deposit disputes before they start.
Notices
Notices for late rent, entry, lease violations or non-renewal must follow the law in content, timing and delivery. Keep a copy of every notice with proof of how and when it was delivered, and talk to an attorney before starting any eviction.
General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law sets the rules for notices and deposits; an attorney can advise on your situation.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.