Resident should pay a penalty for-increased risk and inconvenience to owner. Most Jurisdictions will allow some flexibility, but your late charge should relate to the expenses you incur (mortgage penalties) as a result of the rent being paid late.
Do not allow tenants to perform repairs and all requests for repairs should be in writing. Your lease should prohibit the resident from performing repairs on the property. The resident is not likely to be a repair expert, so you will probably be disappointed in their workmanship. Even if they can do the repair, what if they fall off a ladder or electrocute themselves? Can you afford a lengthy legal battle involving time and expense over a repair item? Second, you should state that all repair requests be in writing This will give you a written record of all requests for your records, a good defense in the case of lawsuit.
Although you cannot require it, it is in your best interests if the resident is insured. They may burn the house down or injure another person on your property. This could result in a lawsuit against you. You will be doing the resident a favor as well, they will then have protection from any mistakes they make at the property.
If not spelled out, you and the tenant will each assume the other party is paying. Different areas Have different customs as to who is to pay. It is usually better if the resident pays any utilities that vary in amount as a result of their use.
In some states this is a matter of law, but it is best to notify the tenant that you may enter to show the property to appraisers, potential purchasers, potential renters and insurance agents Also, you may need to see the property to inspect for repairs. State how much time you intend to give prior to entry and make sure you are complying with the local laws.
Make certain it is understood that the tenant you approved and signed the lease with is the tenant that is living in the property.
State who is responsible and what happens if the yard is not taken care of. You could put in a clause that the resident’s rent will be raised to cover the cost of a gardener on ten days notice for example
If your property is under the jurisdiction of a homeowners association you should state that fact and give a copy of the rules to your resident. Also state that the resident is responsible for any fines that are assessed.
All rental properties should have working smoke alarms. You should tell the resident this in the rental agreement and have them agree to test and maintain it. The resident should notify you in writing if the alarm is not working.
It is now federal law to provide a Lead-Based paint pamphlet and to have a signed disclosure on file with the rental agreement. You can obtain these forms from any NARPM Member in your area.
