Full Description
Howdy, landlord! Get on the right side of the law with Dummies
Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies contains all the resources landlords need to unpack the legal side of renting properties. Inside you'll find worksheets, templates, and friendly explanations that will help you find success. Once you have your property and your tenants, you'll need to make sure you operate within your rights, complete all the necessary admin, and handle taxes in an accurate and timely way. This book can help you do just that, with the latest paperwork, helpful details and examples, and a breakdown of taxes and laws. Plus, you can go beyond the book by accessing online documents that take your learning to the next level.
Understand all the latest housing laws that pertain to your specific rental situation
Find drafts of all the legal forms you'll need as a landlord
Access easy-to-use tax worksheets and clear descriptions of tax rules without legal jargon
Recognize your rights as a landlord and understand your tenants' rights
This is the perfect Dummies guide for both new and experienced landlords who need a hands-on legal reference for all the laws surrounding rent, rental properties, and tenants.
Contents
Introduction 1
Part 1: Getting Started with Landlording Fundamentals 5
Chapter 1: The Legal Fundamentals of Managing Residential Rentals 7
Chapter 2: Protecting Your Legal Assets 23
Chapter 3: Taking Possession of a Rental Property 49
Chapter 4: Hiring a Property Manager 69
Part 2: Advertising and Taking on New Tenants Legally 93
Chapter 5: Getting Current about Fair Housing 95
Chapter 6: The Legal Aspects of Advertising 125
Chapter 7: Rent Collection and Rent Control 139
Chapter 8: Screening Applicants 171
Chapter 9: Composing Your Rental Contract 191
Chapter 10: Establishing a Security Deposit Policy 225
Chapter 11: Moving in a New Tenant 245
Part 3: Recognizing Your Responsibilities and Liabilities 265
Chapter 12: Repairing and Maintaining the Premises 267
Chapter 13: Minimizing Injuries from Potentially Dangerous Conditions 289
Chapter 14: Preventing and Minimizing Hazardous Environmental Conditions 303
Chapter 15: Protecting Tenants and Workers from Criminal Acts 323
Chapter 16: Understanding Tenant Privacy and Your Right to Enter the Premises 345
Chapter 17: Resolving Landlord-Tenant Disputes 359
Part 4: Changing and Ending Leases 373
Chapter 18: Handling Co-Tenancies, Sublets, Assignments, and Guests 375
Chapter 19: Revising and Terminating Rental Contracts 383
Chapter 20: Moving a Tenant Out 397
Part 5: The Part of Tens 403
Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Staying Out of Legal Trouble 405
Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Being a Better Landlord 411
Index 417
