Category: Ask a Rental Agent
Q: My rental property smells like cigarette smoke. How do I get rid of the fumes?
Casey R. asks: I just bought a bargain-priced rental property. It’s well-located and has a great floor plan, so I anticipate it will rent quickly. However, the house’s former occupants smoked. How do I get rid of the smell? Rental Agent Guide answers: Ugh. There’s nothing worse than the smell of stale cigarettes, especially when [...]
Q: Should I use email to communicate with tenants?
Perry T. writes: What do you think about using email as a primary means of communication with tenants? I like the idea of automatically having a written record of what has been said, but are there any downsides to email, or things I should watch out for? Rental Agent Guide answers: Email can be a [...]
Q: Should I keep rent stable for a good tenant?
Ellen M. writes: I have a tenant whose lease is ending in a couple of months (yes, right in the middle of winter, terrible timing.) The rental is a cute, two-bedroom house in a popular neighborhood, where demand for rentals has increased substantially since she moved in. Based on the current market, I think I [...]
Q: What is the definition of “guest” vs. “occupant”?
Dan L. writes: How can I keep my tenants from having visitors who are more like unofficial occupants? I have one tenant who’s boyfriend stays with her 3-4 days a week on a consistent basis. I’m paying for utilities, and beyond that, there’s general wear-and-tear on the property—and let’s face it, nuisance—to consider. Several of [...]
Q: Should I rent to a tenant with past evictions?
Chris V. asks: I realize it’s normal for a tenant’s financial history to include some minor red flags, but what should I do when a prospective tenant has decent credit, but a history of past evictions? RAG answers: You’re right to be cautions about renting to a prospective tenant with an eviction in his or [...]
Q: Who’s responsible when a tenant doesn’t pay?
Jenny S. asks: When a tenant doesn’t pay rent, is my rental agent responsible for collections? Who files for eviction and follows through in court? RAG answers: This is a good question, and something to be sure to clarify within your rental management contract. Essentially, it’s up to you and the rental agent you choose [...]
