After many years of working with/for Property Manager and Landlords (see My Story) we have developed a few basic recommendations.
When creating a Lease/Rental Document use these basic ideas:
1: Property Managers and Landlords should put in a paragraph that states the tenant will be charged whenever a Notice to Quit is served on them and that it will be due the month following the notice. Make the charge reasonable. Cover the cost of having it served and also your time.
2: Property Managers and Landlords should require the renter’s full name, date of birth and license and social security number. (Verify these by seeing the actual driver’s license).
3: Videotape the apartment while it is empty and before you sign a lease. Inspect the apartment with the prospect and show them the video. I would be a good idea to have them sign verifying the video and inspection.
4: If you have any basic rules as to noise, additional occupants, parking and storage of anything outside the basic unit, give them a copy and have them initial on for the record.
5: If you collect a security deposit and or last months rent remember it must be put into an interest bearing escarp account.
Covering these basic principles can save you a lot of anxiety at a later date and will avoid any misunderstandings.
Many of the forms you will need are available on my website for free. Visit our free legal forms section.
If you have any questions you may be wise to have an Attorney read and possibly help create these documents.
Please feel free to call my office anytime with any questions. #781-837-0500.
This is a work in progress so check back periodically.
Kevin,
Thank you for the tips. I never thought to video taping before a rental.
Thanks, Judy. I’ll be writing these once per week, so if you have any recommendations please let me know.