Sign Up

Latest from The Brief

Not subscribed?  Change that.

Some Tenants are mad about this Nov 30, 2023

Never fails:

It's inspection time (and the Tenant is busy).

You gave them a Notice of Entry.

And picked a time late next week.

But go figure, the Tenant can't make it...

Working overtime.

Kids have practice.

Two-stepping the night away at the local line dance club.

Tough cookies.

You're...

Read on...
A rare win for Illinois landlords Nov 23, 2023

They don't always end this way:

Johnny gets a rental app for his sweet condo.

Everything checks out, Sally moves in.

Trouble is, she brought a secret roommate - Mr. Whiskers.

Now, Mr. Whiskers isn't your average furball...

He's an emotional support animal (ESA).

Gee, Sally missed that...

Read on...
When to reject a Tenant's cash Nov 16, 2023

Picture this:

You're dominating Monopoly, like a boss.

Then your almost bankrupt buddy pulls a fast one:

 He slaps down the 'Get Out of Jail Free' card.

We saw a Tenant do just that.

And it was the Landlord's fault...

Here's what happened:

Tenant didn't pay.

Landlord served the ole '...

Read on...
How to avoid the big freeze from your Tenant Nov 09, 2023

Rumor has it you like saving cash.

Clipping coupons.

Waiting for 2-for-1 taco Tuesdays.

Moonlighting as a karaoke DJ.

Guess what:

Your Tenant wants to save some coin too.

And now that cooler temps are here, make sure turning the heat off ain't one of 'em.

Make your lease...

Read on...
Death, taxes and a Tenant's stuff Nov 02, 2023

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

The grim reaper.

And he's just taken one of your Tenants.

Trouble is, he left their stuff in your house.

Ain't no hearse gotta u-haul!

 

Picture this:

Your Tenant kicks the bucket (and leaves stuff in the house).

Then Aunt Sally shows up with a keen interest...

Read on...
The #1 mistake with eviction notices Oct 12, 2023

So, you've got this swanky pad and the Tenant keeps pushing your buttons.

You've had enough.

So you figure, "I'll slap an eviction notice on their door - that'll show 'em!"

Oh... kayyyy.

Well, um, in case ya didn't know:

That's a bad idea. And it'll have you rewriting...

Read on...
A lease trick - show you? Oct 05, 2023

Ever find that perfect series finale?

Where everything wraps up like it should...

No cliffhangers.

No unanswered questions (looking at you, "Lost").

 

It's just... done.

Well, you can apply this same magic in your lease.

If your lease has a clear end date, then no termination...

Read on...
Turn your toolbox into cash Sep 20, 2023

Ever fixed a pesky sink leak at your rental?

Or painted over some crayon art left by the ex-Tenant's kiddos?

You're hired, kid!

 

Ever thought, "Hey, I should make a buck or three for this..."

Good news, you can.

If it's in your lease.

Yup:

You can slap a price tag on your DIY chops.

We know...

Read on...
Don't put this off Sep 14, 2023

Ever had a Tenant play the "I promise to pay next week" card?

Oh, those sweet promises...

Kinda like those New Year's resolutions we all forget about by February.

Here's the deal:

Promises don't pay the bills.

But you know what does?!?

Being proactive.

So, when the rent's late,...

Read on...
NEW LAW for radon in rentals Aug 17, 2023

So, radon - you've heard of it, right?

That sneaky, invisible gas that can wreck your health.

Kinda like that silent-but-deadly Uncle at family meals.

Don't. You. Dare.

Well, the law changed - again.

This time, it's the Illinois Radon Awareness Act.

Starting January 1, 2024, you gotta be more...

Read on...
Would you call the cops? Aug 10, 2023

Ever had that "Oh, snap!" moment during a routine inspection?

You know, where you peek in the closet.

Maybe snoop around the corner.

Then find a scene more like Breaking Bad than Full House?

Here's the deal:

If you ever find something and wonder "is that even legal" - start...

Read on...
Who gets first dibs on your crib? Aug 03, 2023

Ever heard of a "right of first refusal"?

Sounds like a medieval jousting term.

I hereby claim a right of first refusal to your dragon! 

Like most things in law, it's a fancy term for a simple idea:

Someone gets the first shot to buy your house.

Now, you wouldn't give...

Read on...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11