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Surprise, surprise...
Tenants want to be safe. And they expect you to help make it happen.
You know, things like:
- Doors that lock.
- Smoke detectors that work.
- An underground bunker with a year's supply of non-perishable food.
Sure, you wanna keep Tenants safe.
But when they...
Be honest:
Do you think we're just whistlin' Dixie with these emails?!?
Why do we keep talking about eviction notices?
And why did we spend hours building this free guide to help you get it right?
* raises hand slowly *
Because some good-lookin' readers of The Brief...
Uh oh, this Landlord is about to lose it.
And you'll never guess why...
* cue Jeopardy music *
The Tenant threw a late night karaoke party.
And the grand prize went to the best cover of Whitney Houston's 'I Will Always Love You.'
This symphony of tone-deaf cats put on a show...
Have you heard of Section 8?
It's where Uncle Sam helps Tenants pay rent.
And like most government stuff, it comes with a bunch of strings.
Most Landlords didn't take Section 8 Tenants.
Until this law made you.
Just kidding. Kinda.
Here's the deal:
You can't deny a Tenant because they...
The only thing you learned in 1st Grade:
Tattle-tales don't make friends.
But it may keep ya outta trouble.
Truth is...
Most Tenant problems have been going on for months.
One mouse turns into an all-out takeover.
A leaky faucet becomes an indoor swimming pool.
The living room...
This makes no sense.
You sued a Tenant.
And won (thanks to these lawyers).
The Judge gave two weeks for the guy to get out.
But instead of packing up, he hit the town with some buddies.
And ended up in the slammer.
Rumor has it his cronies are gonna watch over your house until he gets out.
...It's a beautiful day in the park.
Warm weather.
Kids laughing.
The sky so blue you can almost see forever...
Then your phone rings.
It's an old Tenant (and he's pissed).
He wants the security deposit back - NOW!
If not, Mr. Corleone may pay you a visit.
Whoa, hold on there,...
Here's a fast way to get into trouble:
Take legal advice from DIY Landlords.
Like this guy...
A Landlord asked a DIY forum about separate bank accounts.
One for each rental house.
Here's a response:
"Yes, do it! If you get sued, they can only take money from that home's bank...
New year, new law.
And no - they're not banning pineapple on pizza (yet).
Nope, we're talking smoke alarms.
Here's the scoop:
10-year battery sealed smoke alarms must be in every rental home (starting January 1, 2023).
You can find the loopholes exceptions here.
...
Words you love to hear:
Cold. Hard. Cash.
Let's say a prospective Tenant offers you this, but with a catch...
"I'll pay 3 months rent - in cash - if I can get the keys tonight."
Hmmm...
Is this Tenant a baller (or shady)?
Here's a pro tip to help you decide.
* taps mic *
...
Lock your doors.
There's a thief on the loose.
Wanna guess what they stole?
* drumroll please *
A toilet seat.
Go ahead - rub your eyes and read that again.
A Legal Plan Member had a toilet seat stolen by a rogue Tenant.
We know.
It sounds crazy.
Who in their right mind would steal a...
It all started innocent enough...
A Legal Plan Member called to confirm he was right.
He was showing the Legal Plan to a friend.
Shared how he chats with yours truly (without getting billed).
And that he feels safe using Illinois' most up-to-date lease.
Yada...