Leasing & Onboarding New Renters
Everything you need to know about signing new lease agreements and onboarding new tenants.
Preparing to sign a lease agreement?
Don’t sign it lightly.
Have you collected rental applications from a large pool of candidates? Have you run credit, criminal and eviction reports on all applicants? Collected application fees or charged the screening reports to the renter, to verify they’re committed?
If you’ve done all that, and made all the phone calls to verify income, employment, housing history, etc., and you feel 100% rock solid about this tenant… now you need to make sure you have a defensive lease agreement.
Think of your lease agreement as your shield, your armor. Most state landlord-tenant laws are extremely tenant-friendly, and designed to protect the renter, not the landlord. That means you’re responsible for protecting yourself.
How do you do that? With a comprehensive, protective lease package. Read on for more details, and happy leasing!
“Required Reading” – Start Here First!
Want more? We have you covered! Here’s some further reading on lease agreements, security deposits, move-in and everything else you need to know about onboarding new renters.
Full Library of Leasing & New Tenancy Articles:
Arkansas Rental Laws Guide
Landlord-friendly states are becoming less common these days. However, Arkansas is one of the few states that has retained that title. Despite this, rental vacancies are dwindling and rental rates are rising. While the laws may be more landlord-friendly than most...
California Rental Laws Guide
California offers many temptations for both landlords and tenants. Generally, California's rental laws favor the tenant. But given the demand for housing, weather, diverse cultures and amenities throughout the state, real estate investment remains lucrative. It is...
Arizona Rental Laws Guide
A hub for retirees, snow birds, golfers, hiking lovers and anyone who hates the cold, Arizona has plenty of landlord-tenant law quirks. Here's a quick reference guide for AZ landlord-tenant laws. At a Glance: Security Deposit Limit: 1.5 months' rent unless the...
Alaska Rental Laws Guide
Alaska is known for its mountainous beauty, vast wildlife and mighty winter seasons. The northernmost state also tends to be an expensive state to live, whether purchasing real estate or renting. For real estate investors, it is not only a landlord-friendly state with...
Alabama Rental Laws Guide
Alabama ranks among the more landlord-friendly states. As a matter of fact, until the year 2007, there was little to no law protecting the tenant. But times are changing and it is important that all Alabama landlords and property investors be familiar with the...
Maryland Rental Laws Guide
Maryland is a relatively tenant-friendly state. From stern security deposit regulations to required lease disclosures to mandatory rental property registrations, every move you make as a landlord is regulated by the state and often the county as well. Be careful in...






