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:
Louisiana Rental Laws Guide
Being one of the most affordable states to own a home is only one of many perks for investing in the home of Mardi Gras, cajun cuisine and warm evenings. It does not hurt that landlord-tenant laws seem to be in favor of a landlord. There are many opportunities for...
6 Must-Have Traits for a Real Estate Investing Partner
Ever thought about partnering on a real estate deal? Cut your risk by 50%? Get twice as much experience working for you? Do twice as many deals? Real estate investing partnerships can be fantastic, helping investors do all of the above. Or they...
Kentucky Rental Laws Guide
Not only known as the bluegrass state and the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Kentucky is rich in history and good ol' fashioned barbecue. Real estate investors of rental property can relax in the landlord-friendly state regulations. Although no law exists...
Should Sellers Ever Consider “Cash for Ugly Homes” Buyers?
A month ago, I sat at the kitchen table with a friend, sorting through her pile of bills. Illness and the loss of her job were making it hard to keep up with her mortgage payments. Suddenly those roadside signs touting “Cash for your home,” “We Buy Ugly Homes,” “Sell...
Want Proof You’re Special? Stats Show Real Estate Investors Far from Average
Who wants to be average? I don’t. If you’re a real estate investor and/or landlord, you probably don’t either. Even homeowners are so far ahead of renters’ wealth that it’s shocking. According to the last Federal Reserve survey (conducted every three years), the...
Kansas Rental Law Guide
Besides being home to Dorothy and Toto, Kansas is America’s second largest producer of beef cattle (second only to Texas). At a Glance: Late Fees: Kansas does not have a law limiting the amount the landlord may charge to a tenant who is late on rent. Security Deposit:...






