Renting out a home
For the owner with one rental, or a few
A lease you downloaded may not fit your house or your state. I write one that does, and the notices you'll want on hand.
Most of my landlord clients own one to four houses or duplexes. They manage them themselves, and they'd rather spend an hour on a lease now than a month in court later.
In the lease
What a good lease settles up front
Rent and late fees
When it's due, how it's paid, and a late fee your state's rules allow.
The deposit
How much, what it can be used for, and how and when it comes back.
Repairs
Who fixes what, how a tenant asks, and how fast you'll answer.
Pets, guests and parking
Your house rules, written so they can be enforced.
Entry
When you can come in, and how much notice you'll give.
Ending the lease
Renewal, notice to move out, and what happens if someone leaves early.
The package
One price for the lease
The fee covers one property. A second property on the same lease form costs less.
Renting out a home
A lease written for one rental house or duplex, and the papers that go with it.
- Lease written for your property and your rules
- Move-in checklist and deposit terms
- Notice forms for late rent and repairs
- One round of changes after you read it
- Court filing and service fees
- Eviction hearings, quoted on their own
- Term:
- Flat fee, per property
If a tenant has to go, you get a separate flat quote first.
Landlords ask
Questions from owners
Can you handle an eviction?
Yes, but it isn't part of the lease package. If a tenant has to go, I'll give you a flat quote for the notice and the hearing before anything is filed, along with the court's own costs.
I already have a lease. Can you just read it?
Yes. A lease review is a smaller flat fee; send it over and I'll quote it.
Do you work for tenants?
Not in this practice. I represent owners, so I can't advise a tenant on a dispute with a landlord.
Have a tenant moving in soon?
Tell me the move-in date. I'll tell you when the lease will be ready.