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An issue you will face as a property owner is whether you will allow pets on the property. Even if you’re an animal lover, you might find that creating a pet-friendly atmosphere is more challenging than you realize. Before you decide whether allowing tenants with pets is right for your property, consider the pros and cons of this option.  

Pros of Allowing Pets

Many Maryland property owners decide to allow pets due to the positive advantages that pet-friendly properties bring. Here are a few benefits to consider. (more…)

The internet makes many things easier, but using it to manage your life carries some safety and financial concerns. When you are looking for a new apartment to rent, an important safety rule for your online activity is to question everything. In particular, look out for common rental scams that target Maryland residents. 

Watch Out for Low Rental Rates

When it comes to protecting yourself from rental scams, understanding Maryland’s landlord-tenant laws will help. Additionally, react suspiciously to listings that seem too good to be true. A rental rate that’s considerably lower than the rates for similar properties in the area can serve as a warning.  (more…)

In an ideal situation, no landlord or tenant would ever have to deal with pests in or around a rental property. However, pest infestations are common, especially if landlords and tenants don’t take certain precautions. 

Understanding state laws is essential for landlords. If you own a rental property in Maryland, what are you responsible for when it comes to preventing pests or dealing with an infestation? 

Pest Control Responsibilities According to Maryland Law

In Maryland, landlords must provide a pest-free dwelling for any tenants moving in. Once the tenant is living on the property, it becomes their responsibility to keep the property clean and prevent pest infestations to the best of their ability.  (more…)

As a property owner, it’s important to be familiar with your state’s laws and regulations when it comes to renting out your home. If your tenant’s rights aren’t properly respected, you could end up paying costly penalties or even embroiled in legal trouble. 

One particularly important aspect of maintaining a property rental is whether your state has laws surrounding rent control. 

Can You Raise Rent in Maryland?

Maryland is one of several states in the country that does not legally enforce rent control. What that means is that Maryland has no formal restrictions on raising rent, and tenants are not entitled to specific rent control practices from their landlords.  (more…)

One of the perks of owning rental property is that you’ll have a passive source of income that doesn’t require your constant attention. There will be matters that need your attention, but planning for them can simplify your property management experience. These tips will help you manage your property from anywhere in the world.  

Have a Plan for Filling Vacancies

The most time-intensive aspect of owning rental property is filling vacant units. You’ll have to market the vacancy and prepare it for showings. Once you start receiving inquiries, you’ll begin the process of screening your potential tenants. You won’t have to be on-site if you have a plan for dealing with this process.  (more…)

Is it possible to run a background check on a potential tenant? Yes, and you should do this before selecting any applicant to live in your rental property. A thorough background check will protect you, your property, and your other tenants by ensuring your next tenant is an upstanding and high-quality candidate. 

Make Sure You Get Consent

Federal laws require that any potential employee or tenant provide consent before submitting to a background check. In addition to knowing what questions to ask on your rental application, printing online consent forms can simplify this process. Make sure to use a form that requests the applicant’s full name, date of birth, and recent address.  (more…)

An important aspect of screening potential tenants is conducting a credit check. You might not know what this process involves if you’re new to managing rental property. Learning how to conduct a thorough credit check will help you choose the highest-quality candidates as you seek to fill rental vacancies. 

Get the Tenant’s Permission

You will need to obtain written permission from each applicant to run the background check. You might also want to require that each applicant pays their own credit check fee. The fees can range from $25 up to $75 per credit check.  (more…)

Your rental property won’t earn you that passive income when your units are vacant. While that makes it essential to fill vacancies quickly, your eagerness to find new tenants shouldn’t involve accepting the first candidate to submit an application. Knowing how to screen each candidate will help you choose the best tenant for your property. 

Review the Application

The hope in marketing your property is that you’ll end up with many applications from high-quality tenants. While each application might seem ideal at first glance, it’s important to read between the lines. Know the red flags of a poor tenant. (more…)

No matter the state or city they live in, every rental property owner should be aware of the federal Fair Housing Act. This act was created to prevent landlords across the country from discriminating against potential tenants for a variety of reasons. 

The Fair Housing Act is essential for tenant rights. That said, following its regulations can be difficult, especially when your local laws come into play as well. Here are a few common myths about the Fair Housing Act.  (more…)

As the owner of a rental property, keeping up with your state’s standards for home safety is crucial. These standards are in place for a reason, and they help keep both your tenants and your property safe. 

Safety Must-Haves for Rental Properties

Not sure what features your rental property needs for optimal safety? Here are a few common examples. You can combine these and other safety features into a checklist to review between tenants or during routine mid-lease inspections. 

Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors can be life-saving in the event of a fire or gas leak. That’s why both should be present on your rental property. Research local laws to learn about where in the house these detectors should be installed.  (more…)