Renting Apartment Guide -  Landlord Guide

      
       If you are a landlord, following the simple  suggestions below will minimize problems you may have with your tenants.
      Get references about your tenant. Check his/her credit history, rental history. You may also want to make sure your tenant will be able to pay the rent regularly.
You need to make sure your requirements are legal and applied to all applicants equally. Also do background check for managers and caretakers.
      All important terms of lease or rental agreement should be in writing.
      Security deposits collected at the begiining of tenancy should be handled fairly.
Document conditions apartment before tenant moves in and after he  moves out.
      Make sure the apartment or rental unit is secure and healthy. Make repairs when needed. If you fail to do repairs, tenant may keep the rent, end tenancy legally or sue for damages caused by your neglience.
      Respect privacy of your tenants. You should provide a notice before you enter
tenant's unit.
       If there is lead or mold in the unit, tell your tenants about it.
       Try to resolve disputes without lawyers or courts. If you can't resolve problems with your landlord informally, consider mediation by third parties. Going to court should be the last option.
        Buy insurance to help protect you against losses in case of burglary,  fire, storms, flooding, tenant lawsuits.