Landlord Tenant Law Firms
Rental property can be very profitable, but being a landlord comes with a large amount of risk and liability. When you rent out a residence, you always take the chance that the tenants will do more damage than the security deposit will pay for. And that is just one concern. As a landlord you have responsibilities, such as keeping the residence livable and safe. You also need to protect yourself from discrimination claims, lawsuits for improper evictions, and much more. A landlord/tenant law firm can help you get it right from the beginning, protect your legal rights, and help you protect your investment.
Leases and Rental Agreements
The lease or rental agreement sets the stage for everything that happens in the future. It defines your rights and responsibilities as well as your tenant’s rights and responsibilities. A poorly drafted lease can lead to financial disaster for a landlord. Sure, you can download a “standard” lease agreement online for free, but it could cost you the value of your property or more, in the long run.
One of the most important things that you can do to protect yourself as a landlord is to have an experienced, local landlord/tenant lawyer draft or review your lease agreement. This will ensure that it includes everything it must for the specific location of your rental property and that all of the provisions are enforceable.
Avoiding Discrimination Claims
Anti-discrimination laws are meant to make the world a better, fairer place, but all good things can have unintended consequences. You would not believe how easy it is to get on the wrong side of fair housing laws and find yourself slapped with a discrimination claim, all because of an innocent mistake.
Discrimination is prohibited by federal law as well as some states and local jurisdictions. There are rules regarding the wording of your advertisements, the questions you ask prospective tenants and more. And the law is constantly evolving. As a landlord you can never go on assumptions. You have to stay abreast of the law to protect yourself
For instance, in some jurisdictions you can be in violation simply by asking potential tenants if they are married. No matter where you are, you should avoid asking where they were born or what church they go to.
A highly credentialed landlord/tenant law firm in your area can give you specific advice for screening potential tenants for your property, and help you avoid a discrimination claim.
To learn more about landlord representation, please search this directory for an excellent landlord tenant law firm in your area.