Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies

Howdy, landlord! Get on the right side of the law with Dummies Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies contains all the resources landlords need to unpack the legal side of renting properties. Inside you'll find worksheets, templates, and friendly explanations that will help you find success. Once you have your property and your tenants, you'll need to make sure you operate within your rights, complete all the necessary admin, and handle taxes in an accurate and timely way. This book can help you do just that, with the latest paperwork, helpful details and examples, and a breakdown of taxes and laws. Plus, you can go beyond the book by accessing online documents that take your learning to the next level. Understand all the latest housing laws that pertain to your specific rental situation Find drafts of all the legal forms you’ll need as a landlord Access easy-to-use tax worksheets and clear descriptions of tax rules without legal jargon Recognize your rights as a landlord and understand your tenants' rights This is the perfect Dummies guide for both new and experienced landlords who need a hands-on legal reference for all the laws surrounding rent, rental properties, and tenants.

Introduction 1 Part 1: Getting Started with Landlording Fundamentals 5 Chapter 1: The Legal Fundamentals of Managing Residential Rentals 7 Chapter 2: Protecting Your Legal Assets 23 Chapter 3: Taking Possession of a Rental Property 49 Chapter 4: Hiring a Property Manager 69 Part 2: Advertising and Taking on New Tenants Legally 93 Chapter 5: Getting Current about Fair Housing 95 Chapter 6: The Legal Aspects of Advertising 125 Chapter 7: Rent Collection and Rent Control 139 Chapter 8: Screening Applicants 171 Chapter 9: Composing Your Rental Contract 191 Chapter 10: Establishing a Security Deposit Policy 225 Chapter 11: Moving in a New Tenant 245 Part 3: Recognizing Your Responsibilities and Liabilities 265 Chapter 12: Repairing and Maintaining the Premises 267 Chapter 13: Minimizing Injuries from Potentially Dangerous Conditions 289 Chapter 14: Preventing and Minimizing Hazardous Environmental Conditions 303 Chapter 15: Protecting Tenants and Workers from Criminal Acts 323 Chapter 16: Understanding Tenant Privacy and Your Right to Enter the Premises 345 Chapter 17: Resolving Landlord-Tenant Disputes 359 Part 4: Changing and Ending Leases 373 Chapter 18: Handling Co-Tenancies, Sublets, Assignments, and Guests 375 Chapter 19: Revising and Terminating Rental Contracts 383 Chapter 20: Moving a Tenant Out 397 Part 5: The Part of Tens 403 Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Staying Out of Legal Trouble 405 Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Being a Better Landlord 411 Index 417