Both the landlord and their tenant have a responsibility to abide by their lease and avoid breaking the terms of their agreement. However, lease enforcement can be difficult while also trying to avoid coming across as a bad landlord.
As a property owner, it's important to stay on top of your renters to avoid surprises when they eventually move out. It also helps you stay legally protected if you prevent tenants from performing illegal activities on your property.
Here are some ways to enforce your rental property rules and lease agreement.
Run Background Checks
The best way to enforce a tenant lease is by making sure to rent out to someone with a good rental history. Run comprehensive background checks on potential tenants to learn about their previous housing situation, current employment, and any criminal history.
One way to make this process easier is by outsourcing it. When you outsource your tenant screening process, you save money and time as well as ensure legal compliance.
Create a Detailed Contract
Make sure that your contract details everything your tenant can and can't do on your property. Failing to do so can mean losing protection against unruly tenants who work against your best interests.
Some items to include in your rental lease include:
- The signed parties
- The term of the tenancy
- Security deposit
- Pets and any pet fees
- Areas the landlord can access for repairs and inspections
- Responsibility for damaged property
What you mention in your agreement will depend on how many areas you want to cover and how you want your tenants to use the property. Always have a real estate lawyer double-check your contract for any contradictions or missing items.
Stay In Touch With Renters
Lease enforcement is difficult if you don't put in the effort to enforce it. The best way to do so is by keeping consistent lines of communication with your renters.
This doesn't have to mean handing out your home phone number for them to call. If you rely on a property management company, they can take calls for you and let you know about any issues that come up.
Perform Routine Inspections
In addition to staying in touch with your renters, take the time to perform routine inspections on all of your properties.
A full-service property management company in Phoenix can help with this if you have a lot on your plate. However, it is advised that you also take the time to visit your properties to make sure everything is up to your standards.
Perfect Your Lease Enforcement Practices
Lease enforcement is arguably one of the most important parts of renting out a property. Without rules, you set yourself up for all kinds of legal repercussions and challenges. It also helps establish boundaries with your tenants and how they can behave on your property.
PMI Real Estate Services provides property management for Phoenix and its surrounding communities. Our services cover residential, association, short-term rentals, and commercial properties. Contact us with any questions and set up a consultation online.
