I try to buy properties in desirable areas, and take great care to maintain them, so quite often I get applications from ex-pats (workers from other countries that have been transferred by their companies, often for several years). Should you consider renting to an ex-pat? The answer is complicated. There are several universal issues … Continue reading Running your rental business: Should you lease to an ex-pat?
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A landlord’s debate: should you show your property while the current tenants are still there?
Unless you give up on being a landlord immediately, you'll be faced with renting out a property after you have already have had it rented out. This presents a different set of problems than, for example, having your own house up for sale. With your own house, you know that you can keep it clean … Continue reading A landlord’s debate: should you show your property while the current tenants are still there?
Running your rental business: An example of a Tenant Selection Criteria letter
I recommended setting up tenant selection criteria on my last blog (Running your rental business: Use established guidelines to clear potential tenants and avoid legal problems). I recommend doing this for several reasons: It helps you focus on what kind of renter you are looking for, It will let the prospective tenant know what is … Continue reading Running your rental business: An example of a Tenant Selection Criteria letter
Starting and running your rental business: another insurance mistake to avoid
I have an acquaintance that I'll call "George". George was relocated and decided to rent out his property rather than sell. He diligently called his insurance company and purchased renters insurance, signed the paperwork, paid every year, and didn't give it another thought. About now alarm bells should be going off in your head. Why? … Continue reading Starting and running your rental business: another insurance mistake to avoid
Running your rental business: What should you do when tenants want to renew, but only for a lower rent?
As a landlord, at some point you'll be faced with this decision: Your tenants want to extend their lease for another year, but only at a lower price. There are several important considerations to help guide you through this decision. The first question I have for you may surprise you, but has played an important … Continue reading Running your rental business: What should you do when tenants want to renew, but only for a lower rent?
Starting your rental business: Know the difference between active and passive income
Of course you're becoming a landlord to make money, but part of your business's success comes at tax time. How you're taxed -- as active or passive income -- makes a difference to your bottom line. In future blogs, I'll discuss how to determine if you qualify for active/material participation, and the advantages of either … Continue reading Starting your rental business: Know the difference between active and passive income
The Landlord List: Information to leave with your tenants
When you are checking in your renters, they will be overwhelmed with information from you, in addition to all the stress of moving. Even if you go through these items when you meet with them, leaving printouts of instructions will be invaluable to them. Plus, if they know how to take care of your property, … Continue reading The Landlord List: Information to leave with your tenants
Tricks of the Trade: An easy way to keep track of property management hours and miles
As a property manager, you will need to keep track of miles and hours for a variety of reasons, mostly tax-related. You also will find yourself making notes about when renters contact you and when repairs are made. I used to have a separate notebook for each property, and made copious notes. As … Continue reading Tricks of the Trade: An easy way to keep track of property management hours and miles
Running your rental business: A quick tip to avoid an insurance nightmare
Make sure that your business and personal names match up on your mortgages and rental properties. If not, you could be denied coverage when you need it, based on a mere technicality. Often this is not easy. You will likely have to take out mortgages in your name, whereas your property will likely be … Continue reading Running your rental business: A quick tip to avoid an insurance nightmare
Running your rental business: Should you set up a separate property management company?
Maybe! Having your properties and management duties separated into different companies can have many advantages. The main advantage of creating a management company is that you can easily deduct office expenses (even if that's a home office), vehicle expenses, and employee costs. You can arrange healthcare for your employees, and set up retirement programs. A … Continue reading Running your rental business: Should you set up a separate property management company?
