Every guide, most-recent first.
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The Eviction Process, Step by Step
Notice, filing, judgment, and lockout — how the process actually runs in most states.
Security Deposits, State by State
Caps, escrow rules, interest requirements, and return deadlines vary wildly. Here's how to keep yours out of court.
Raising the Rent Legally
Notice periods, rent control caps, and how to document an increase so it sticks.
Writing a Residential Lease That Holds Up
A checklist of the essential clauses in a small-landlord lease, plus the ones that quietly cause disputes.
Fair Housing for Small Landlords
The seven federal protected classes, the state additions, and the advertising rules that trip up new landlords.
The Implied Warranty of Habitability
What 'habitable' means, when the clock starts, and what happens if you miss it.
Ending a Month-to-Month Tenancy
The notice period, the written form, and the without-cause states versus just-cause states.
Month-to-Month vs. Fixed-Term Leases
Flexibility, rent adjustments, and turnover risk — how to pick the term that fits the property.
Handling Repair Requests Without Creating Liability
A simple intake process protects habitability compliance and the paper trail you'll want later.
Itemizing Security Deposit Deductions
The written statement that turns 'I kept your deposit' into 'here's exactly why.'
Schedule E for Small Landlords
Rental income, deductible expenses, depreciation, and the passive activity rules.
Late Fees That Will Actually Stand Up in Court
Grace periods, percentage caps, and the 'liquidated damages' rule courts use to strike down excessive fees.
Assistance Animals and ESAs
How to evaluate a request, what documentation you can ask for, and what you can't.
Records Every Landlord Should Keep
The paperwork the IRS, your insurer, and a judge will want to see.
What to Do With Abandoned Property
Storage requirements, notice to the former tenant, and when you can sell or dispose.
Writing a Notice to Pay or Quit
The single most important document in an eviction. Get it wrong and the case restarts.