Sign Up

Latest from The Brief

Not subscribed?  Change that.

A dork move from a smart Landlord May 15, 2024

Real sad story here:

A Landlord wanted a Tenant gone.

He heard about 5, 10, & 30 day eviction notices.

And he used the 5 Day Notice (because he wanted the Tenant out, fast).

If it were only that easy! 

He used the wrong notice, for the wrong reason.

And the Judge made him start...

Read on...
But are you really sure it's still legal? May 09, 2024

Everyone asks us for legal tips.

Here's a good one:

Use e-signatures on your lease.

It's fast, easy, and legally enforceable.

Which was news to one Tenant...

They said, "I didn't sign, so it's not legal."

And boy were they miffed about a digital signature!

We have an angry Tenant on line...

Read on...
This doesn't count for a security deposit May 02, 2024

Our latest conspiracy theory:

Tenant's will do anything to dodge paying with cash.

Here's one:

A Tenant offers to swap sweat for the security deposit.

They'll paint walls.

Fix the squeaky door.

Even turn your jungle of a garden into a Zen retreat.

Sounds tempting, right?

You're thinking,...

Read on...
What a verbal lease means for you Apr 25, 2024

The new Tenant seems chill.

And has the deposit in hand.

So you shake hands, and skip the paperwork.

It just seems, so, formal!

All is good.

But then rent goes missing.

Aunt Sally turns the couch into her new digs.

And things spiral...

So you lawyer up with the best in the...

Read on...
Ask this before buying your next rental Apr 18, 2024

We wish we were kidding.

But it happens all the time.

A Landlord buys a sweet rental.

And thinks they can force the existing Tenant to sign their killer lease.

There's a new sheriff in town boiz!!

Not so fast, cowboy.

You can't just waltz in and start changing the rules.

Especially...

Read on...
Uh-oh, are you charging late fees for this? Apr 10, 2024

It's been a rocky year.

And let's be real, times are getting tight.

So rent won't always hit your bank on time.

Sometimes, only part of it shows up.

Something is better than nothing, right?!?

Which gets greedy smart Landlords thinking...

Can you charge a late fee when only some of the...

Read on...
Can you really bill for that?! Apr 04, 2024

Days like yesterday suck.

Here's what happened:

Tenant moves out (and leaves a mess).

Landlord rolls up their sleeves, fixes it themselves.

Have you seen a contractor's rate lately?!?

Now, she wants paid for her work.

But some rando on the internet said Landlords can't charge for their...

Read on...
Keep this circus out of your backyard Mar 28, 2024

It's part of being a Landlord:

Tenants turn your backyard into an episode of "America's Got Liability."

You know, things like a trampoline.

You can see it now:

Little Susie tries a double somersault, goes for gold, and ends up in the ER.

And guess who's getting sued?!?

Hint: it ain't little...

Read on...
Remember this for your next inspection Mar 21, 2024

A Landlord recently asked:

"Can I have someone else do the routine inspection?"

They were kickin' back in Hawaii.

Waves crashing, mai tai in hand, and then...

The Tenant pulled a fast one.

And wouldn't let the handyman do the inspection.

Why?!?

Well, the Tenant thought she needed to be...

Read on...
Another new law for Illinois landlords Mar 14, 2024

Hate to ruin your day, but here it goes:

Uncle Sam's got a new trick up his sleeve.

Here's the scoop:

Got an LLC for your property?

Ah, you thought you were slick, didn't you?

Dodging those personal liability bullets like Neo in "The Matrix."

Well, hold onto your hats.

There's a new form you...

Read on...
Can't believe a Landlord did this Feb 22, 2024

Feels like the right time to mention:

Temptation's a beast.

Especially when you're staring down the stack of mail addressed to your ex-Tenant.

Maybe you're thinking, "Just a quick peek to see if there's anything urgent..."

Hold up.

It's crazy stuff like this that gets Uncle Ed in trouble....

Read on...
Harsh (but helpful) truth Feb 15, 2024

A tale as old as time:

Your Tenant does a Houdini, vanishes before the lease ends.

And there you stand...

Peering into the void of your now silent apartment.

This place always been an echo chamber (or just the sound of my cashflow disappearing)?!?

What to do?

Throw a pity party.

Host a solo...

Read on...