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Alert the press.
The security deposit rules changed.
And it's doesn't hurt just the big guys anymore.
Before January 1, 2024, the Security Deposit Return Act only applied to landlords with 5 or more units.
Small fries like you?
You got a free pass.
Not anymore.
Now, before you panic and thi...
You hit the landlord jackpot.
Your tenant moved out.
No damage.
The place is clean.
And there's no science experiments in the fridge.
Now, the tenant wants their security deposit back.
By law, they can get it.
Trying to keep their money means they'll get more of yours.
Good luck even finan...
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 the evction ove...
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 one....
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, "Wh...
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 business.
And the...
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 if there's...
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 rent is ...
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 labor...
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 ...
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 there....
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 yo...