Table of Contents
Introduction
Chapter 1: Your Rent: Laying Down the Law
When It’s Due
Where It’s Due
How It’s Due
Partial Payments
Increasing Rent
Charging Late Fees
Charging NSF Fees
Chapter 2: Security Deposits: Proper Collection and Handling
How Much Can You Collect?
Earning and Paying Interest
Where to Keep the Deposit
Increasing the Deposit
Selling the Property (Transferring the Deposit)
Chapter 3: Returning the Security Deposit: How to Avoid a Showdown!
Move-Out Letter
Move-Out Inspection
Cleaning and Repairing
Time Limits
Normal Wear and Tear
Itemizing Damage and Deductions
Interest Earned
Common Disputes
Unpaid Rent
Co-tenants
What If a Tenant Sues Me?
Chapter 4: Other Deposits and Fees: What to Charge For and What Not To
Application Fees
Cleaning Fees
Last Month’s Rent Deposits
Pet Deposits
Chapter 5: Landlord’s Duties: Maintenance and Repairs
What You Must Do
What If You Don’t Do It?
Chapter 6: Landlord’s Entry: Getting Access to Your Property
Maintenance and Repairs
In Case of Emergency
Tenants’ Extended Absence
Showing the Property
Notice Required
Chapter 7: Landlord’s Liability, Part I: Protecting Yourself and Your Tenants
What Makes You Negligent
Condition of the Property
How to Protect Yourself Financially
Chapter 8: Landlord’s Liability, Part II: Specific Environmental Hazards
Lead in Paint and Water
Asbestos
Mold
Carbon Monoxide Gas
Radon Gas
Chapter 9: Modifying Lease Terms: What You Can Change and How to Do It
What Can Be Changed
How to Cover Yourself Legally
Notification Requirements for Each State
Chapter 10: Occupants: Who, How and Why
Before You Find Yourself in This Situation
Defining Co-tenant, Subletting and Assignment
Co-tenant Legal Situations
Subletting Legal Situations
Assignment Legal Situations
How to Add a New Co-tenant, Sublet or Assign a Lease
When You Should Consider Accepting Subletting or Assigning
Chapter 11: Retaliation: Staying on Higher Ground
What Is Retaliation
Time Requirements
How to Avoid an Accusation of Retaliation
Chapter 12: Evictions, Part I: General Information
The Steps to Eviction
Types of Termination: With and Without Cause
Persistently Troubling Tenants
Evicting by Force or Intimidation
Chapter 13: Evictions, Part II: In Detail
Giving Notice
Complaint/Court Summons
Trial
Winning or Losing
Chapter 14: Attorneys: Friend or Foe?
When Is It Necessary to Hire an Attorney?
Finding an Attorney
Curbing Attorney Fees
Case Law Takes Precedence
Where to Find Laws and Statutes
Chapter 15: Landlord-Tenant Laws: State by State
Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
District of Columbia
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming
Conclusion
Appendix A: A Radon Guide for Tenants: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Appendix B: Asbestos Standard for General Industry: U.S. Department of Labor
Appendix C: Servicemembers Civil Relief Act: Title III
Appendix D: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Appendix E: Carbon Monoxide Fact Sheet: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Appendix F: A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Appendix G: Fair Housing Poster: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Appendix H: Fair Housing Act: Federal Housing Administration
Appendix I: Bonus CD-ROM: The American Landlord Law Resource Center
Installation Instructions
Terms of Use
How to Personalize a Rental Form
The End Result
Index
