Landlord's Legal Kit For Dummies

Introduction 1

Part 1: Getting Started with Landlording Fundamentals 5

Chapter 1: The Legal Fundamentals of Managing Residential Rentals 7

Chapter 2: Protecting Your Legal Assets 23

Chapter 3: Taking Possession of a Rental Property 49

Chapter 4: Hiring a Property Manager 69

Part 2: Advertising and Taking on New Tenants Legally 93

Chapter 5: Getting Current about Fair Housing 95

Chapter 6: The Legal Aspects of Advertising 125

Chapter 7: Rent Collection and Rent Control 139

Chapter 8: Screening Applicants 171

Chapter 9: Composing Your Rental Contract 191

Chapter 10: Establishing a Security Deposit Policy 225

Chapter 11: Moving in a New Tenant 245

Part 3: Recognizing Your Responsibilities and Liabilities 265

Chapter 12: Repairing and Maintaining the Premises 267

Chapter 13: Minimizing Injuries from Potentially Dangerous Conditions 289

Chapter 14: Preventing and Minimizing Hazardous Environmental Conditions 303

Chapter 15: Protecting Tenants and Workers from Criminal Acts 323

Chapter 16: Understanding Tenant Privacy and Your Right to Enter the Premises 345

Chapter 17: Resolving Landlord-Tenant Disputes 359

Part 4: Changing and Ending Leases 373

Chapter 18: Handling Co-Tenancies, Sublets, Assignments, and Guests 375

Chapter 19: Revising and Terminating Rental Contracts 383

Chapter 20: Moving a Tenant Out 397

Part 5: The Part of Tens 403

Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Staying Out of Legal Trouble 405

Chapter 22: Ten Tips for Being a Better Landlord 411

Index 417