Uncategorized February 7, 2011

Violence, abuse & lease termination?

Uncategorized January 31, 2011

Mobile Home Laws

Uncategorized January 10, 2011

Reporting Income

That under the Small Business Jobs Act, landlords will need to issue a 1099-MISC to report payments totaling $600 or more during the course of the year for any expenses relating to their rental properties. This requirements starts in 2011 and includes payments to service providers such as plumbers, carpenters, yard services and repair people. The Form is provided to the IRS and to the service provider. The new requirement applies to both residential and commercial property.

Although the requirement to issue the 1099s doesn’t take effect until 2012, landlords need to start keeping records of payments starting January 1, 2011, so they will be prepared to issue correct 1099s. They will also need to obtain the name, address and taxpayer identification number of the service provider, using Form W-9 or a similar form.

Uncategorized December 27, 2010

Happy Holidays

Uncategorized December 20, 2010

Rental Evaluation

That when determining the rental value of a single family home, typically most of the value is in the structure? Even a view will have less value on the rental market than it does on the sales market. For example, a small older home on a large view lot will have a relatively low rental value, even if the sales value is high. The tenant doesn’t care about the potential of the property; s/he is renting that small older home. This is especially true in the current market where many properties that were prepared for the sales market – totally updated or even new construction – are now on the rental market.

Uncategorized December 12, 2010

Rental Caps & HOA

That some condominiums have restrictions regarding the rental of units in the complex? Because lenders typically require a minimum owner-occupancy, many condominiums have rules limiting the number of rental units allowed. Some require that the owner live in the property for a specified period before the property is rented. Move in and move out fees may also be imposed and, finally, there may be leasing and application requirements imposed by the homeowners’ association.

Before your investor client buys a condominium as a rental, make sure your client does due diligence.

Uncategorized December 12, 2010

Rental Caps & HOA

That some condominiums have restrictions regarding the rental of units in the complex? Because lenders typically require a minimum owner-occupancy, many condominiums have rules limiting the number of rental units allowed. Some require that the owner live in the property for a specified period before the property is rented. Move in and move out fees may also be imposed and, finally, there may be leasing and application requirements imposed by the homeowners’ association.

Before your investor client buys a condominium as a rental, make sure your client does due diligence.

Did you know... November 8, 2010

Insurance- Landlord Policy

That owners of rental properties should have a landlord insurance policy?  A landlord insurance policy will cover the rental property, including fixtures, but will not include personal property.  The lease should require the tenant to have a renter’s insurance policy, which would provide coverage for the tenant’s personal property.  If the owner is leaving any personal property in the rental, such as a television or other audio visual equipment, the owner may need a rider to the insurance policy for coverage.

Did you know... October 31, 2010

Discrimination- Marital Status

Uncategorized October 27, 2010

Agency Disclosure