Is keeping your tenants in line starting to feel like herding cats? A lease agreement is meant to be the pen that keeps them in line.
Even when it's well-built, it doesn't stop them from knocking down a few posts. The question isn't when they'll disobey the rules but what you need to do about it.
Read on to learn four tips to help you master lease enforcement in Boca Raton, FL.
1. Create a Comprehensive Agreement
The key to lease management is a legal and comprehensive agreement. It needs to include terms about areas such as:
- Tenancy periods
- Rent amount and due dates
- Late fees and grace periods
- Security deposits
- Landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities
- Pet policies
- Subletting rules
Clear expectations prevent disputes and serve as a place to return to when disputes happen. They also reduce the number of lease violations you or your tenants will make.
2. Screen Tenants
Ensuring tenant compliance with lease terms starts before they even move in. The more thoroughly you screen them, the more likely they are to be responsible.
Make sure to conduct:
- Credit checks
- Criminal background checks
- Employment checks
- Rental history checks
Be careful to do it all within legal limits. The Fair Housing Act says you must apply the same criteria to each applicant. You also need to follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act. It says you must send adverse action letters explaining why you denied applicants.
Outsourcing the screening process makes it more efficient. You'll vet applicants faster, avoiding vacancies and lease violations.
3. Inspect and Maintain the Property
One of the best property management tips is to remember that everything is connected. The condition of your property also affects lease enforcement.
Conduct regular property inspections. Keep an eye out for maintenance issues and lease violations. Spotting small issues quickly prevents them from becoming major ones.
Keeping up with maintenance also demonstrates to your tenants that you care about keeping the property habitable. This encourages them to follow lease conditions and renew them when they expire.
4. Use Clear Communication and Effective Enforcement
Do you imagine yourself handling rental agreement enforcement as if it's a battle? Do you imagine spending most of your time screaming at them for what they've done wrong? Prepare to have a difficult time.
Make it easier by establishing clear and respectful communication from day one. Give your tenant regular updates on what's going on in the property.
Try to solve all conflicts with mediation and negotiation. Find a solution that works for both of you.
The goal is to keep lease violation handling from going to court. You don't want issues to escalate to tenant evictions when they don't have to. Remember to follow the proper legal process when they do.
Find Lease Enforcement Experts to Help Heard Your Cats
Rental lease enforcement requires a detailed agreement, clear communication about and enforcement of its rules, careful tenant screening, and regular property maintenance.
PMI Beach Properties is a full-service property management company. We cover marketing, tenant screening, leasing, rent collection, maintenance, financial reporting, evictions, and more.
Our mission is to provide excellent service to tenants and maximize the financial potential for owners. Contact us today to see what our services can do for you.
