Offering incentives to your renters to get them to sign the lease can help you fill vacancies faster, especially when the rental market is unpredictable, or you’re struggling to fill your unit. Incentives can also be a useful way to attract tenants to your rental property and make your asking rental price seem more fair. […]
The past year has changed the DC rental market in unprecedented ways. The typically busy warmer months of the year for the rental market were initially stagnated by stay-at-home orders, while some tenants were changing rental properties based on financial hardships. The market has since predictably slowed, and yet, the demand for housing is high. […]
There are several reasons that tenants may choose to break a lease early, but only some of them are considered permissible under DC law. Provided your lease is legal, it’s enforceable by law, and your tenants should commit to living in the property and paying the agreed rent payment until the end of the lease. […]
If you have a home in Washington, DC with a basement, you might be tempted to rent it out. If you’re just using the space for storage or it’s sitting empty, why not take the opportunity to make some extra cash, right? Not so fast. Renting out your basement without going through the proper channels […]
Welcoming tenants to your rental property is an important part of starting your relationship with a positive tone. A great way to help new renters feel welcome and appreciated is by making welcome packages that you can place in the unit before they move in. A welcome package is typically a basket or a decorative […]
As rental properties continue to include more modern and convenient features, keyless entry systems are popular. They don’t require a physical key and can instead have a programmed code, which both locks and unlocks the property’s door. While some systems have a backup key or remote, others rely exclusively on codes. There’s no question that […]
Deciding whether to accept pets as a landlord can be challenging. While you’re obligated to accept service animals, you’re otherwise free to deny pets or place restrictions on the type of animals you approve. That being said, the majority of renters today have animal companions, and choosing to accept them means you can increase your […]
Your income property is an investment, but unless you’re effectively managing all your costs and netting your best rental income, it can be hard to see a significant profit. This is especially true when it comes to maintenance costs, whether emergency or routine. Handling your income property yourself can make maintenance a hassle. By hiring […]
Maintenance is one of the most important parts of having an income property in Washington, DC. But it can also be one of the most challenging. Knowing which responsibilities belong to you as a landlord and to your tenants is essential to keeping everyone happy and your property running smoothly. All maintenance responsibilities should be […]
As the demand for housing grows and the price of rental properties increases, roommates are becoming more and more common. Your tenant is likely requesting a roommate because it’s convenient for them—someone to share the bills and help take care of the apartment. As long as you’re still receiving your rental income, you may think […]
