Landlord Newsletter - January 22, 2013

Dear Fellow Landlord,

A popular issue many landlords have is the decision of whether they should make damage deductions from the security deposit after tenants leave. Some worry about having a confrontation with the former tenant; some worry about the possibility of being sued by a savvy tenant, even though the deductions were entirely legitimate.

Don't let bad tenants get away scott free for damaging your property! A good security settlement statement is essential for every landlord!

In this newsletter:

• The Importance of The Security Settlement Statement
  
• Free Winter Form
  
• Ask the Attorney, Real Estate Attorney, John Reno
  
• Where's the Rent? Excuses by tenants
  

Please e-mail us if you have any questions or would like to add or share any material / information. Have a great month and an even more successful year ahead.
John Nuzzolese
John@theLPA.com

The Security Deposit Settlement Statement may be used with or without a Move-In/Out Property Condition Inspection Report.

One of the most essential forms for a landlord today is the Security Settlement Statement. It is required by almost all states to settle the security deposit after a tenancy has ended. This form alone has enabled us to make valid deductions (saving us tens of thousands of dollars in damages over the years) from security deposits while minimizing objections from tenants.

Don't get me wrong, we are not out to unjustly take security money from tenants! But when deductions need to be made, this form can be a miracle worker. Why? Because it itemizes valid deductions on paper in black and white and now becomes much more difficult for your former tenant to argue with the facts.

No more arguing with tenants about their security refund!

In the past we've all made some real bloopers of mistakes. How about one of the most common mistakes that many landlords still do all the time and haven't yet found a better way? ...

Click to read the full article

FREE DOWNLOAD Snow and Ice Notice & Reminder Your lease agreement may say your tenants are responsible to keep the walkways safe and free of snow and ice. Tenants sometimes forget. Sometimes they are just too lazy! It helps to have a Snow and Ice Notice & Reminder to urge tenants to stick to their agreement and keep the premises safe in winter weather.

The Landlord Protection Agency® presents John Reno, Esq., a highly experienced Landlord - Tenant attorney based on Long Island, NY.

John Reno also does Mortgage Loan Modifications (Nationwide).
(Mention The LPA for a 10% discount!)

Dear Mr. Reno:
My tenant rent was due on 1/5/2013. On 1/15/2013 I placed notice on his door that I will begin eviction process. I also noted on the door that he violated the lease because it seems as if he abandoned the property. On 1/16/2013, I was advised that my tenant is arrested. Rather than wasting money to begin the eviction process, can I have his brother sign a release to the lease to also take his personal belongings?
I appreciate your response.
Thank you,
Stephanie, PA

A: Oh boy. You are on dangerous grounds there, Steph. Does the Bro have Power of Attorney? If not, you're leaving yourself open for an illegal lockout. This "shortcut" will save you time & money, but there's a risk.

If you have a landlord tenant problem you'd like to ask a question about, please feel free to e-mail me your question.
Submit a landlord / tenant question for Mr. Reno
Please try to keep your questions as short and to the point as possible.

"My landlord told me to forget about the rent." My ex-tenant told this to the judge. I almost spit out my teeth! I won the judgment. - Sunny1 from Angola, NY

"You'll have to wait. I'm busy and I don't have time to look for my checkbook." - Stephen, VA

"I was in jail for 30 days and wasn't even there this month! Why should i pay if i wasn't there? Only my dog was there so maybe i will pay a small portion of the rent since he is a small dog!" -David L. Kona, Hawaii

"There are rust stains developing on the toilets and they won't come out. My plumber says you need to replace these two toilets, so I will hold back the rent for the two new toilets." Uh, sorry. Not gonna happen. I issued an LPA Urgent Late Notice Eviction Status Warning| The rent was paid the next day. Haven't heard another word about the toilets. - Steven, Naples, FL

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