The Landlord Lens

In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Jonathan and Krista dive into the debate of whether or not to allow tenants to have pets in their rental units. We weigh the pros and cons, considering factors such as increased tenant pool, potential property damage, and tenant satisfaction. Tune in to explore the ins and outs of pet-friendly rentals and help you make an informed decision for your investment property.

As a landlord, you have a responsibility to provide your tenants with a safe and habitable living environment. However, there are also instances where you may be held liable for the actions of others on your property, even if you were not directly involved. This is the concept of vicarious liability.Vicarious liability is a legal principle that holds one person or entity responsible for the actions of another person or entity. In the context of landlords and property managers, this means that you could be held liable for injuries sustained by a tenant or other third party on your property due to the negligence of a tenant, employee, or contractor.In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, we explain the concept of vicarious liability and how it applies to landlords and property managers. We also discuss some of the steps that landlords and property managers can take to protect themselves from vicarious liability claims.

Breaking a lease can be a stressful situation for both tenants and landlords. Tenants worry about the financial implications and potential damage to their credit score, while landlords are concerned about finding a replacement tenant and avoiding financial losses. In this week's episode of Be A Better Landlord, we'll explore common lease-breaking myths and provide tips for navigating early termination from both the tenant and landlord perspective.

Golden handcuffs are a term used to describe a situation in which someone is financially bound to a job or investment, even if they are unhappy with it. This can be a particular problem for real estate investors and property managers, who often have a lot of capital tied up in their properties.In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, we explain the concept of golden handcuffs in more detail and discuss how real estate investors and property managers can avoid falling into this trap. We also provide tips on how to break free from golden handcuffs if you are already in them.

ADUs - also known as accessory dwelling units, granny flats, or in-law units - are smaller, independent residential units located on the same property as a single-family home. They can take various forms, from converted garages to standalone structures, offering a versatile solution for both homeowners and tenants.In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Krista and Jonathan delve into the world of accessory dwelling units, exploring the benefits and challenges, and providing property managers with a comprehensive understanding of this growing trend in the real estate market.

Mold is a common problem in rental properties. As a landlord, it's important to be aware of the dangers of mold and to take steps to prevent and remediate it.Mold can cause a variety of health problems, including respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma attacks. Renters with weakened immune systems, such as young children and the elderly, are especially vulnerable to mold exposure.Mold can also damage property, causing stains and odors. In severe cases, mold can even weaken the structural integrity of a building.On this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Jonathan and Krista discuss mold dangers, how to identify and remediate mold problems, and how best to communicate with tenants if a mold problem arises.

Phrogging is a terrifying new crime trend in which a stranger secretly lives in someone else's home without the homeowner's knowledge or consent. Phroggers often enter homes through unlocked doors or windows, and they may stay for days or even weeks without being discovered.In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Jonathan and Krista discuss phrogging, how it happens, and what landlords can do to protect themselves. We also share real-life stories of people who have been phrogged along with tips to help you spot signs of a phrogger.

Squatter's rights, also known as adverse possession, is a legal doctrine that allows a person to gain ownership of land by occupying it for a set period without the owner's permission. In this episode of Be A Better Landlord, Krista and Jonathan explain how squatter's rights work and what landlords can do to protect themselves.