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Access our free collection of in-depth guidebooks for landlords and tenants. Get pro tips on rent collection, tenant screening, and more.

landlords discussion rent concessions in an office setting

Independent Landlords Defy Corporate Concession Trends, Opting to Compress Fee Sizes Rather Than Waive Them
New data reveals a stark operational divide between small-scale housing providers and corporate property management; independent landlords leverage subtle fee-trimming to secure renters while keeping strict risk guardrails fully intact. CHICAGO, IL — September 11, 2026 — Classical real estate models have long assumed that rent concessions — such as a month of free rent …
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two landlords reviewing rental property expenses for taxes

How to Categorize Rental Property Expenses for Taxes
Rental property expenses are categorized on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 1040, Schedule E into specific operating categories — such as mortgage interest, property taxes, repairs, insurance, and utilities — to calculate your net taxable rental income. For first-time, accidental, and side-hustle landlords, tracking income and categorizing expenses accurately is the single best way to …
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three landlords estimating operating expenses on a computer

The Landlord’s Guide to Estimating Operating Expenses for a Rental Property
Operating expenses are the costs needed to run and maintain a rental property. These recurring, day-to-day costs keep a property in safe, habitable, and working condition throughout the year. Proactive financial management also helps avoid sudden cash-flow shortfalls when unexpected repairs hit. For that reason, it’s important to maintain organized, digital bookkeeping to remove the …
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woman landlord using property management software on her laptop

How Do You Choose the Best Rental Property Software?
Replacing disorganized Google Sheets, Excel files, and scattered paperwork with a dedicated rental property software can completely transform how you run your rental business. This is especially important considering managing rentals requires wearing many hats, but utilizing the right platform makes it possible to streamline operations, save time, and scale with confidence. According to Verified …
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renter signing a month-to-month lease

Master the Month-to-Month Lease: A Strategic Guide for Landlords and Renters
Traditional fixed-term leases lock you into rigid 12-month commitments, but month-to-month leases swap long-term stability for maximum flexibility. This fast-paced rental structure allows housing arrangements to adapt quickly to changing job, financial, or personal timelines. However, moving away from standard leasing requires weighing higher vacancy risks and premium rent pricing against the freedom to walk …
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two landlords reviewing an online lease agreement on their laptop

How to Break A Rental Lease Without Penalty
Navigating an early lease termination is a high-stakes process for both landlords and tenants. Whether triggered by an unexpected life event or consistent lease violations, breaking a lease involves a complex intersection of specific language, state-mandated notice requirements, and the legal duty to mitigate damages. Without a clear roadmap, both parties risk significant financial loss, …
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cover photo of an Avail independent landlord survey

Inside the Mind of the Independent Landlord: What 1,000+ Avail Users Revealed About Small-Scale Rental Ownership
In today’s housing conversation, landlords are often viewed as a monolith. But in reality, independent landlords — those who own and manage a handful of properties without institutional backing — make up a diverse, growing, and often overlooked segment of the market. To better understand who they are, how they operate, and what motivates them, …
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landlord having a conversation with 2 tenants

The #1 Habit of Successful DIY Landlords? Proactive Tenant Communication
The difference between a successful rental business and a stressful one often comes down to one skill: how you communicate with tenants. Proactive communication, such as reaching out before issues arise, setting expectations early, and keeping tenants informed, is the foundation of stable, long-term landlord-tenant relationships. This habit also separates successful DIY landlords from those …
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front view of a single-family home

Single-Family vs. Multifamily Rentals: Which Is the Smarter Play?
Building a successful real estate portfolio hinges on a crucial decision: single-family versus multifamily rentals. Each property type presents distinct advantages, from straightforward management to robust income potential. Single-family homes, with their inherent simplicity and reduced maintenance, often serve as an ideal entry point for first-time landlords, while multifamily properties attract investors eager to rapidly …
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example of a corporate rental

What Is Corporate Housing? A Guide for Landlords
Corporate housing has existed since the mid-20th century, originally created for business travelers and relocated employees needing short-term, furnished stays. But as of late, more and more landlords are exploring this rental strategy due to the rise of remote work, travel nursing, and flexible job assignments. Unlike traditional leases or vacation rentals, corporate housing offers …
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woman landlord using her laptop

11 Best Property Management Software for Landlords in 2026
Effectively managing rental properties requires juggling numerous responsibilities, from coordinating with tenants to collecting payments and addressing maintenance issues. With the right property management software, landlords can simplify these tasks, stay organized, and focus on maximizing their portfolio’s potential. This guide delves into the 11 top property management software options for 2026, showcasing their key …
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landlord using Avail on a laptop

5 Game-Changing New Avail Tools to Find Renters Fast
Managing rental properties is no small feat. Between crafting eye-catching listings, screening tenants, scheduling tours, and ensuring legal compliance, landlords often find themselves stretched thin. For independent landlords who juggle multiple properties — or even those renting out a single unit — every moment saved counts. At Avail, our focus is on making your workflow …
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Landlording U announcement post

Master Your Rental Business With Landlording U
Learning the ins and outs of being a successful landlord just got easier. We are excited to introduce Landlording U, a comprehensive video series that provides landlords of all experience levels with expert guidance and actionable advice on every stage of rental management. Whether you are a first-time landlord or a seasoned real estate investor, …
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woman landlord completing a boi report

BOI Reporting: What Every Landlord Needs to Know
If you’re a landlord with a limited liability company (LLC) or corporation, you may already be familiar with the tasks you must complete to remain compliant. However, as of Jan. 1, 2024, you now have an additional step to complete: filing a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) report to remain federally compliant. We break down everything …
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landlord signing a lease renewal agreement

8 Strategies to Increase Resident Retention
Good residents are hard to find. So, when you find one who follows the lease agreement, communicates issues immediately, and always pays rent on time, you want to keep them. To do this, you’ll have to implement proper retention strategies. Otherwise, you’ll lose many residents at lease renewal time, resulting in high turnover expenses. This …
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landlord using a tax software on their laptop

10 Tax Software for Rental Properties
Tax season can be stressful for new and seasoned landlords. After all, it’s filled with complex paperwork and the looming risk of error. But the right tax software for rental properties transforms this annual complexity into a manageable, streamlined process. Keep reading to explore how selecting the ideal tax software can revolutionize your approach to tax …
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view of a build to rent community

Everything You Need to Know About Build-to-Rent Communities
If you’re a renter, does the flexibility of renting combined with the comfort of a house and the amenities of a local community sound appealing? Or perhaps you’re an investor looking to cater to the ever-growing need for rental properties that go beyond traditional apartment complexes. Whatever your circumstances, a build-to-rent community can check many …
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tenant taking a picture of her cat

The Complete Guide to Pet Screening for Landlords
In the rental world, pet screening isn’t just another step in the process ‌—‌ it’s a game-changer for both landlords and potential tenants. It lets pet owners showcase their furry friend’s best behavior, and it gives landlords the reassurance of knowing exactly who they’re welcoming into the residence. But with all the misconceptions and questions …
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agent walking prospective renter through a house

How to Rent Your House With an Agent
Renting out your house requires more than creating a rental listing — it also requires you to collect rent, manage landlord-tenant relationships, address maintenance issues, and much more. But here’s the thing: it doesn’t have to be hard or done alone. If you’re set on generating income through rentals without handling the steps to find tenants, …
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a view of a residential rental agreement

Owning a Rental Property: Insights for First-Time Landlords
While the idea of owning a rental property is exciting, it’s not without its complexities. For instance, dealing with unexpected vacancies and navigating local regulations can be challenging. You might even find yourself overwhelmed by the responsibilities of becoming a landlord rather than basking in financial freedom. However, there are ways to make the overall process …
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View of a Virginia-based apartment building

10 Virginia Tenant Rights Landlords Should Know
Virginia is considered an excellent location for landlords to manage properties since it has a 7.7% job openings rate compared to the national average of 5.8%. And with more job opportunities come more tenants, which can impact rental demand. But before purchasing and managing a rental property, it’s important to understand Virginia landlord-tenant laws on various parts of the …
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view of a Louisiana home

6 Louisiana Tenant Rights All Landlords Should Know
With a population of over 4.6 million, Louisiana’s southern hospitality and affordable cost of living attracts diverse communities, making the state a prime spot for landlords to rent out their properties. However, landlords are required to abide by a set of landlord-tenant laws to ensure all parties are protected during the renting process. On a positive …
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view of Indiana house

8 Indiana Landlord-Tenant Laws to Know
While many rental laws across the United States can cover similar topics, almost every state has a few unique regulations — and Indiana is no exception. This article will discuss the most crucial aspects of Indiana landlord-tenant law. Pet policies, security deposit limits, and rent increases: we’ll delve into all these and other important matters that …
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view of Atlanta, Georgia

Overview of Landlord-Tenant Laws in Georgia
Landlords and tenants in Georgia must know what they’re getting into before signing a rental agreement. Each state has specific regulations, so doing prior research is best instead of making assumptions. As a tenant, do you have the right to replace locks in your newly rented house? As a landlord, can you evict a particularly …
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view of Minneapolis, Minnesota

Overview of the Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Act
Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, familiarizing yourself with Minnesota Landlord-Tenant laws can ensure a smooth renting experience. Understanding these laws can also help you make educated decisions, avoid rent-related issues, and protect your rights in the event of a dispute. This article discusses everything you need to know about Minnesota landlord-tenant law. …
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an overhead view of a calculator and calendar

8 Ways to Save Money on Rent in 2025
Buying a house has generally been more expensive than renting, but that may not be the case anymore with skyrocketing rent prices. The good news is rent prices are increasing at a slower rate, which is a positive sign for renters. However, that doesn’t lessen the burden of covering a costly rent bill each month. …
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view of a New Jersey apartment living room

9 Things to Know About New Jersey Tenant Rights
When approached strategically, you can enjoy the benefits of passive income and having reliable tenants with a New Jersey rental property. However, landlords do have responsibilities, such as knowing your tenants’ rights and how to best abide by them. This guide will give you a rundown of everything to know about New Jersey tenant rights with answers …
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Image of a neighborhood in Missouri

7 Wisconsin Tenants’ Rights Landlords Should Know
Wisconsin is considered an excellent location for landlords to manage properties since nearly a third (32.6%) of properties in this beautiful state are currently tenant-occupied. However, the state’s rules and regulations on rent collection, security deposits, and tenant screening require landlords to handle their businesses intentionally to avoid violating their tenants’ rights. In this article, we cover …
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Avail Q1 Rental Report Graphic

Avail Q1 Rental Report: Landlords Aim to Keep Rentals Occupied While Renters Grapple With Financial Challenges
While rent growth continued to slow in March 2023, landlords and renters now face different challenges. Avail, by Realtor.com®, surveyed independent landlords and renters across the US to understand what obstacles they’re facing and how they’re being addressed. From the data collected, here are four key trends of the independent rental market. 1. Fewer Landlords …
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Couple completing an Illinois rental application

A Guide to Illinois Rental Applications
A well-qualified tenant can be great for your rental business, and an Illinois rental application is an important resource for finding one. You’ll be able to learn more about prospective tenants and determine if they meet the criteria you have set for your property. Additionally, understanding the Illinois landlord-tenant laws that apply to the rental …
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Couple filling out an Arizona rental application

A Guide to Arizona Rental Applications
Before selecting your next tenant, it’s important to properly screen them to determine if they meet your criteria. An easy way to do this is with an Arizona rental application and locally-allowed screening reports. You should also research laws and regulations regarding the application process in the state of Arizona, considering this can impact your …
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two renters completing a new york rental application

A Guide to New York Rental Applications
If you’re looking to fill a vacant rental property in New York, you’ll want to use a rental application. A New York rental application asks questions about a tenant’s personal, residential, and financial background to determine if they meet your screening criteria. However, some laws can impact tenant screening and fee amounts, so we provided …
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two renters completing a rental application

A Guide to Georgia Rental Applications
Georgia rental applications can help you learn more about prospective tenants applying for your rental property. You can learn more about their income, residential history, and if they own any pets. The rules around tenant screening, such as rental application fees and report limitations, can vary by state. So before getting started, it’s essential to …
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two tenants completing a texas rental application

A Guide to Texas Rental Applications
There’s no greater feeling than generating tenant leads from your rental listing. But now the real work starts — it’s time to screen them with a Texas rental application. While there aren’t too many laws that impact how you screen tenants, it’s important to know what information to include in an application and how to …
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woman landlord using a laptop

How to Find Good Tenants Fast [2026 Guide]
Finding reliable tenants starts with a strong rental listing, the right platforms, and an effective screening process. Whether you’re a first-time landlord or refining your approach, taking the right steps can help you attract renters who pay on time, maintain a positive rental history, and communicate well. In this guide, we’ll cover what makes a …
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For rent sign in front of a Pennsylvania rental property

Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Rental Laws & Rights [2025]
Understanding Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws is essential for managing a rental property successfully and avoiding legal complications. From handling security deposits and rent increases to conducting tenant screenings, staying compliant with state regulations helps protect both landlords and renters while fostering a positive rental experience. This guide breaks down Pennsylvania’s landlord-tenant laws, covering landlord and renter …
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Apartments for rent in Tennessee

Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Rental Laws and Rights for 2026
Understanding Tennessee landlord-tenant laws is crucial for maintaining a legally compliant and smooth rental process. These laws outline the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, ensuring fair treatment and clear expectations. We cover everything you need to know about Tennessee landlord-tenant laws, including rental agreements, tenant protections, eviction procedures, and what landlords can …
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row of Colorado rentals

Colorado Landlord-Tenant Rental Laws & Rights [2026]
Understanding Colorado landlord-tenant laws is essential for maintaining a smooth rental experience and avoiding legal disputes. From security deposit regulations to lease requirements and tenant protections, landlords must follow various state and local laws to ensure compliance. To help landlords navigate these responsibilities, we’ve outlined key legal considerations that impact rental properties in Colorado. Whether …
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tenants moving out amicably

How to Get a Tenant Out Fast Without Eviction
Pursuing eviction is one way to remove a tenant, but the process can be costly and time-consuming. If you’re wondering how to get a tenant out fast, there are other approaches that may help you regain control of your rental property more efficiently. From offering a cash-for-keys agreement to negotiating a voluntary move-out, landlords have …
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tenants getting their application approved

How to Get Approved for an Apartment
Finding a new apartment can be exciting unless you’re having difficulty getting approved for an apartment. There can be various reasons for this — like a competitive market or not meeting the landlord’s requirements — but the good news is there are ways to increase your chances of getting approved for your dream apartment. Keep …
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landlord having tenant sign an agreement to break the lease

Can Landlords Break a Lease? Yes, But With Limits
Unexpected circumstances can arise during a lease term, and sometimes, landlords may need to end a lease earlier than expected. Whether due to lease violations, major property repairs, or personal reasons, breaking a lease isn’t always straightforward. Landlords must follow specific legal steps to avoid violating tenant rights or facing legal consequences. We outlined what …
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renter with their dog

Pet Addendums: What Landlords Should Know
Nearly 90% of renters are pet owners, so it’s important to ensure your lease agreement includes a pet addendum (or pet policy) that states rules regarding pets, especially emotional support animals (ESA) and service animals. In this article, we provide a general overview of pet addendums and share ways you can protect your rental when …
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landlord tracking rental income with a house fixture

How Is Rental Income Taxed?
Owning and managing a rental property can be a great way to generate passive income through rent payments. But before pocketing that money, it’s important to remember that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) taxes rental income and requires landlords to report it according to the new 1099 requirement. To ensure you properly prepare for tax …
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tenant filling out move-in checklist

Move-In Checklist for Landlords and Tenants
Before your tenants settle into their new home, it’s essential to complete a move-in checklist. Doing so will let both landlords and tenants avoid any confusion or miscommunication surrounding the condition of the rental unit. In this article, we discuss what should be included in a move-in checklist for landlords and tenants, how to easily …
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landlord and tenant having a conversation

Lease Violation Notice: What to Include
When a tenant breaks the lease agreement’s terms, they have committed a lease violation. Most states require landlords to give the tenant reasonable time to correct the violation before pursuing eviction. However, some states require they must first be made aware of the issue with a lease violation notice. In this article, we outline what …
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two rooommates in an apartment

Can You Add Someone to a Lease?
Tenants often request adding someone new — either a roommate or partner — to a lease agreement once it’s legally binding. In most cases, it is possible and easy to add someone to an existing lease if it’s allowed by the landlord. However, the landlord will need to write a lease addendum or lease amendment …
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For rent sign in front of rental property

Rental Market Challenges Persist, but Relief May Be In Sight
Economic inflation continues to drive higher costs, and the rental market is no exception. Avail (part of Realtor.com®) surveyed independent landlords and renters across the country to find out how they’re adapting to these ongoing financial challenges. Findings from the Avail Quarterly Landlord and Renter survey identified financial stressors, how landlords and renters are adjusting, …
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travel nurse rental

Landlord’s Guide to Renting to Travel Nurses
Renting rooms to traveling nurses is a great way to generate passive income without committing to long-term lease terms. They function similarly to short-term rentals that make it easy to get started in rental property management, but with some slight differences that are worth noting. In this article, we interviewed Kendra Barnes, an experienced real …
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landlord signing lease addendum

How to Write a Lease Addendum
Lease agreements are static, legally-binding contracts that ensure landlords and tenants are protected during the lease term. Ideally, your lease should consider the various situations that can occur while a lease is in effect, but that’s not always the case. However, there are ways to legally add new information to a lease agreement — and …
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security deposit insurance policy

What Is Security Deposit Insurance?
When landlords require tenants to pay a security deposit, it’s often to help cover property damage caused by the tenant or unpaid rent. But security deposits can be quite expensive for tenants and need to be collected following strict guidelines. For that reason, security deposit insurance may be an option that could benefit both landlords …
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tenant adding coins to small piggybank

Security Deposit Receipt [Free PDF Template]
Collecting security deposits may seem like a simple process, but there are various rules and regulations that landlords need to abide by to avoid breaking local landlord-tenant laws. One requirement is providing tenants with a security deposit receipt that outlines the total amount deposited into the bank, the location of the bank, which property the …
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key in a lock with house keychain

RentRedi vs. Avail: Which Is Best for You?
RentRedi and Avail are two landlord software platforms that have helped thousands of independent landlords make renting easier. From advertising your rental to collecting rent online, both offer benefits that can take the stress out of managing rentals and tenants. In this article, we outline how the two platforms differ from each other with important …
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Rental property with for sale sign

When Should You Sell a Rental Property?
Investment properties can be a lucrative source of passive income, but factors like profitability, maintenance, and the housing market at large can become good reasons to sell a rental property. According to Avail data, roughly 16% of landlords reported plans to sell an investment property in 2022. If you’re wondering whether to sell your property …
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depreciation fixture next to stack of coins

What Is Rental Property Depreciation?
Rental property depreciation can help you deduct property-related costs to lower your taxable income for the year. Tax professionals typically help in calculating depreciation for your properties, but there are benefits to knowing what rental property depreciation is and what to keep track of as a landlord. Here’s everything you need to know about rental …
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eviction notice on door

How Do Landlords Check for Evictions?
Most landlords have processes in place to verify if a renter has been evicted in the past when reviewing their application. If you’re someone that has an eviction on your residential history, it’s important to know what to prepare for your apartment search. In this article, we share how landlords check for evictions and what …
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landlord handing over keys to tenant

How Does Renting a House Work?
With home prices and mortgages rising in a highly competitive homebuying market, you may have decided to rent instead of buying a house. If it’s your first time renting a house, then you may be wondering how the process works and what you need to know as a renter. In this article, we explain the …
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property management document

How Much Does a Property Manager Cost?
Owning a rental property is a great way to generate passive income, but taking on the responsibilities of a landlord isn’t for everyone. You may be considering hiring a property manager, but it’s advised to know how much a property manager charges and if there are more affordable options, like landlord software, to check out …
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rent object on top of money

Free Rent Receipt Template
Rent receipts play an important role in maintaining clear communication and accurate records between landlords and tenants. These receipts help simplify bookkeeping, build trust, and meet legal requirements for states requiring landlords to provide such documents. This article covers everything landlords need to know about rent receipts, including why they’re useful and where to get …
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Realtor.com and Avail 2022 rental market forecast graphic

Rental Market Forecast: 2022
After a year of rent lows, highs, and lingering affordability problems from the pandemic, 2022 is expected to bring new profitability and challenges to the rental market, based on the 2022 Realtor.com® Housing Forecast and Avail rental market data. We’ve outlined seven rental market predictions that renters, landlords, and real estate investors can expect to …
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a landlord reviewing the types of rental agreement

The Main Types of Rental Agreements
Rental lease agreements are an important part of the rental process, as they protect both the landlord and tenant during the lease term. As a landlord, you determine the type of rental agreement used for your property, so it’s important to use the one that’s best for your rental business. We outlined the main types …
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view of a living room in a rental property

How to Manage a Rental Property
There are certain responsibilities that will need to be handled on a regular basis when owning a rental property. While it may seem daunting to manage both a property and tenants yourself, it’s easier than you think when you have the right tools and resources to reference. In this article, we explain the main areas …
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investor calculating gross rent multiplier

What Is a Gross Rent Multiplier?
Searching for your next investment property can quickly become overwhelming due to the many options available. But even with so many options to choose from, how do you know which property is the most profitable? There are different ways to determine a property’s profitability and one of those methods is by calculating the gross rent …
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the front of a residential house

Should I Sell or Rent My House?
Deciding whether to rent or sell your house is one of the biggest financial decisions a homeowner can face. No universal right answer exists, as the best choice depends on your financial goals, the local market, the property itself, and your appetite for being a landlord. This article walks through every factor — from equity …
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landlord fixing a dishwasher

How to Manage Avail Maintenance Requests
Handling maintenance issues as a DIY landlord requires both time and money, which can quickly become stressful. A property manager can help you keep track of any issues impacting your rental, but maintenance tracking software can make the process easier for much less. Avail offers a maintenance tracker that is designed to make renting easier …
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Washington Landlord-Tenant Law
*Depends on location. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Washington tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Washington Landlord-Tenant Law In this guide, we will focus on Washington landlord-tenant law and Seattle’s landlord-tenant law at the end of the guide. We ranked the best landlords in the US and the landlords …
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woman in a yellow sweater on her laptop

How to Request a Rental Application From a Prospective Tenant
The tenant screening process includes several key steps, and one of the most essential is collecting a rental application. A well-designed application gathers critical information from prospective tenants — such as personal details, residential history, income, and employment status — helping landlords make informed leasing decisions. Requesting a rental application is typically straightforward, but your …
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A Guide to Florida Rental Applications
The rental application stage is one of the most important steps in the rental process, which is why every landlord should be aware of their state’s rental application laws. Here’s what you need to know about the laws surrounding Florida rental applications so you can create the best, most comprehensive rental application for your rentals …
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Guide to the New CDC Eviction Moratorium Extension
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) just instated its third extension to the nationwide eviction moratorium, working to protect roughly 11 million Americans who are behind on rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s everything you need to know about what the CDC eviction moratorium extension is, who is protected, and how to get access …
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renter with the keys to their apartment

How to Create an Avail Renter Profile
As a renter, you’ll often be required to fill out a rental application and authorize a background check to help landlords determine if you’re a good fit for the property. While this step can take a few hours to a few days, there are quicker ways to provide your renter information when apartment searching — …
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Filling out a rental application

How to Fill Out a Rental Application
As a renter, it’s important to know how to fill out a rental application so you can easily secure your next place. If you take the time to properly fill out an application and are able to pass a credit and background check, then you will likely be approved. However, a rushed application, or one that’s …
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Avail rent analysis report on laptop

How to Read an Avail Rent Analysis Report
An Avail Rent Analysis report allows landlords to determine a fair and competitive rent price without having to spend hours researching similar properties for a rent estimate. This six-page report provides valuable information on rental market trends and rent comps to help you craft a rent price that makes sense for your local market and …
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apartment building complex

Emergency Rental Assistance FAQs for Landlords and Renters
Renters and independent landlords across the country are still suffering from unpaid or unstable rent payments caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But there is financial help in the form of the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program, which provides eligible landlords and renters with up to a year’s worth of rental assistance funds through state and …
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emergency rental assistance

Success Stories: Highlighting Outcomes From Federally-Backed Emergency Rental Assistance Programs
Over the past few months, a lot has been written about problems with federally-backed Emergency Rental Assistance programs. The programs are suffering from a lack of awareness and also from difficult-to-navigate application processes. As we wrote earlier this year, without additional help, 31% of landlords were being forced to consider selling their units. With eviction …
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Vantagescore report showing a 760 credit score

What Is a VantageScore?
A VantageScore is a tri-bureau credit scoring model that was developed by Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax to compete with FICO®. This credit score model has gone through four major variations since its official launch in 2013, with VantageScore 4.0 being the most recent version. In this article, we’ve provided an in-depth look at the VantageScore …
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person checking their FICO score 9 on their laptop

FICO Score 9: Everything You Need to Know
When focusing on maintaining or improving your credit score, you will likely hear about your FICO Score 9. This credit scoring model looks at your medical debt, paid collections, and rental history differently than previous versions of the FICO® credit-scoring model. More credit lenders are switching from the former FICO 8 scoring method to FICO …
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748 credit score shown on smartphone

How to Build Credit Without a Credit Card
A good credit score is essential to accomplishing huge milestones like getting a mortgage loan or purchasing a new vehicle. But if you’re finding it hard to get approved by credit lenders because you have little to no credit, then you may be wondering what options you have to establish yourself as a reliable credit …
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renter seeing what bills affect credit score on laptop

What Bills Affect Your Credit Score?
While there are traditional ways to build your credit, certain monthly bills can also positively or negatively affect your credit score. Figuring out what bills help build credit may not be easy at first, which is why we did the heavy lifting for you to make improving your credit health that much easier. These are …
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Build Back Better Webinar

Housing Experts to Address Rental Market Challenges
After a difficult year for the rental market brought on by COVID-19, industry leaders are drawing on lessons learned from the pandemic to address localized rental market challenges. Through a collaborative online webinar hosted by Avail, rental market, housing, and public policy experts will address some of the rental industry’s biggest pain points to inform …
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keys to house in hand

How Long Does It Take to Buy a House?
One of the biggest points of confusion for first-time homebuyers is how long it will take to buy a house and in what order each step of the homebuying process takes place. To address this confusion, we’ve put together a homebuying process timeline for first-time buyers looking to better understand the steps of the homebuying process …
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Avail rental property management software platform on desktop

12 Best Free Property Management Software [2026]
Managing a rental property comes with many responsibilities — determining rent price, listing your rental online, screening potential tenants, collecting rent, handling sudden maintenance requests, and more. With so many tasks to complete on your own, having the right free property management software in place is important to simplify the process. But knowing which to …
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15 Questions to Ask a Mortgage Lender
Meeting with a mortgage lender, professional, or advisor as a first-time homebuyer can be intimidating. How do you know what questions to ask a mortgage lender, and what do you look for when searching for the right lender? To help you answer these questions, we interviewed two mortgage experts with over a decade of experience …
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renter using their phone to invite their landlord to Avail

How to Invite Your Landlord to Avail
You’ve decided you want to pay rent online with Avail, but there’s still one step to complete — inviting your landlord to start using our software. You don’t often hear of renters suggesting new ways for landlords to collect rent, but some landlords may not be aware of new or existing rental property management software. …
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How to Get Preapproved for a Mortgage
After finding a mortgage lender or two that you like, you’ll need to go through the preapproval process in order to actually apply for the mortgage loan. Because many first-time homebuyers aren’t necessarily aware of what the preapproval process entails, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about how to get preapproved for a mortgage …
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How to Improve Your Credit Score to Buy a House
Your credit score means everything, especially to mortgage lenders. If you’re a first-time homebuyer, any lender will want to make sure that you’re a trustworthy candidate who makes your payments on time and has the financial resources to continue doing so — and a credit score will show that. In the best circumstances, your credit …
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Los Angeles neighborhood

Local Rental Owners Collaborative Launches in South Los Angeles to Preserve Housing and Prevent Tenant Displacement
Cross-sector partnership makes new resources available to rental owners seeking stability in the wake of COVID-19 LOS ANGELES, CA [April 15, 2021] – Today, the Los Angeles Local Rental Owners Collaborative (LROC) launched in South Los Angeles to support local, independent rental owners at risk of foreclosure or losing their assets to corporate buyers, and …
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Rent Increase Letter [Free PDF Template & Sample]
A rent increase notice is a vital communication tool for landlords during the lease renewal process. This formal document notifies tenants of an upcoming rate change and provides the necessary timeframe for them to decide whether to renew their lease. Successfully raising the rent requires a balance of using data-back rental reports and initiating professional …
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Avail + LISC Partner to Help California Landlords and Renters Access COVID-19 Rent Relief Funds
While independent landlords across California are facing financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, much-needed aid from the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief Program, which is meant to provide monetary relief to renters and landlords, continues to sit untouched. An overall lack of awareness of the program, poor communication surrounding eligibility requirements, issues with distribution, and …
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front steps of two apartments

How to Buy Your Second Investment Property
A second property can be a great investment for your future, especially if you’re starting to see considerable returns from your first investment property. Acquiring a second property can significantly help move you closer to your financial goals. But how does the homebuying process differ when it’s your second time around? What decisions should you …
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How to Raise the Rent Without Losing Tenants
A common fear for all landlords is rocking the boat with a loyal tenant by asking for a rent increase when it comes time to renew their lease. But increasing property costs can quickly diminish your investment returns, forcing you to increase your profits. Factors such as market values in the area, vacancy rates, and …
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A Guide to California Rental Applications

A Guide to California Rental Applications
California has explicit state laws about what constitutes discrimination, how much a landlord can charge for a rental application fee, and more. We looked into what constitutes a legal California rental application to help you abide by state laws while screening tenants. Download our California rental application form. California Rental Application Requirements There are a …
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New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen New Jersey tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! New Jersey Landlord-Tenant Law New Jersey landlord-tenant law is landlord-friendly. This guide will discuss the laws that landlords and tenants in New Jersey should know about. Security Deposit Laws in New Jersey Is a security …
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Texas Landlord-Tenant Law
*Amount must be reasonable Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Texas tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Texas It is estimated that 28 million residents live in Texas. Texas landlord-tenant law is generally landlord-friendly. While Texas is home to several big cities, most notably Dallas, …
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Avail app on phone

How Do I Switch to Avail?
Managing your property is not an easy task, but using free property management software designed for landlords can make it much simpler to find and screen tenants, draft leases, collect rent payments, track repairs, and more. Whether you’re making the leap from paper-and-pencil landlording or from a different online property management platform, switching to Avail …
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landlord-tenant law book

Illegal Eviction: When Is It Illegal to Evict a Renter?
In the United States, 3.6 million legal eviction filings occur annually. Yet, housing experts believe this number is much greater when factoring in illegal evictions that take place each year, despite each state having explicit laws prohibiting them. In 2020, the rental market faced a new challenge; COVID-19. Due to a CDC health safety order …
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7 Rental Hacks Every Landlord Should Know
Becoming a landlord can require time and money, especially if you own more than one rental property. While property management software platforms and property managers can help alleviate some time, it’s helpful to know of hacks other landlords use to manage their rental properties seamlessly. For this reason, we put together a list of seven …
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Relator.com acquires Avail

Realtor.com® Acquires Avail
Today is an exciting day for the Avail community! Realtor.com®, a leading online destination for real estate services, has acquired Avail. Since launching Avail 8 years ago, we’ve been working hard to improve the rental experience for landlords and tenants by providing tools, educational content, and amazing customer service. Over time, Avail has evolved to …
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Avail tenant dashboard updates

What’s New to Your Avail Tenant Dashboard
At Avail, we are constantly working to improve the tenant experience. For tenants, the dashboard provides a glanceable view of their rental status. Whether applying for a new rental or checking when their next rent payment is due, their dashboard should always provide up-to-date, useful information. Users have enough to worry about as they apply …
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Missed Rent, No Government Aid, and the Pressure to Sell; What Renters and Landlords are Facing During COVID-19
In the eighth month of the COVID-19 pandemic, more renters are struggling to pay rent each month as government aid dries up. Landlords, challenged by a national eviction moratorium and a decrease in their rental income, are working under a growing financial burden. According to a nationwide survey conducted conducted by Avail in October 2020, …
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renters insurance contract

7 Reasons to Get Renters Insurance in 2025
With only 37% of renters carrying renters insurance, many tenants assume it’s unnecessary — until disaster strikes. But is renters insurance worth it? Absolutely. For as little as $12 to $15 per month, a policy can protect your belongings from theft, fire, water damage, and more, while also covering liability and temporary housing costs. Whether …
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Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Virginia tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws Virginia landlord-tenant law sets up the foundation for residential leases in Virginia. Landlords and tenants can build upon this foundation to make the rental agreement of their choosing. Most of the landlords in …
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What to Know About California Prop 21 Laws
Because of the immense demand for housing in California, rental prices are spiking, and access to affordable housing across the state is limited. According to California’s Legislative Analyst’s Office, the average California renter pays 50% more for housing than renters in other states. Currently, one-fifth of all California renters live in cities with varying forms …
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A Landlord’s and Renter’s Guide to Dealing With Natural Disasters

A Landlord’s and Renter’s Guide to Dealing With Natural Disasters
Natural disasters can be devastating for landlords and their renters. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), natural disasters create billions of dollars worth of damages in the U.S. each year. This includes about 1,300 tornados, two Atlantic hurricanes, and multiple widespread wildfires annually. In August 2020 alone, NOAA stated that there were …
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colorful townhouses

Independent Landlords: The Small Business Every Community Needs
In honor of SBA’s National Small Business Week, Avail is recognizing one sector of small business that often gets overlooked: independent landlords. While smaller scale, independent landlords tend to be a more fragmented sector of the economy and aren’t always easy to group or track down, nearly eight million of these DIY landlords exist across …
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How to Rent an Apartment After Being Evicted
For renters, the topic of evictions can be a scary one to address, and being evicted can be extremely alienating for renters because of its taboo nature. But evictions are actually quite common. According to the U.S. Federal Reserve, three million non-homeowning people were evicted or forced to move due to the threat of eviction …
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eviction notice

CDC Halts Nationwide Evictions Due to COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic caused unemployment to skyrocket to 14.7% in April, putting a strain on renters and those with mortgages trying to make their housing payments without a stable income. Even after the unemployment rate dropped to 11.1% in June, those impacted are still struggling. According to the Aspen Institute, 23 million Americans are at …
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A Guide to Section 8 for Renters and Landlords
Established by Congress in 1974 with the Housing and Community Development Act, the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program became a beacon of hope for low-income families needing housing assistance. These vouchers were meant to be taken anywhere, giving renters the flexibility to choose where they wanted to live while relieving the government of the …
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apartment buildings

What To Do When You Can’t Pay Rent
No one wants to be put in the tight spot of being short on rent, but sometimes it happens. A sudden loss, personal emergency, or something like a global pandemic can put even the most prepared renters in a tough spot. When worse comes to worst and you find yourself unable to pay rent, follow …
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apartment kitchen

How to Rent an Apartment in 6 Steps
Finding a new rental can be stressful, and at times, confusing. But knowing how to rent an apartment, coming equipped with a plan, and having a list of the proper questions to ask can help the process go more smoothly. Here is a breakdown of what goes into the process of renting an apartment. How …
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Avail Inc. 5000

Avail Ranks No. 970 on the 2020 Inc. 5000 List
Inc. Magazine has announced that Avail ranked No. 970 on this year’s Inc. 5000 list. The annual list represents the fastest-growing private companies in America and identifies some of the most successful independent businesses across all industries, including healthcare, real estate, software, media, hospitality, and more. According to Inc., this year’s list showed high competition …
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how to deal with apartment pests

How to Deal With Apartment Pests
Stumbling upon an unwanted house guest in your apartment is a fear of many renters. Finding a pest in your home — particularly one that is staying there without paying rent — can seem overwhelming and scary, particularly if it is an infestation. Whether you are dealing with bed bugs, mice, or something in between, …
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row homes

What Are the Different Types of 1031 Exchanges?
Under Internal Revenue Service code section 1031, investors who exchange ownership of real property for a like or similar property can preserve wealth by deferring capital gains taxes and depreciation recapture. Since there are four different ways investors can rollover the proceeds from relinquished assets into new properties, it’s important to have an exchange strategy …
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New York Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen New York tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in New York There are currently an estimated 19,889,657 residents in New York. New York City, with an estimated population of 8.5 million, comprises a little less than half the state’s entire …
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moving box

How to Split the Rent With Roommates
When you live with roommates, one of the most complicated topics of conversation can be discussing how to split up the rent. While there are many viable options for splitting rent, and there is so one-size-fits-all, it’s important to consider each option and figure out what works best for you and your roommates. Here are …
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COVID-19 Shifts Renter and Homeowner Wants and Needs
After five months of varying degrees of quarantining as a response to the coronavirus pandemic in the United States, renters and homeowners alike are considering moving despite the virus. In a July study conducted by The Hustle, 33% of people said that they were thinking of moving in the next six months while nearly 65% …
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credit cards

Can I Pay Rent With a Credit Card?
Making monthly rent payments online is an easy way to simplify your life. And if you choose to use a credit card for those payments, you might be able to accrue extra benefits while you’re at it. From choosing a card with valuable rewards to boosting your credit score as you build a history of …
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A Renter’s Guide to Rent-Controlled Apartments
Rent-controlled apartments are few and far between, with only six of the 50 states allowing them in the U.S. Because of their rarity, and the difficulties in renting one, many renters find rent-stabilized apartments instead, which have similar benefits and drawbacks as rent-controlled ones. Though rent-controlled and rent-stabilized apartments are often confused for one another, …
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Avail team

Avail Raises $4.2 Million in Funding
Avail is excited to announce closing a $4.2 million Series A round of funding to accelerate its position as the leading management and rent payments platform for DIY landlords and renters. The round was led by St. Louis-based Cultivation Capital. Avail is experiencing unprecedented growth as DIY landlords move their rental businesses online and renters …
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moving boxes

How to Find a Reliable Roommate
When you’re renting, figuring out who you want to live with can seem like the most high-risk decision you have to make. Most people know someone with a roommate horror story, or maybe you already have one yourself. In order to avoid any future issues with your living situation, here are some things you must …
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becoming a digital landlord

Becoming a Digital Landlord Home COVID-19 Resources Landlord Software Becoming a Digital Landlord What Landlords Need to Know About Managing Properties During and After COVID-19 Download a free copy of the entire webinar presentation, discussing everything landlords need to know about staying safe and keeping tenants safe during and after COVID-19. DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION ShareTweetShare0 Shares …
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How to Rent an Apartment With Bad Credit
Being unemployed, having past or current debts, or being an international student or employee are just a few reasons why a renter might not have a desirable credit score. While each of these situations is different, the common factor is that renting with a credit score between 300 and 500, or none at all, can …
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apartment buildings

Rent Payments Increase Slightly in July, but Landlords and Tenants Continue to Struggle
Several months into the COVID-19 pandemic, data indicates that full rent payments have slightly increased. Still, tenants across the country are struggling financially and having to make difficult choices about where their money goes, and many landlords remain in a tough position between rental vacancies and missed rent, according to research conducted by Avail and …
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renter negotiating rent with landlord

How to Negotiate Rent With Your Landlord
Negotiating rent can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’re not accustomed to bargaining or have never done it before. Whether you are a returning renter or you’ve found a new apartment that you love but it’s just outside of your budget, negotiating rent with your landlord can be an advantageous next step. To …
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Your Guide to Cleaning Your Apartment Before Moving Out
While almost every renter has been held responsible for cleaning out their apartment before moving, it’s difficult to know what that move-out clean entails. Though some landlords might pay for a professional cleaning service between tenants, this is not always guaranteed, and assuming that your landlord will hire cleaners is a risky move for your …
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7 Tips for Renting as a College Student
Whether you’re an incoming freshman or kicking off your senior year, you may be thinking about renting an apartment as a college student. While this can be a great way to familiarize yourself with the renting experience, it can also be challenging if you’re unfamiliar with the process. In this article, we cover seven essential …
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moving boxes

7 Tips for Moving During a Pandemic
Confronted with a global pandemic, social distancing guidelines, and a few months of quarantine, searching for an apartment can seem like a daunting task for prospective renters. However, looking for an apartment regardless of the current circumstances can be relatively easy and feel close to normal by following a few guidelines. 1. Tour Apartments Virtually …
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small house and coins

How to Budget for an Apartment
Almost half of all U.S. renters spend more than 30% of their income on rent, which is why it’s important to know how to budget for an apartment to avoid financial hardship. Considering rent prices are anticipated to rise, properly budgeting for rent can ensure you don’t overpay in rent and have enough income to …
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Illinois Landlord Tenant Law

Illinois Landlord-Tenant Law
*Depends on location Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Illinois tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Illinois Of the 12.6 million residents in Illinois, 11.4% are renting, meaning there are 1.4 million tenants in Illinois. Illinois has a high volume of tenants compared to most …
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tenant paying rent online

The Best Way to Collect Rent Payments from Tenants
For landlords, ensuring on-time rent payments is crucial — but the method you choose can make all the difference. Online rent collection is one of the best ways to collect rent, offering convenience, security, and automation that significantly reduce late payments. In fact, landlords who accept automatic online rent payments are five times more likely …
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Pay Rent, Win Prizes
What if you could win prizes just by paying your rent? We’re kicking off the first-ever Pay Rent, Win Prizes giveaway, and you’re invited. Here’s How It Works: 1. Anyone can enter to win by signing up below and clicking “Daily Bonus Entry.” You can enter for a chance to win once a day, every …
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how-do-i-pay-my-rent-online

How Do I Pay My Rent Online?
Paying rent online is the easiest, most straightforward way to get money to your landlord each month. It’s convenient, contactless, and doesn’t require stamps, envelopes, or mailboxes. Here’s how you can start paying your rent online (with a bank account or credit card), avoid any late fees, and help boost your credit score with the …
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for rent sign in front of brick building

The Ultimate Guide to Rental Listings
A rental listing is the real first impression in the rental process. It’s your chance to advertise the best aspects of your rental property and a prospective renter’s chance to decide if they’re interested. On average, renters only spend a few seconds scanning your rental listing, and you’ll be competing with plenty of other listings …
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Washington DC Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Washington DC tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Washington D.C. Washington D.C. is home to over 600,000 residents. Over one-third of residents in Washington D.C. rent their housing. As a result, Washington D.C. has enacted many laws pertaining …
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apartment building exterior

How Are Landlords Responding to COVID-19?
Landlords and tenants across the nation are facing unprecedented circumstances as COVID-19 continues to disrupt daily life. As more U.S. households begin to feel the financial strain brought on by the pandemic, residential landlords are questioning how to respond to late rent, whether to enact rent deferrals or payment plans, and how to keep up …
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landlord conducting a virtual apartment tour

6 Tips for a Virtual Apartment Tour
Virtual apartment tours offer convenience and accessibility — but they’re also sometimes necessary. As people across the U.S. are being encouraged to stay home in the face of the pandemic, tenants still need to look for rental properties and landlords still need to fill rental vacancies. If you can’t meet in person at the property, …
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View of a renter moving into a California rental home

California Landlord-Tenant Laws: A 2026 Guide for Landlords and Tenants
California’s rental market is one of the most regulated in the United States, creating a complex landscape for landlords and renters to navigate. With the state’s extensive renter protections, understanding the full scope of rights, responsibilities, and limitations is crucial. In this comprehensive guide, we outline the main things to know about California landlord-tenant laws …
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group of people on mobile devices

Top 10 Online Communities for Landlords
Whether you’re having rental property issues and need some answers or you just want an easy way to stay up to date with rental market news, an online community for landlords is the best way to do it. These are 10 of the best landlord communities online — offering everything from house hacking strategies to …
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chicago renter walks along lake in winter

Tenants Benefit When They Get Credit for Paying Rent
The conclusion of HUD's most recent report, as published by the Wall Street Journal, is tenants stand to benefit if their landlord reports their on-time rent payments. Furthermore, this conclusion only increase in importance for many renters in public housing as they are most vulnerable to having limited or no credit. “This study shows that public housing tenants currently have credit scores well below average. One-half to two-thirds of those with credit scores are rated as subprime (below 620). Up to half of all tenants studied were “credit invisible” to one or both of the consulted credit scoring systems.” According to HUD.
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Seattle in the winter

How Will the Seattle Winter Eviction Ban Affect Renting?
On Monday, December 9, Seattle City Councilmember Kshama Sawant introduced legislation that would prevent landlords from evicting tenants during the winter. The legislation, if passed, would ban evictions from November 1 through March 31, “regardless of whether just cause for eviction may exist.” Sawant’s proposal is in response to the Seattle Renter’s Commission, which recently …
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Eviction notice on door

Steps in the Eviction Process: How Does Eviction Work?
Going through an eviction isn’t an ideal outcome for landlords or their tenants. Surprisingly though, the eviction process is more common than you think — according to the U.S. Federal Reserve, roughly 3 million non-homeowners were evicted or forced to move due to the threat of eviction between 2016 and 2018. While some evictions are …
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woman working on laptop

How to Analyze a Rental Property
Both new and seasoned landlords will agree that buying rental properties is often anything but straightforward. The process involves dozens of steps, many people working together and several key decisions that need to be made before a successful purchase. Analyzing potential rental properties, projecting their future performance and determining whether they will make a good …
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Rent payment written on calendar

How to Report Rent Payments to Credit Bureaus
Rent is probably your biggest expense each month. But are you getting anything in return for making those sizable payments on time? Most people aren’t, and many renters don’t even realize they could help improve their credit by knowing how to report rent payments to credit bureaus. NerdWallet reported that less than 1% of credit …
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empty home

Move-in Checklist for Landlords and Tenants
As move-in day approaches, it’s important to send your tenants information, including a move-in checklist to be completed within 72 hours of the tenants moving in. Why Do You Need a Move-in Checklist? The move-in checklist helps you keep track of the condition of your property. It ensures that you and your tenants thoroughly look …
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Outside of white apartment building with balconies.

12 Questions to Ask When Apartment Hunting
Whether you’re about to become a renter for the first time or you’ve been around the block, it’s always a good idea to prepare a few questions to ask before signing a new lease. These questions never replace the need to read your lease (always read your lease!), but getting them answered before it’s time …
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wind turbines and solar panels in field

Why You Should Compare Electricity Rates and Providers
As a tenant, you most likely use the internet to compare prices on goods and services, such as cable, TV, mobile phones, and hotels. But have you considered doing the same thing with your electricity bill? Taking advantage of the competition in the electricity market could not only significantly reduce your electricity bills but also …
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college-aged woman carrying moving box

Do College Students Need Renters Insurance?
Renters insurance isn’t usually on a college student’s radar, and that’s not surprising. Between tuition, rent, and beer money, most college students aren’t willing to shell out extra cash for something without immediate benefits. But what do you do if someone gets seriously injured at your house party and you’re liable? Or if someone swipes …
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Advertise Your Rental Property the Right Way
Many landlords are hungry for apartment marketing ideas, most likely because they think that creative marketing is key to finding great tenants and filling unit vacancies. In reality, it’s more important to master the basics: crafting excellent property listings and posting them on the listing services where your renters are most likely to be. Let’s …
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iPhone on table with Avail app on screen

A Tenant’s Story Using Avail
We spoke with Katie D., a tenant in Chicago who has been using Avail for about a year, to get her thoughts on the product, her favorite features, and how it’s changed the way she rents. How Were You Introduced to Avail? It was actually my landlord who set up Avail for us. Before, I …
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Does Paying Rent Build Credit

Does Paying Rent Build Credit?
There’s no shortage of advice on how to improve your credit score, but it often involves drastic actions, like getting a new credit card or taking out a loan. Because of this, many renters want to know if their rent payments can help build credit — and the answer is yes. However, there are certain …
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front doors of two apartments

How to Use Avail: Handout for Renters
Using Avail to manage your rental properties online can streamline your entire operation, as well as save you a ton of time. Once you’ve successfully created an Avail account and listed your properties, you can share this helpful handout with your potential tenants to show them how Avail works. New to Avail and want to …
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landlord academy intro screen

Welcome to Landlord Academy
Being a landlord is tough, which is why Avail wants to give you the tools you need to succeed as a rental manager. Our Landlord 101 is here to help you with some general tips around: Listing Your Property Online (1:54) Pre-Screening Tenants (4:35) Choosing a Tenant (6:30) Creating the Lease (8:11) Maintenance Management (11:40) …
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Moving Day Essentials: Keeping the Home Clean on Moving Day

Moving Day Essentials: Keeping the Home Clean on Moving Day
Maybe it’s not surprising that renters around the country agree on the must-haves for moving day: toilet paper, trash bags, and disinfecting wipes get top-three billing nationwide, followed by toothbrushes (and paste), paper towels, and hand soap. Instead of trying to glean some meaning from the slight differences, we thought we’d use this opportunity to …
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Colorful Duplex

Which Housing Type Do Renters Prefer?
So when renters browse listing sites, what exactly are they looking for? Not just apartments in multifamily buildings, for one thing. In fact, in some parts of the country, apartments aren’t even the most popular type of rental unit. First, let’s take a quick peek at figures nationwide. According to a recent Harvard study, multifamily …
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Women who are taking a break on moving day

Moving Day: Behavioral Statistics Across the US
So what does it all mean? Read on for analysis and insight on Americans’ moving day behavior to help you understand yourself and your neighbors or, if you’re a landlord, better prepare to get your units rented. Which Listing Services Do Renters Use to Find Apartments? As we mentioned above, Zillow is the most popular …
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A laptop and a person's arms on a white table.

How to Check Your Own Rental History Like a Landlord
A rental history check is used to evaluate how reliable a renter has been in previous leases. These checks often include information on rent payment habits, eviction history, lease violations, and prior rental addresses. Rental history checks are completed through tenant screening services, public records, or direct landlord references. Understanding what shows up in your …
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two landlords working together at a table

What Are Squatters Rights? 2026 Guide for Landlords
Discovering an unauthorized occupant in your rental property is a stressful experience that requires a calm, legally sound response. Many landlords are surprised to find that “squatting” often falls under civil law rather than criminal trespassing, meaning you must follow formal eviction procedures to regain control of your property and avoid legal setbacks. To help …
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people looking at chart on tablet

When to Open a 1031 Exchange (and When Not to)
Most investment property owners have heard of a 1031 exchange, but many might not know what it is or its significance. That’s understandable, seeing as 1031 exchanges are only relevant when investors are thinking about selling investment property. If you’re ready to sell an investment property, it’s imperative to understand the ins and outs of …
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How to Make Your Property ADA Compliant
Large commercial developers routinely make their buildings ADA compliant to satisfy the Americans with Disabilities Act. But that’s usually not the case for many small- and first-time landlords who might not know if their units are suitable for individuals with disabilities, how to make them so if they aren’t, or whether they even need to. …
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front door of a home

5 Reasons to Rent Your Second Home
It’s not just the “one percent” who have second homes. Inheriting a home from a relative, combining households with a partner, or making the move to a new state are common occurrences that could result in you owning a second property beyond your primary residence. Your first instinct might be to sell the property, but …
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apartment with green couch and exposed brick

Elders Are Becoming Renters
An interesting trend is changing what the American dream looks like in retirement: more and more, the country’s elder population is choosing to rent homes, rather than own. More seniors are attracted to the flexibility of renting, the role of landlords in maintaining a property, and the savings of downsizing, and so they are bucking …
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How to Get Credit For Rent You Pay With Avail CreditBoost
Certain bills can affect a renter’s credit score, negatively and positively. Decreases in credit score can often be attributed to balances being overdue or going into collections. However, on-time payments, specifically rent payments, can help renters build credit with features like Avail CreditBoost. This hasn’t always been an option when renting, but states like California …
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Avail Provides New Listing Partners for Its DIY Landlords
We recently partnered with several new listing partners, so Avail listings are now syndicated to more sites. This update will help landlords connect with even more qualified tenants. Who are our new partners? Our rental listings now syndicate across the following sites (*indicates new sites): Zillow Trulia HotPads Apartments.com Walkscore Lovely PadMapper* Zumper* Realtor* Doorsteps* …
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ACH Return Codes for Online Rent Payments

ACH Return Codes for Online Rent Payments
Seeing ACH return codes after trying to process a payment? These are common and can also be easily fixed once you understand what they mean. The Automated Clearing House (ACH) of the Federal Reserve processes bank transfers and utilizes a standardized language for the ACH network to communicate the status of that payment. The most …
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landlord exploring tax deductions for a rental property

12 Rental Property Tax Deductions
As a landlord, you may not be aware of all the tax deductions available for your rental property. There are certain items you’re probably already spending money on. By claiming these deductible expenses for your rental, you’ll keep more money in your pocket when your taxes are done. In this article, we walk through 12 …
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Avail Software Review: Three Primary Benefits
For those looking for landlord software, one of the best things to do is see reviews from others who understand technology. At Avail we were thrilled to see a positive review, highlighting how we serve landlords. Nate Smoyer, a real estate tech expert at Tech Nest, recently published an episode reviewing Avail. The review focused …
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apartment building

What Landlords Need to Know About Subleases
There may be instances where tenants temporarily move out of a rental property before the lease ends, prompting them to consider subleasing to cover the rent while they’re gone. Most lease agreements include a subletting clause to address whether or not tenants can do this, but if it doesn’t, landlords can legally modify the terms …
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for rent sign in front of house

Becoming a Rental Property Owner
Becoming a rental property owner is a challenging gig. It’s often not rewarding. It’s inconvenient in terms of time commitments and expectations. At Avail, we love part-time landlords. Our co-founders themselves are part-time landlords, so you could say this is in our DNA. Often, we focus on how to succeed as a landlord (more on …
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Collect Rent Next Day With FastPay

Collect Rent the Next Day With FastPay
Countless landlords have told us that faster payments are a must-have, so we’ve taken this feedback to heart and worked hard to build FastPay. We’re proud to provide an outstanding payment solution in terms of convenience, security, and reliability for all landlords and tenants. Avail now offers the fastest payment processing times in our industry …
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clock

9 Time Management Tips for Landlords
Ask a typical person how they are doing and a common response you’ll hear is one word: “Busy.” Sometimes, it’s even modified to, “crazy busy,” but in any event, it’s clear many of us are dominated by too many tasks and not enough time. As a rental property owner, it’s very possible to have a …
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group of people working at a table on laptops

This Startup is Changing the Landlord Game
For years, landlords had 2 options when it came to renting out their properties: Hire an expensive property management company Spend all their free time trying to do it themselves That’s when Ryan Coon and Laurence Jankelow got the idea for Avail. They noticed that internet technology had spread to many markets, (banking, e-commerce, etc) …
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renters moving into a new apartment

How to Handle Tenant Turnover
Being a DIY landlord is all about balancing risk and reward. Real estate and the businesses associated with it are investments, after all. The goal of every DIY landlord is to minimize risk and maximize reward, trying to get the highest return on investment (ROI) possible. This process of renting a property to a tenant …
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6 Legal Documents That Landlords Need
Guest blog by Rocket Lawyer Whether you’re a new or established landlord, you know that the amount of paperwork can be overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be that way. From onboarding new tenants to managing the landlord-tenant relationship, you’ll find the documents you need below: 1. Renter’s Inspection Worksheet Nothing is more frustrating …
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New Hampshire Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than 1 year must be written. **You can commingle security deposits if you acquire a New Hampshire bond equal to the value of security deposits you’re holding. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen New Hampshire tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in …
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Arkansas Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than 1 year must be written. **There are re-keying laws for victims of domestic violence. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Arkansas tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Arkansas Arkansas landlord-tenant laws do not put a lot of restrictions on landlords …
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Kentucky Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than a year must be written. **There are re-keying laws for victims of domestic violence. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Kentucky tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Kentucky Also known as the “Bluegrass State,” Kentucky is home to roughly 4.5 …
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Utah Landlord-Tenant Law
*Rental agreements longer than 12 months must be written **Victims of domestic violence, stalking, and burglary may request lock changes Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Utah tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Utah Utah, also known as the Beehive state, is home to just …
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Alabama Landlord-Tenant Law
*Leases longer than 12 months must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Alabama tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Alabama The Alabama legislature passed their landlord-tenant law within the last 10 years. This article is an overview of Alabama’s landlord-tenant law to help …
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Connecticut Landlord-Tenant Law
*If the landlord accepts cash payment, the landlord must give the tenant a receipt for payment. **If a lease is longer than 12 months, it must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Connecticut tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Connecticut Connecticut …
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Hawaii Landlord-Tenant Law
*Rental agreements longer than 12 months must be written. **There are re-keying laws for victims of domestic violence. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Hawaii tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Hawaii The state of Hawaii is made up of 8 major islands. Almost 1.5 …
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Idaho Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than one year must be written Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Idaho tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Idaho In 2017, Idaho was the fastest growing state in the country. With so many people moving into to the state, many …
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Iowa Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than 1 year must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Iowa tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Iowa Iowa has 2 different residential landlord-tenant laws: one law regulates the renting of dwelling units, the other focuses on the renting …
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Kansas Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than a year must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Kansas tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Kansas Renting can be a complicated process for landlords or tenants if you do not know the regulations for landlords and tenants. …
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Mississippi Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than one year must be written Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Mississippi tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Mississippi Mississippi’s landlord-tenant law doesn’t heavily regulate the landlord-tenant relationship. Therefore, landlords and tenants must make sure the lease is a clear …
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Nevada Landlord-Tenant Law
*Only if the tenant requests a receipt. **Only for rentals agreements longer than 1 year. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Nevada tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Nevada Almost 3 million people call Nevada home. Of that 3 million, about 14% rent their housing. …
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Louisiana Landlord-Tenant Law
*Rental agreements longer than 12 months must be written Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Louisiana tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Louisiana Over 4.6 million people live in Louisiana. About 7% of the state’s population rents their living space. Renting can be difficult if …
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New Mexico Landlord-Tenant Law
*If the landlord charges the tenant more than one month’s, he or she must pay the tenant annual interest on the security deposit. **Rental agreements longer than one year must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen New Mexico tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment …
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Oklahoma Landlord-Tenant Law
*Leases longer than one year must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Oklahoma tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Oklahoma Oklahoma is home to almost 4 million people, most of whom are living in Oklahoma City and Tulsa, the state’s largest cities. Many …
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Rhode Island Landlord-Tenant Law
*All rental agreements longer than 1 year must be written. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Rhode Island tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Rhode Island In Rhode Island, there is a low supply of rental housing which can make it hard for tenants to …
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Releasing New Leasing Interface

Avail Online Lease Features
The online lease signing process is easier than ever. Avail features have streamlined the steps in the leasing process, from approving your applicants to collecting your first month’s rent and security deposit at lease signing. Let’s walk through some of the features and tools that can help you easily draft an online lease and efficiently …
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Landlord Product Update

Avail as a Castle Alternative
Earlier this week, Castle announced they are closing their doors. The company will officially close on February 9th, 2018. Many landlords and tenants relied on the platform to manage their rentals online. But we have great news- there’s a better alternative for landlords and tenants looking to manage their rental experience online. How We Can …
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moving box with dog popping out

Move-Out Inspection: Common Landlord Mistakes to Avoid
Guest Blog from Valerie Kriss at Real Estate Experts, a full-service Chapel Hill realty firm. When you manage a property, there are several moving parts to consider. One of the most important responsibilities of a landlord is conducting thorough move-in and move-out inspections. Unfortunately, there’s plenty of room for error in this area. Whether you’re …
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Update to Rental Applications

New Updates to Rental Applications
We’ve had several exciting updates in 2017. We’ve enhanced payments reporting for tax season, added a Refer a Friend program, added evictions reporting, and then updated Rental Listings. We even raised a new round of funding and we’re quickly expanding our team so we can continue to improve new product features for users. In …
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New Updates to Online Rental Listings
So far in 2017, we shared several updates with you about your Avail landlord account. We told you about our improved Payments Report to help with tax season, our referral program, and enhanced evictions reporting. We continue to work hard enhancing our product. We even raised a round of capital and we’re quickly expanding our product …
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New California Laws in 2018

New California Laws in 2018
There are new California laws in 2018 that impact landlords across the state. We wanted to give you an overview of the new laws and provide resources so you can easily comply with each new law. According to the California Apartment Association (CAA), there are five new laws effective January 1st 2018 on the following …
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State of Independent Landlords 2017
Every year, we survey as many independent landlords as possible to figure out what it’s like to own and manage a rental property right now. This year, we got more responses than ever before – 484 – giving us an even more accurate pulse on what property owners think, feel, fear, and value. ShareTweetShare33 Shares …
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5 Reasons to Rent Furniture for Your Apartment

5 Reasons to Rent Furniture for Your Apartment
If you’re moving into a new apartment, should you buy or rent furniture? This is a common renter question and we’re here to help you decide. Here are 5 reasons to rent furniture: 1. You’re Moving Long-Distance in 2 Years or Less Rental furniture makes a lot of sense when you’re moving long distance soon. …
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5 Ways to Improve Your Landlord Toolbox

5 Ways to Improve Your Landlord Toolbox
This article is a guest blog from Tanya Johnson at Accuplan. No one ever said being a landlord is easy, but there are many steps you can take to protect yourself from risk, improve the success of your business, and even make your day-to-day tasks easier. Here are some of the most important tools you will …
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New Tenant Checklist for Landlords
Once you’ve found your next tenant, the next step is completing a new tenant checklist to ensure everything is handled correctly before handing over the keys. Properly onboarding your new tenant can also help make the moving process more manageable for them, with less back and forth communication. In this article, we provide a new …
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landlord on her laptop

Avail vs. Apartments.com: Rental Software Comparison
Managing rental property on top of a full-time job is no small feat. Between finding qualified tenants, collecting rent, responding to maintenance requests, and tracking income, landlords have their hands full. That’s why many independent landlords turn to property management software. However, choosing the right platform can be just as important as using one. Avail …
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What to Do Before You Move into Your New Apartment

What to Do Before Moving Into an Apartment
Now that you’ve signed your rental lease, the next step is getting ready for your move. In this chapter, we outline each step to help you thoroughly prepare for your move. Reach Out to Your Current Landlord By now, you should have already notified your landlord about not renewing your lease; now you can let …
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How to Look for an Apartment

How to Find an Apartment Online
Finding your dream apartment seems easy — and it can be — but that’s not always the case with rising rent prices and competitive markets. However, the key to a smooth rental search is knowing what to look for and where to find trustworthy rental listings. To help you in the process, we outline how …
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renters viewing an apartment with a landlord

How to Spot a Rental Scam
Rental property listing scams typically aim to steal money from interested renters. They’ll try to get you to pay for a security deposit or move-in fee without ever seeing the apartment or rental unit, and they’ll keep the money without any intention of renting a unit to you. To avoid this from happening to you, …
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furniture to use during an apartment showing

Questions to Ask at an Apartment Showing
Once you’ve reached out to landlords from rental listing sites, the next step will be scheduling an apartment showing. The landlord will be interested in meeting you, as well as asking questions on your rent payment history and rental history. However, this is also a great chance for you to ask the landlord questions on …
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How to Apply for an Apartment

How to Apply for an Apartment
Since 2014, we’ve helped over 108,000 tenants apply for their next rental property. We’ve perfected the application process. In this chapter, we’ll walk through the steps to apply to an apartment. Overview of the Rental Process Reach out to the landlord through the online listing. Schedule an apartment showing. After seeing the property, if you’re …
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how-to-encourage-on-time-rent-payments

How to Encourage On-Time Rent Payments
Knowing how to prevent late payments can increase the chances of getting paid on time each month, whether it be by offering online rent collection or implementing penalties on late payments. There are also additional ways to encourage on-time rent payments that make paying rent easy for your tenants and are simple to implement. In …
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how-to-handle-late-rent-payments

How to Handle Late Rent Payments
Dealing with late rent payments can be a stressful part of managing a rental property. However, tenants paying rent late is more common than you think and there are ways to handle this type of situation as a landlord. In this article, we outline steps for handling late rent payments and address common landlord payment …
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How to Handle Partial Rent Payments

How to Handle Partial Rent Payments
As a landlord, there may be times when a tenant tries to give you a partial rent payment instead of the full amount. While the choice to accept or refuse a partial payment is entirely up to you, it’s important to understand partial rent payments and how they affect your rental business. What Are Partial …
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Raising Rent and Rent Control

Raising Rent and Rent Control
As a landlord, you’re probably wondering when you should raise your rent price. On one hand, you want to bring in as much rental income as possible. On the other, you need a price that attracts tenants so you avoid a rental vacancy. In this article, we’ll cover raising rent and rent control, as well …
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Why You Should Collect Rent Online

Why You Should Collect Rent Online
Landlords rely on rent payments as the primary source of income from their rental business. As such, streamlining rent collection should be an important priority for landlords and property managers. One of the easiest ways to do this is by using software like Avail to collect rent online. In this article, we’ll compare online rent …
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landlord outlining the rent due date on calendar

What Is Rent Collection? Landlords Complete Guide
Online rent collection requires a reliable system for consistent income and maintaining a professional relationship with tenants. For first-time landlords, knowing how to set up rent collection properly can also prevent future issues and reduce administrative headaches. This guide outlines how to collect rent online, compares payment methods, and walks through best practices to support …
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New Eviction Reporting

Evictions Reporting and Tenant Screening Pricing
Our team of highly skilled software engineers have worked hard to upgrade our integration with TransUnion. This upgraded integration has three benefits for our landlords: improved evictions reporting, unbundled pricing, and control over who pays for the screening reports. For landlords who have used Avail to screen tenants, the change means that we are now …
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light bulb

A Tenant’s Guide to Setting Up Utilities
There are several things on your mind as you’re getting ready to move. Utilities are one of the most important things to set up. You’ll need electricity, gas, water, internet, among other utilities. Our goal is to make renting easier for you, especially when you’re moving. We’ll show you how to set up all of …
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What Landlords Need to Consider in the Era of AirBnB

What Landlords Need to Consider in the Era of AirBnB
By: Tyler B. Duff, Gordon & Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP The short-term rental of apartments and condominiums through online home-sharing services such as AirBnB has become increasingly common. Although the rentals provide tenants and condominium owners with a source of income, they also provide landlords with uncertainty regarding the short-term renter’s use of the premises. …
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Who Should Sign a Rental Lease First

Who Should Sign a Rental Lease First?
Signing a lease agreement is an exciting step in the rental process, but there are a few things to keep in mind when working with a rental lease. While it’s important to have the right clauses added into any legally-binding lease agreement, you should also know who should sign a rental lease first and the …
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Important Rental Lease Clauses, Addendums, and Disclosures

10 Terms to Include In Your Rental Lease Agreement [2025]
A rental lease agreement protects both landlords and tenants by clearly defining rights, responsibilities, and key rental policies. This legally-binding contract outlines what tenants can and cannot do, how to handle rent payments, and the process for situations like subletting or maintenance requests. Landlords must include essential details such as rental terms, security deposit policies, …
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the-benefits-of-online-rental-leases

The Benefits of an Online Rental Lease
Before the creation of property management software, landlords needed to set aside time to meet with tenants to sign the lease in-person. Now that online rental leases exist, it’s now easier than ever for DIY landlords like yourself to carry out a lease agreement and start managing your rental — all online. Let’s take a …
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Landlord on his tablet reviewing rental applications

15 Legal Reasons to Deny a Tenant
Screening tenants is one of the most important — and sometimes challenging — aspects of managing a rental property. Each rental application offers insights into prospective renters, helping you identify the right fit for your property. But with strict legal protections in place to prevent discrimination or unfair practices, it’s understandable to feel unsure about …
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5-questions-to-ask-prior-landlords

Five Questions to Ask Prior Landlords
The tenant screening process usually involves reaching out to previous employers and landlords to confirm the information a tenant provided is accurate. However, if you’re new to landlording, then you may not know what you can (and can’t) ask to properly verify the information that’s been provided to you. For that reason, we provided information …
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How to Screen Tenants

How to Screen Tenants
Choosing the right tenant is a business decision. After all, you need a tenant who will take care of your investment property and will pay rent on time. How you choose the “right” tenant is important, and you have to be able to justify your decision for accepting or rejecting any tenant. In this article, …
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Ultimate Moving Checklist

The Tenant’s Ultimate Moving Checklist
You’ve found your next rental property and signed a lease. The next step is organizing your move from your current place to your new place. We’re here to help you prepare for moving day. With so many important tasks, it’s easy to forget something. You could end up locked out of your new unit, living …
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Moving boxes

7 Moving Day Tips for Renters
You’ve read our tenant’s ultimate moving checklist and you’ve been preparing for your upcoming move. You’ve contacted your utility companies, changed your address, and updated your renters insurance. But as moving day gets closer, there are a few more things you’ll need to do. These seven tips will help prepare you for a smooth moving …
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10 States with the Best Landlords in 2016

10 States With the Best Landlords in 2016
Being a great landlord involves hard work: finding and screening quality tenants, signing a rental agreement, collecting rent, and managing maintenance problems is a lot to handle. In addition to day-to-day tasks, landlords are subjected to strict state laws. These laws can create many obstacles for landlords and strictly penalize them for any missteps. And …
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sign for open house

7 Reasons a Rental Open House Is a Waste of Time
Rental property showings are the first time you meet prospective tenants. The showing is also typically the only time a prospective tenant sees your property before deciding if they are interested. This means the showing is your only opportunity to maximize tenant interest and select the best tenants. Landlords commonly believe open houses will save …
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Landlord Jorney

Conclusion: The Complete Guide to Finding Tenants
After reading our guide on finding tenants, you understand the process of creating an attention-grabbing listing, managing tenant interest, and impressing prospective tenants as you show your unit. While it’s important to generate interest, it’s equally important to pay close attention as you get to know prospective tenants. Will they be responsible tenants who pay rent …
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rental listing titles that work

Rental Listing Titles That Work
The rental listing title is the first thing a tenant sees when searching for their next apartment. Your rental listing will be competing with over 100 other rental properties at any given time, and competition will be even higher during peak rental season (May-September) when the supply of rentals boom. But knowing exactly how to formulate …
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how-to-build-effective-rental-listing

How to Build an Effective Rental Listing
The first step to being a successful landlord is knowing how to post a rental listing that can generate qualified leads. In your neighborhood, your online rental listing will be competing with listings for other available unit, so it’s important that your listing is top-notch to catch a tenant’s attention. Over the years, we’ve learned …
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How to Manage Tenant Leads With Ease

How to Manage Tenant Leads With Ease
Now that you’ve created your listing, the next step is knowing how to manage tenant leads. In this article, we’ve outlined how to communicate with prospective tenants, how to follow up and move forward with tenants you like, and how to schedule showings with tenants. How to Manage Rental Leads With Avail Managing tenants can …
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How to Take Rental Photos That Rent Your Unit Fast

How to Take Rental Photos That Rent Your Unit Fast
After writing an informative rental listing description, the next step is to add stunning rental listing photos. Luckily, you don’t need professional photography or expensive equipment to get high-quality photos. In this article, we’ll teach you why smartphone cameras work just as well. Spending time on photos is crucial because listings with images get more …
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New Tenant Layout

Exciting Updates for Avail Tenants
Next Wednesday, June 22nd, we’re kicking off a series of exciting updates for tenants who use Avail to complete rental applications, sign leases, pay rent online, and create maintenance requests. The first change that users will notice is an entirely new tenant layout (see screenshot above). This new layout places important account-level information in a …
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Landlord & Tenant Guides
It’s time to hit the books. Access our free collection of in-depth guidebooks for landlords and tenants. Get pro tips on rent collection, tenant screening, and more. The Complete Guide to Rental Property Maintenance The Complete Guide to Rent Collection The Complete Guide to Rental Leases The Complete Guide to Tenant Screening The Complete Guide …
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Education: Tips and Resources for Landlords and Renters
Tips and Resources for Landlords and Tenants Avail NewsStay up to date on all company news, new product offerings, and updates. Landlord Guides Learn about the fundamentals of being a great landlord with our free collection of in-depth guides. Laws and RegulationsUse these tools to research state-specific rules, laws, regulations, and requirements for having tenants. …
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Arizona Landlord-Tenant Laws
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Arizona tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Arizona Landlord-Tenant Laws Arizona landlord-tenant laws are landlord friendly. There are an estimated 5.4 million residents in Arizona. Arizona has several big cities, including Phoenix and Tucson. Phoenix has an estimated population of 1,514,208 (19% of …
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California Landlord-Tenant Law
*Depends on location Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen California tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in California California has the most tenants in the country. Of the 36.25 million residents in California, 17.21% are renting, meaning there are 6.2 million tenants in California. We ranked …
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Colorado Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Colorado tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Colorado Colorado landlord-tenant law is generally landlord friendly. There are an estimated 5,557,560 residents in Colorado. Colorado is home to several big cities, namely Denver and Colorado Springs. Denver has an estimated …
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Florida Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Florida tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Florida Landlord-Tenant Law Florida has one of the highest populations of renters in the nation. Over 2.64 million of the 19 million people living in Florida are renters. That is 13.3% of the state’s population. Although the …
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Georgia Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Georgia tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Georgia Georgia has one of the highest population of renters in the country. There are a little over 1 million renters in the state. Georgia landlord-tenant law does not cover every aspect …
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Indiana Landlord-Tenant Law
*If a lease term is three years or longer, it must be written. **Victims of domestic violence have special rights regarding the re-keying of the unit. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Indiana tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Indiana Indiana is home to over …
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Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law
*Depends on location, some cities such as Baltimore require landlords to be licensed. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Maryland tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Maryland Renting a property can be challenging, especially if you are just starting out. Landlords and tenants should have …
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Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Massachusetts tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Massachusetts Landlord-Tenant Law Massachusetts landlord-tenant law is landlord-friendly. There are an estimated 6.8 million residents in Massachusetts. Massachusetts is home to one of the United States’ biggest cities, Boston, with an estimated population of 637,184. This …
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Michigan Landlord-Tenant Law
*Detroit requires landlords to register and certify their properties. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Michigan tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Michigan Michigan is home to 9.6 million residents, of which about nine percent are renting, meaning there are around 800,000 tenants in Michigan. …
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Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law
*Landlords must provide tenants receipts only when the tenant pays with cash. **All leases longer that are longer than a year and all leases for properties with 12 or more units must be written Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Minnesota tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment …
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Missouri Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Missouri tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Missouri Many residents in Missouri rent. Missouri has over two million housing units, 31% of which are occupied by renters. A large number of renters live in the state’s two largest cities: …
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North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen North Carolina tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! North Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law North Carolina landlord-tenant law is typically landlord-friendly. There are currently an estimated 10 million residents in North Carolina. North Carolina is home to two major cities, Charlotte, with an estimated population …
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Ohio Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Ohio tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Ohio Ohio is home to one million of the country’s tenants; it has a high volume of tenants, but not as high as D.C., California, or New York. However, although Ohio does …
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Oregon Landlord-Tenant Law
*Depends on location, some cities and counties require landlords to register with the city or county to do business. Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Oregon tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in Oregon Oregon is one of the fastest growing states in the country. It …
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Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Pennsylvania tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Law Pennsylvania has an estimated 12.8 million residents. Generally, Pennsylvania landlord-tenant law is landlord friendly. This guide will cover Pennsylvania, as well as Pittsburgh and Philadelphia landlord-tenant law. Please be aware that city and …
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South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen South Carolina tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! The Landlord-Tenant Environment in South Carolina The landlord-tenant laws are landlord-friendly in South Carolina. There are an estimated 4.1 million residents in South Carolina (31.9% renter occupied). South Carolina is home to Charleston, with a …
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Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Laws
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Tennessee tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Laws The landlord-tenant laws are tenant-friendly in Tennessee. There are an estimated 6.65 million residents in Tennessee. Tennessee is also home to several big cities, namely Memphis, with a population of 657,167 (17% renter …
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Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Law
Get a printable renter application AND learn how to screen Wisconsin tenants securely—free for landlords. READ THE FULL GUIDE! Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Laws The landlord-tenant laws are landlord-friendly in Wisconsin. There are an estimated 5.44 million residents in Wisconsin. Wisconsin is home to several big cities, namely Milwaukee, with a population of 594,833 (41.1% renter occupied) …
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How to Set the Rent Price for Your Rental Property

How to Set the Rent Price for Your Rental Property
As the owner of a rental property, your goal is to maximize the amount of profit that you receive from your single-family home, condo or multi-family building. The rent that you collect from tenants pays your mortgage, taxes (ugh!), insurance, maintenance and building your reserve fund for bigger repairs. In the end, after paying all …
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white front door of a house

7 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Rental Property
Investing in real estate, specifically a rental property, can be a great way to generate additional income each month. However, becoming a DIY landlord comes with various responsibilities that you’ll need to handle yourself with property management software or hire a property manager to do it for you. Because of this, you may be unsure …
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6 Tips for Collecting Rent on Time Every Month

6 Tips for Collecting Rent on Time Every Month
In an ideal world, tenants would pay rent on time each month and experience no hiccups when submitting their payments. However, there is always a chance that they may forget to pay rent by the set due date or experience financial hardships while renting. If you’re struggling with tenants who aren’t paying their rent on …
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landlord talking to prospective tenants

How to Find Good Tenants In No Time
When you’re preparing to rent out your property, you must first know how to find good tenants. Quality tenants are those that protect your property, immediately communicate whenever they need assistance, and follow the guidelines set in your lease agreement. The process of finding ideal tenants can be overwhelming at first, but there are tips …
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how-to-handle-tenants-with-late-rent-payments

How to Handle Tenants With Late Rent Payments
The most common dispute between landlords and tenants is late rent payments. Tenants that do not pay rent can cause a number of problems — they weaken your financial outtake and they can even cause legal trouble. While it’s sometimes a harmless case of forgetfulness, neglecting to pay rent is irresponsible and a breach of …
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Is America Going Rental?

Is America Going Rental?
Global economic markets on the brink of collapse. Millions, even billions, of dollars in jeopardy. A lack of clarity, absence of understanding, and unpredictability all shrouded in darkness. This might sound like an interesting movie about the stock market and the risks traders take on Wall Street, but it is what many people faced …
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view of apartment buildings in brooklyn, new york

New York Landlord-Tenant Laws: The Complete Guide to Navigating Rent, Leases, and Rights
New York landlord-tenant laws play a crucial role in rental property management. They influence how landlords approach various aspects of the process and provide renters with legal protection. However, with regulations constantly changing, it can be difficult to know what’s changed in recent years. For this reason, we created an in-depth guide covering everything landlords …
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4 Things to Know About Online Rent Payments

6 Things to Know About Online Rent Payments
Collecting rent online is the best way to seamlessly receive payments, create a positive landlord-tenant relationship, and reduce stress for both you and your tenants. But if you’re unsure as to how to collect rent payments, it may be worth exploring online options to help streamline the process. In this article, we share six reasons …
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computer screen with an Avail lease agreement

How Avail Helps Landlords Manage Their Properties
Managing a rental property involves a wide range of responsibilities: listing vacant units, screening tenants, collecting rent, handling maintenance requests, and keeping track of finances. Without the right property management platform, these tasks can quickly become overwhelming for independent landlords. That’s where Avail comes in. Designed specifically for DIY landlords, our platform simplifies rental management …
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5 Reasons to Collect Rent Online

5 Reasons to Collect Rent Online
Whether you have one rental property or one hundred, being a landlord is stressful. From finding trustworthy and responsible tenants to collecting rent, there’s no doubt that the process can be demanding. But thanks to property management software platforms, rent collection is now easier to handle without the help of a property manager. Here are …
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renters insurance policy document

A Guide to Renters Insurance
Renters insurance is likely one of the last things on your mind when you’re moving or signing a new lease. There’s so much going on — filling out rental applications, packing, finding movers, shutting off and re-initiating utilities — that it’s easy to forget about renters insurance. And once its back on your mind there are …
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credit report

How to Read a Tenant’s Credit Report
As a landlord, choosing the right tenant is the most important thing that you will do. Picking responsible tenants helps ensure (but doesn’t guarantee) that your tenants will pay rent on time and take care of your investment property. Ask any landlord who has experienced renting to awful tenants — they likely didn’t properly screen …
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A Guide to Landlord’s Insurance
You’re here, so its crossed your mind that you may need some level of landlord insurance since you’re now a landlord. Perhaps you’ve been a landlord for a while and you’re reevaluating whether you’ve got the right coverage. Well, it’s good thing, because we’ve built this guide to specifically help you figure out if you …
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Should I Handle Property Repairs Myself?

Should I Handle Property Repairs Myself?
Your phone vibrates. It’s a text from your tenant reporting that the hot water is broken. Well, here comes a thousand-dollar expense you weren’t planning on — unless you prefer to handle property repairs yourself. Before you take ownership of handling maintenance, it’s important to ask yourself these questions to ensure you don’t end up …
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Avail Landlord of the Month: Caleb
Caleb is our third landlord to be featured in the Landlord of the Month series. In his quest to become a property owner, he stumbled into becoming a landlord. He now uses Avail for all aspects of managing his rentals. How did you get into the business of owning rental properties? I was entering my …
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Avail Landlord of the Month: Elliot
Elliot is the second landlord to be featured in our Landlord of the Month series. He uses Avail to manage the condo that he purchased prior to getting married. He has been a Avail customer for about 18 months. How did you get into the business of owning rental properties? I purchased a one-bedroom condo …
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Avail Landlord of the Month: Amanda
Amanda is the quintessential Avail landlord. When she and her husband got married in 2011, they were stuck in the position of owning two condos, so they decided to rent one and become part-time landlords. Since then, the couple has acquired a small three-unit investment property. Amanda uses Avail to manage all four of their rental …
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landlord presenting house keys

How To Be a Great Landlord in 15 Steps
Successfully managing a rental property requires knowing how to be a good landlord. But if you’re still new to the rental process, then it may not be clear what qualities you should have as a DIY landlord. To help you confidently manage your property, we’ve outlined 15 things you can do right away to make …
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Tenant Screening Process: Putting It All Together

Tenant Screening Process: Putting It All Together
For each applicant, you should have requested a rental application that includes their employment history and prior landlord references. If you haven’t yet spoken with their prior landlords, now is a good time. These conversions can often inform you about behavioral problems, rule-breaking, damage, or vandalism that you wouldn’t otherwise know about. You should also …
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Invalid Reasons to Reject Applicants
The following are illegal justifications to not rent to a prospective tenant. These would be in violation of Fair Housing laws and would most certainly be considered discrimination. 1. Race and Religion You can neither accept nor deny housing to someone based on that person’s race or religion, nor can you discriminate against any renters …
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Penalties for Fair Housing Violations
Penalties for Fair Housing violations can vary depending on whether the case is processed via court, HUD, or elsewhere. Penalties can include fines, punitive damages, and attorney fees. This is why it’s important to follow a consistent process with every applicant and keep clear records of communications along the way. Consult a Lawyer If you …
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Fair Housing Protected Classes
Those protected by antidiscrimination laws will fit into what is known as “protected categories”— that is, certain characteristics of a person are protected by federal, state, and local laws that define these categories. What Are the Protected Classes? Race: The physical characteristics of a person that can generally be considered common across a group of …
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Valid Reasons to Reject Applicants
So how do you avoid discriminating? It’s easy to adopt tenant screening policies that minimize such a risk, and applying standard policies across every aspect of your rental business will help you avoid a lawsuit. These are the questions you can legally ask a tenant when assessing applications. The single best practice is to treat …
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Fair Housing Complaints
How Do You Know If Your Actions Are Discriminatory? Housing discrimination is often very subtle and you may not even know that you’re doing it. For instance, a family of four was looking to rent a townhome in a rental community. When they came to view the property, the twin five-year-old boys were running about, …
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