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Real estate industry news, interviews, and educational resources.
5
Sep
2024
As part of the tenant screening and rental application process, landlords should collect proof of income to determine if the applicant can afford the asking rent.
3
Discover the 30% rule home renovation tip and explore the best ROI home improvements to boost your rental property's value and tenant appeal.
The rent to income ratio is a simple calculation that can help you assess whether a prospective tenant is a good fit for your rental.
29
Aug
Should you be using Zelle, Venmo, or PayPal to collect rent or a landlord-specific system like Landlord Studio?
28
Discover what a rental history report is, how to obtain a free rental history report on prospective tenants, and how Landlord Studio streamlines the tenant selection process.
26
We take a look at some of the best rent collection apps that landlords can use to modernize and streamline their rent collection processes.
20
There are a number of things a landlord can do to avoid missed or late rent payments, from efficient tenant screening to regular reminders...
19
Learn where to advertise your property for rent so you can maximize your listing's exposure, reduce expensive vacancies, and find great tenants fast.
15
Learn about rental property maximum occupancy laws and how landlords can set safe and legal occupancy limits for 1 and 2-bedroom apartments.
There are numerous reasons not to use payment apps for rent collection, and now the IRS is cracking down on them too.
12
We take a look at what the cap rate in real estate is, how it's used, and the best way to calculate cap rate on rental property.
9
A 30-day notice to vacate is a formal announcement of plans to end or change the lease. It may be sent by either the landlord or the tenant.
8
Knowing how to check for evictions is essential if you want to select a tenant who will stay long-term, pay rent on time, and look after your property.
The right online rent payment solution will help you ensure on-time payments, reduce admin work, and improve landlord-tenant relationships.
1
Portable screening reports are tenant-obtained credit and background checks shared with landlords normally valid for 30 days.
30
Jul
The best way to assess a rental applicant is to get a tenant credit report as part of your application and tenant screening process.
How much does Airbnb take? How much are the host fees, and what additional costs are associated with listing your short-term rental on Airbnb?
We take a look at the six key steps that every landlord needs to know to find the best tenants as quickly as possible.
25
A security deposit return letter should be provided at the end of a tenancy detailing the amount of deposit being returned and itemizing any deductions.
A security deposit receipt serves as proof of payment for the tenant and indicates where the deposit will be held during the lease period.
24
Evictions are not something everyone wants to avoid. They are costly, take time, and could have long term ramifications for both parties.
23
Download a free residential rental application form template or leverage Landlord Studio to streamline your applications and tenant selection processes.
18
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) specifies several important laws that landlords need to be familiar with when finding and screening tenants.
11
Learn how to collect and manage security deposits and what every landlord and tenant needs to know to navigate this often complex aspect of renting.
4
Under the FCRA, landlords must send an adverse action notice should they deny a tenant’s application based on information gained from a credit report.
Jun
Renting out a room in your house can be a good way to generate income and help cover the mortgage. Learn about regulations, taxes and more.
27
A tenant screening report provides landlords with essential information on prospective tenants so they can make informed tenant selection decisions.
Whether you use QuickBooks for rental properties or Landlord Studio, the right tool to track your expenses will save you time and money.
Rental application fee laws vary by state with some locations limiting the fee amount and dictating how the fee must be applied.
How much should I charge for rent is one of the first questions landlords need to answer in order to operate a cash flow positive business.
17
Understanding how to calculate vacancy rate and reduce it for your rental properties is vital for operating a professional, profitable rental business.
We take a look at 15 essential questions to ask prospective tenants and what you should be looking for in their answers.
How much can you collect as a deposit? When does it need to be returned? We answer all these questions and more in this state-by-state guide to security deposit laws.
6
Collecting rental applications is key to tenant selection. Gather essential info like personal details, income, and rental history.
When handling and declining rental applications landlords must follow best practices and applicable laws, such as the Fair Housing Act and FCRA.
May
TransUnion Smartmove tenant screening helps landlords identify the best tenants for their rentals with accurate credit, criminal, and eviction reports.
Knowing the best rental websites to list your property on is essential if you want to fill vacancies fast and secure the best possible tenant.
We explore some of the best rental property advertising strategies you can use to drive high intent leads and find great tenants fast.
A landlord reference letter is an opportunity for a current landlord to inform the future landlord of any issues with a tenant during their tenancy.
What is a background check for renters and how can landlords use background checks to determine which prospective tenants to select for their rentals?
16
We take a closer look at each stage of listing a rental property and how you can leverage tools like Landlord Studio to find great tenants faster.
The Fair Housing Act is a federal law enacted in 1968 that prohibits discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, or financing of housing.
We take a closer look at how to evict a tenant legally and safely and how you can reduce the chances of an eviction in your properties.
7
Understanding what landlords can and cannot do when managing rentals and dealing with tenants is essential if you want to stay on the right side of the law.
Tenant screening is an essential step in selecting a tenant. In this article, we explore how to screen tenants and what to look for in a great tenant.
2
Zillow Rental Manager is a free platform designed for small portfolio landlords looking to simplify their rental listings tenant selection process.
Apr
A notice to vacate is a formal written communication from a landlord or tenant informing the other party of the tenant’s intended departure from a residential rental property.
We've assembled a first-time landlord checklist that will help you generate passive income and create wealth for retirement through rentals.
Tenant communication is an essential part of mastering your rental property management. We explore what you need to know to master it.
22
A late fee for rent is a legal way for landlords to encourage on-time rent payments and can usually be charged as soon as the rent grace period expires.
Mar
2022
Effective real estate accounting will enable you to better understand your finances, accurately file taxes, and maximize tax deductions.
Good real estate accounting will provide valuable insights into the performance of your portfolio and save you both time and money.
We explore the benefits and limitations of Xero for rental property accounting compared to a property management specific software.
Feb
Simplify your rental property accounts so that you can maximize your profits and spend more time doing the things you want to do.
The gross rent multiplier formula is a useful tool for analysing investment properties for beginner and experienced real estate investors.
14
The operating expense ratio in real estate measures the operational costs of a property compared to the overall income of that property.
The wrong tools can prevent accountants and CPAs from properly helping their schedule e clients and prevent them from scaling their portfolios
Jan
We take a look at operating expenses vs capital expenses, how they need to be treated, and how landlords can maximize end-of-year deductions.
Dec
2021
How to calculate ARV in real estate, how to use it to analyze potential investments, and what are the limitations of this metric?
Oct
Net operating income (NOI) is a commonly used figure that investors and lenders use to determine the potential profitability of a property.
Cash on cash return vs ROI: two key metrics real estate investors need to understand when analyzing potential real estate investments.
Know your numbers like the back of your hand with quality financial reporting from software such as Landlord Studio.
2020
With the tax year coming to a close it’s time to start thinking about getting your books in order and ensuring everything is accounted for.
Nov
Landlords need to understand these key metrics to be able to prove their investments profitability and secure favorable loan terms.
We explore 7 aspects of rental property accounting that are essential for landlords to know when they are expanding their portfolios.
QuickBooks is an industry leading acccounting software, but is it the right solution for rental income and expenses tracking?
We explore common accounting mistakes landlords make and how the right tools and software can allow you to easily resolve them.
What are the pros and cons of Freshbooks for rental property accounting? And how does it compare to property management specific software?
Bad security deposit accounting can result in a number of problems from lawsuits to large and unnecessary out of pocket costs for landlords.
Whilst owning a rental is a great way to build equity and generate ongoing passive income, it can also be a lot more trouble than people first realize.
From getting financing, to managing tenants, we take a deep dive into the best softwares and landlord solutions for end to end property management.
2019
To evaluate an investment property you need to understand the numbers at play. Here are the key figures you need to be familiar with, and an example.
When it comes to property management software, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. So why should you use Landlord Studio?
Learn 9 essential steps to renting out your house for the first time, from prepping your property to finding tenants and managing rent.
Learn how to write a clear and professional lease termination letter and manage end-of-lease processes legally and easily.
As a landlord, you will likely have to raise the rent sometimes. We take a look at how to write a friendly landlord rent increase letter.
Listing your rental property on Craigslist can be a great way to increase exposure and collect more tenant leads. Here's what you need to know.
We detail the essential renting legal documents for landlords and where you can get them to make sure you are prepared for any eventuality.
What does it take to run your rental property as a successful corporate housing rental as what are the pros and cons of doing so?
Knowing what makes a 'good' renter and how to find tenants will help you reduce vacancies, increase tenant retention, and avoid late rent and property damage.
Use rental listing syndication services to publish your listing across multiple sites, maximizing exposure and finding top tenants quickly.
Learn how to advertise property for rent so you can find the best tenants and fill expensive vacancies fast.
Smart rental property landscaping allows landlords to command higher rents and attract better tenants who stay for longer.
The best renter background check and tenant screening services allow you to gather the information you need to make an informed decision and select the best tenant fast.
Free rental listing websites and tools are the best way to get your vacant property in front of as many renters as possible and find great tenants fast
How to use Facebook Marketplace for rental listings to find great tenants fast. And what you need to know to get the most out of Facebook rental ads.
2023
Renters insurance covers a tenants personal belonging and could save both landlords and tenants a whole world of heartache.
In episode 4 of The Profitable Rental Podcast, Kim Avant-Babb shares tenant management techniques and her 39-year career with a 0% eviction rate.
Rental verification involves validating a tenant's rental application information and is a vital step in ensuring you select the most-qualified tenant.
Small things like an informative welcome letter and a welcome package at the start of a tenancy will yield fantastic returns on investment.
Rental concessions are a useful tool landlords can use to attract and retain high-quality tenants, reducing vacancy and marketing costs.
2025
Learn how to write a proof of rent payment letter with our step-by-step guide. Download free templates and simplify the process using Landlord Studio.
Learn what a reasonable rent increase is in 2025, including key factors like market conditions, legal requirements, and tips for managing rent hikes effectively.
Having a good rent payment platform is more convenient for landlords and tenants and has been proven to help dramatically reduce late rent payments.
In this article, we take a closer look at when and how much a landlord can raise the rent and we detail the process for creating a formal rent increase letter for your tenants.
There are several aspects to consider if you want to benefit from collecting the first and last month’s rent while staying within legal guidelines.
13
Cash and checks are slow, insecure, and outdated ways to collect rent. In this article, we explore the best ways to collect rent from your tenants.
We take a closer look at what exactly rent control is, how rent control works, and its impact on landlords, tenants, and the housing market.
However you collect rent, providing your tenant with a rent receipt is a good business practice, and in some states is a legal requirement.
Collecting back rent must be done properly and in compliance with the renter's rights. Here's what you need to know...
A formal process to increase the rent will make the process easier and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page.
The challenge for real estate investors is understanding what counts as operating expenses and what's not included.
10
It can be tempting to accept multiple rent payments in advance, however, doing so could land you in trouble later.
An easy-to-use rent collection system for your commercial property will help tenants stay on top of their payments and save you time.
We explore strategies for landlords and real estate investors to increase rental property cash flow and overall profitability
When it comes to the collection of security deposits and first months rent landlord must follow best practices and keep detailed records.
What are the steps landlords can take if the rent is late? And how can you encourage on-time rent with tools like online rent collection?
Should you or shouldn't you accept partial rent payments? And if you do what's the best way to handle them so that everyone wins?
The right online rent collection tool can reduce admin work and increase the likelihood of rent being collected on time.
We look at the pros and cons of collecting rent online versus more traditional methods like cash or check.
By combining these four points you can dramatically reduce both late rent payments and the time and stress of chasing up missed rent.
As the next step towards our ambitious goal to automate rental property management we have launched ACH payments!
We take a look at 3 simple things landlords can do to simplify and improve their rent collection processes to avoid missed rent payments.
The purpose of any software is to help you optimize your processes. Using Zelle for rent collection allows landlords to do just that.
Rental properties are a wonderful investment, but they do have risks such as late rent. We explore how to best handle and reduce late rent payments.
21
Rents vary greatly from market to market, from one street to the next. Use our free custom rent report and these 6 tips to help get your rent prices right.
Maximize ROI on rental property renovations with strategic upgrades and effective cost tracking. Learn top renovation tips to boost property value and rental income.
Good property maintenance management will keep tenants happy and prevent large unexpected maintenance bills. Here's what landlords need to know...
Well-maintained roofs can reduce energy bills for tenants and make the property more appealing, leading to lower vacancy rates and increased rental income.
Knowing the types of rental property maintenance expenses to expect can help you evaluate potential purchases and budget for future maintenance costs.
Save time, reduce costs, and keep your property in tip-top condition with property maintenance management software like Landlord Studio.
This vacation rental inventory checklist provides you with a baseline of the amenities and furnishings you need to provide.
We ask, what are the pros and cons of using a smart lock or rental lock box for your property and how do you choose the best one for you?
Pests in a rental can compromise the structure of the property, and the health of your tenants. Are landlords responsible for pest control?
A move in or move out inspection allows you to identify damage caused by tenants and any maintenance that needs to be carried out.
Providing an itemized list of damages will set a clear expectation for your tenants, should any property damage occur during their stay.
Do you keep your rental property in good shape? In the long run, preventative maintenance can save you time, money and stress. It's a win-win.
Wear and tear is part and parcel of operating a rental property. It is the minor damage that comes about through normal everyday living.
The best flooring for your rental property is cost-effective, durable, and easy to clean. We outline the pros and cons of common floorings.
We explore the best way to manage and track maintenance expenses to ensure you never miss a deductible expense again.
While maintenance is still a requirement for your properties, carrying out maintenance safely during COVID-19 is a new challenge.
When it comes to property maintenance, there's always seems to something that needs attention. How can you optimize maintenance management?
We outline 9 renovation ideas to consider when planning your property refurb. Find out how to add value and appeal to your investment property...
Landlords often find themselves with many roles and positions, everything from property management to prospective therapist.
Every property has its own idiosyncrasies, and a rental is no different. Here are 10 maintenance jobs you can do yourself to save yourself $1000s...
Learn how to calculate depreciation on rental property, including methods like straight-line and accelerated depreciation, to maximize tax benefits.
Learn key real estate IRS requirements, common audit triggers for landlords, and how to simplify tax prep and compliance with Landlord Studio’s rental accounting tools.
Cost segregation in real estate allows investors to accelerate their depreciation to decrease tax liabilities in the earlier years of owning their investment property.
Travel and mileage make up a significant tax deduction for landlords. Keep detailed records using software like Landlord Studio.
Is it possible to pay no taxes on rental income? If so how? Discover actionable real estate tax strategies to defer taxes, minimize liability, and increase ROI.
According to the IRS regulations, landlords and property managers must now ensure they file form 1099 for rental income over $600.
1031 exchange rules enable investors to exchange like-kind properties and defer capital gains tax as part of their wealth building strategy.
There are several 1099 requirements for landlords, for example, if they hire an independent contractor and pay them more than $600 over the course of the year.
31
Learn how to handle an IRS audit with confidence. Follow these 6 essential steps to safeguard your financial standing and navigate the audit process smoothly.
Having access to advanced reports including a rent ledger will allow you to gain deeper insights into your portfolio performance.
What is a profit and loss statement for a rental property, what needs to be included, and how it can be used by real estate investors?
Learn the pros, cons, and tax implications of converting your primary residence to a rental property, plus tips for a smooth transition and maximizing benefits.
With the right real estate tax planning strategies you can significantly reduce your tax liability, improve cash flow, and increase ROI.
What is material participation? What are the material participation tests? And what does it mean to materially participate in real estate?
To help you streamline your tax season we've put together this guide outlining the main landlord tax documents you need to know about.
We take a look at rental property cost basis and the role it plays in capital gains tax and depreciation recapture.
A rental property income statement is central to understanding your portfolio and is a key figure for several important real estate metrics.
Depreciation recapture is a tax provision that allows the IRS to collect taxes on the profitable sale of a depreciated asset.
Safe harbors are rules implemented by the IRS to allow qualifying entities to simplify their tax filings and save money.
Is rental income deemed active or passive by the IRS and how does this affect how rental income is taxed?
The short-term rental tax loophole is a strategy real estate investors can use to help mitigate their rental income tax by offsetting earned income with real estate losses.
A great real estate CPA can help you improve cash flow, minimize tax liabilities, and grow your portfolio.
How you can use TurboTax for your rentals and why so many investors use Landlord Studio and TurboTax together for an easier tax time.
Discover how the IRS knows if you have rental income, the risks of misfiling, and essential property management tools to keep you compliant.
What is real estate professional status, how do you qualify, and how can it help you reduce your rental property taxes?
Learn about Schedule C vs Schedule E and which form you need when declaring your rental property income and expenses at tax time.
Below, we take a look at essential real estate investing tax strategies that investors need to know to mitigate taxes and increase profits.
Are their states without property tax? We explore the best and worst states for real estate investing according to the real estate tax rates in each.
What is a T12 in real estate, and how should real estate investors track income and expenses to create an accurate & useful trailing twelve months report?
When it comes to filing your short-term rental tax, your financial records need to be organized and accessible.
Cash-on-cash return vs cap rate in real estate - both are important ROI metrics that investors use to measure the financial health of rentals.
Gross yield for real estate is a calculation that lets you easily compare properties with different values and rental returns.
Taxes on a rental property sale can quickly compile. Landlords need to be aware of these taxes and plan accordingly.
With some exceptions, landlords are entitled to deduct operating expenses, including HOA fees and COA fees, from their taxable rental income.
What is pro forma in real estate and how can real estate investors use pro forma calculations to analyze potential deals.
We take a look at what it takes to qualify as a real estate professional and the tax benefits that come with this status.
Though some closing costs are tax deductible on a rental property, most must be added to the properties basis and depreciated.
Landlord-tenant laws at federal, state and local levels aim to protect both parties during the rental process.
The Cap Rate and ROI are good starting points when comparing multiple potential investments. How're they calculated and how're they different?