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As a landlord, ensuring the quality and reliability of your tenants is crucial for the smooth operation and success of your rental business. That’s why it’s important to know how to do a background check on a prospective tenant to get a better understanding of their suitability as a tenant.
In this article, we share what a background check is, how to properly conduct a tenant background check, and answer some common questions related to the process.
What Is a Tenant Background Check?
A tenant background check is a screening report that shows specific details about a potential applicant such as their financial, criminal, and eviction history.
Tenant background checks typically include the following:
- Credit history: A credit report provides insights into an applicant’s financial responsibility, including their payment history, outstanding debts, and any bankruptcies or foreclosures.
- Criminal history: A background check may reveal any criminal convictions or pending charges that could pose a risk to the safety and well-being of other tenants or the property itself.
- Eviction history: This component helps determine if the applicant has a track record of being evicted from previous rental properties.
You can use a property management platform to request these reports from applicants, which can help streamline the process since most platforms also request written authorization.
How to Run a Background Check
Here are the necessary steps for performing a tenant background check.
1. Collect a Tenant’s Information
You’ll need specific details from the tenant to run a background check, such as their name, date of birth, address, social security number, and contact information. To do this, you can request a rental application to collect this information from them online.
2. Obtain Written Consent
Most states can tenant screening laws in place that make it illegal to request screening reports from applicants without their knowledge or limit which reports you can request. For that reason, it’s important to refer to local landlord-tenant laws before moving forward with the process.
The good thing is most screening platforms automatically require authorization before an application moves forward, removing the responsibility from you. You can also request individual reports (if not all types are allowed) or bundle them together for a one-time fee with Avail.
3. Review the Reports
After completing a background check, you can view the reports to approve or deny their application. If you find an item on their report, it’s best to talk to the applicant about it to give them a fair chance. Certain states also have limitations on landlords’ use of information on certain reports, so refer to local ordinances.
How Long Do Background Checks Take to Complete?
The length of time it takes to complete a background check depends on the service you use, and the responsiveness of the tenant.
With Avail, your prospective tenant will be asked to authorize their background check with step-by-step instructions. Once authorized, you’ll have the reports ready to view from your landlord profile in a matter of minutes.
What If a Tenant Can’t Authorize a Background Check?
In most states, a tenant needs a social security number or individual taxpayer identification number to authorize background checks. If your tenant doesn’t have either (this is common with international tenants), you may need to consider alternative options like a credit reference, landlord reference, or a bank statement.
Are There Laws on Background Checks?
Background checks performed during the tenant screening process are subject to state and local landlord-tenant laws. In most states, landlords must obtain written consent before performing a background check on a tenant.
States may have additional requirements, so be sure to review the laws and mandates in your state, and consult with a legal professional for additional assistance.
Screen Prospective Tenants With Avail
With a tenant screening service like Avail, you can find a qualified tenant for your rental with ease. Request a digital application, have your applicants authorize background checks online, and review all the information conveniently from your landlord dashboard.
Create an account or log in today to get started. And for more resources to help you find the best tenants for your rental, be sure to visit our tenant screening toolkit page.
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]]>The post Avail Q1 Rental Report: Landlords Aim to Keep Rentals Occupied While Renters Grapple With Financial Challenges appeared first on Avail.
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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 Plan to Increase Rent
Despite growing concerns about increasing rent prices, we discovered fewer independent landlords are planning to raise their rent prices within the next 12 months. 65.1% of surveyed landlords say they plan to raise the rent of at least one of their properties, which is down from a reported 70.4% in October 2022.
What’s causing landlords to pause rent increases? 48.2% of those surveyed who aren’t raising rent for renewals want to avoid turnover, likely recognizing that finding a new renter may be difficult given current market conditions. Additionally, survey findings suggest that the relationship with their renter is a significant factor. 40.3% of landlords who aren’t raising rent for renewals cite a strong landlord-tenant relationship as a key influence in their decision.
Additionally, 32.4% of surveyed landlords believe that rent for their units is currently at or above fair market value, and 15.1% of landlords expect to see local market rents decrease in the coming 12 months.
2. Landlords Are Focusing on Evictions, Payment History, and Income When Screening Renters
When asked about the most important criteria during the renter screening process, 55.4% of landlords cited previous evictions. 46.5% of said level of income is of major importance, and 41.8% take close note of a history of late rent payments.
However, this doesn’t mean landlords are quick to reject renters based on these factors — especially considering how many renters were impacted by the pandemic. 58.3% of landlords are willing to let a renter explain negative information on their application and only 35.1% reject applicants 50% or more of the time.
3. Fewer Renters Are Negotiating Smaller Rent Increases, But Success Rates Are Improving
Rent growth may be slowing, but prices are still higher than they were several years ago, making affordability a main concern for renters. However, even though more than half (54.9%) of surveyed renters feel they can’t afford a rent increase, fewer renters attempt to negotiate a more minor price hike. Of those who recently renewed their lease, only 28% tried to negotiate with their landlord. This is down from 34.7% in October 2022, and 38.7% in July 2022.
Despite the dip in renters attempting to negotiate, the success rate is on the rise. In fact, 25.4% of renters were successful in their negotiation attempts, up from 17.3% in October 2022.
One of the major contributing factors to this increase in successful negotiations appears to be how long the renter has lived at the property. More than half (51.8%) of surveyed landlords say they’re more likely to negotiate with renters who have lived in the unit for multiple years. This is despite the fact that 30.5% of landlords say they’d be extremely unlikely to negotiate when renewing a lease, and 27.6% claimed to be somewhat unlikely.
4. Renters Continue to Struggle With Home-Buying Goals
Successful negotiations may be a small win for renters, but other financial challenges still persist. For example, 66.3% of renters still feel they’re saving less each month than 12 months ago. Even though this is down from the 70.6% reported in October 2022, it’s likely a result of factors like inflation and recent rent increases.
Furthermore, less than one-third (30%) of renters are considering purchasing a home in the next 12 months, continuing a downward trend from 34.6% in July 2022 and 32.3% in October 2022. While they’re still considering a home purchase, 81.9% of these renters agree that rising interest rates and inflation have impacted their plans to buy a home, and 65.9% are delaying their purchasing plans.
Of renters who aren’t considering purchasing a home within the next 12 months, more than half (59.7%) don’t feel they have enough saved for a down payment. Furthermore, 41.1% of renters don’t believe they’d qualify for a mortgage — a drastic increase from the 19.6% reported in October 2022.
To help navigate these obstacles, renters are making compromises in their renting preferences. Nearly half of surveyed renters are considering a location-based change to help save on rent. 21.1% have thought about moving to a cheaper or less-desirable neighborhood, 19% are considering moving to a more affordable area in the state, and 15.6% see moving to an affordable area out of state as a viable option.
Landlord Data: Portfolio Size, Unit Types, and Median Household Income
- Nearly three in ten (28.7%) landlords own one rental property, while 38.1% own two to four properties. 15.9% of landlords own between five and nine rental properties.
- Of rental properties owned, more than half (55.5%) of landlords rent out a single-family home. 31.2% of landlords have two- to four-unit properties, and 9.6% possess rentals with five to 24 units.
- The median household income for surveyed landlords is $125,000.
Renter Data: Unit Type, Average Rent, Median Household Income
- 47% of renters currently rent a single-family home. 27.6% live in a two- to four-unit property, and 11.9% of renters live in a five- to 24-unit property.
- The median rent price for surveyed renters is $1,388.
- The median household income among renters surveyed is $50,000.
Research Methodology
The Avail Q1 2023 Landlord and Renter survey collected responses from a nationally representative sample of more than 2,500 independent landlords and renters. The survey was conducted between March 28th, 2023, and April 7th, 2023. The margin of error for landlords is ± 2.5%, and ± 3.2% for renters.
Avail regularly conducts rental market research to understand the needs of independent landlords and their renters. Stay up to date on rental market trends, news, and our latest research by joining our special reports mailing list.
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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 application process can help you create a seamless experience for you and your tenants.
In this article, we provide an overview of Illinois rental applications and a free downloadable form that you can use for your rentals.
What to Ask on an Illinois Rental Application
A rental application is an early step in the process of finding a new tenant. Be sure to collect the following pieces of information:
- Applicant’s personal details: This includes their first and last name, current address, contact information like their phone number and email, and proof of identification. You can also ask lifestyle questions, such as if they own pets and if they smoke.
- Proof of income: Proof of income, like a pay stub or W-2, can help show that the tenant can reliably pay rent.
- Employment history: Employment history can prove that the applicant can maintain a job and, therefore, a steady source of income, which may also factor into their ability to stay current on their rent payments.
- Screening reports: Screening reports like credit reports, background checks, and eviction history can reveal any causes for concern that you may want to discuss with an applicant.
- References: Previous landlords can show what renting to an applicant is like, and credit references can reflect their ability to make on-time payments. References are also great for tenants who can’t authorize screening reports.
- Additional applications: If you require a guarantor or co-signer, they should also submit an application. The same applies if there are parties planning to be roommates.
What Not to Include on an Illinois Rental Application
While the state of Illinois doesn’t restrict inquiries on a rental application, renters are still protected by the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits discrimination based on the following categories:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Familial status
- Disability
Asking about these factors could lead to accusations of housing discrimination and potential legal consequences, so avoid requesting any of these details on a rental application.
Illinois further protects renters from housing discrimination through the Illinois Human Rights Act. This act prohibits discrimination based on:
- Pregnancy
- Ancestry
- Age (40 and over)
- Order of protection status
- Marital status
- Unfavorable military discharge
Additionally, local laws on a county or municipality level may also apply to what information can be collected on an Illinois rental application, so be sure to check the local regulations as well.
Visit our Landlord-Tenant law page to learn more about legal mandates in your state.
Is it Legal to Request Screening Reports in Illinois?
Landlords can legally request screening reports in Illinois as long as the information doesn’t violate the Fair Housing Act or the Illinois Human Rights Act.
Local laws also apply to screening reports. For example, Cook County’s Just Housing Amendment prohibits landlords from housing discrimination based on an individual’s criminal history.
With a tenant screening service like Avail, you can request screening reports that your tenants can authorize. Select specific reports individually, or bundle them together for a one-time payment that you or the applicant can cover. Then you can easily access the reports from your landlord dashboard.
Are Rental Application Fees Legal in Illinois?
Rental application fees are legal in Illinois, and there’s no legal limit on what landlords can charge. Furthermore, there’s no mandate that application fees must be refundable.
How Long Does Processing an Illinois Rental Application Take?
The speed at which you can process an Illinois rental application depends on how quickly your applicant can submit their info and authorize the requested screening reports. With Avail, you can view all the information in minutes from your profile once the applicant has completed their end.
Streamline the Illinois Rental Application Process With Avail
When you’re ready to request an application, you can invite your prospective tenants to Avail and have them fill out an Illinois Rental Application and authorize screening reports online. You’ll have all the information from your applicants in one convenient place to compare and review in order to find a tenant that fits your criteria.
Create an Avail account or log in to get started.
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How can you know if a tenant is suited for your rental property? One of the best ways to find out is with a Pennsylvania rental application. With this document, you can collect relevant details and request screening reports to get a comprehensive look at your applicants.
Of course, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the laws and regulations that apply to the rental application process in Pennsylvania. In this article, we provide a closer look at what landlords should know about the process, and offer a free downloadable form for your use.
What Information to Request on a Pennsylvania Rental Application
When you request an application, it’s essential that you capture the most important information about the applicant, such as:
- Applicant’s personal info: The applicant should fill out their first and last name, contact telephone number, email address, current address, and proof of identification. You should also ask relevant lifestyle questions, such as if they have a pet, do they smoke, will they require parking, and so on.
- Proof of income: By requesting proof of income, you can gauge their ability to pay rent. This could be a W-2 or a pay stub, or a 1099 tax form if the applicant is self-employed.
- Employment history: Verifying an applicant’s employment history can show how capable they are at maintaining a job. It may also let you know how reliable they’ll be for staying current on rent through the length of their tenancy.
- Screening reports: By requesting credit reports, background checks, and eviction history, you can see if there are any causes for concern in the applicant’s history.
- References: Landlord references can give insight into what renting to an applicant is like, and credit references can reveal their ability to make on-time payments. References are also an ideal alternative for tenants who can’t authorize screening reports.
- Additional applications: Applicants who are applying as roommates should each submit an application. If you’d like your applicant to have a co-signer or guarantor, you should have them fill out an application, too.
What Can’t You Ask on a Pennsylvania Rental Application?
According to the Fair Housing Act, discrimination based on certain factors is strictly prohibited. Avoid asking about any of the following on your Pennsylvania rental application:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Familial status
- Disability
Asking applicants to disclose any of these details could result in claims of discrimination and potential legal repercussions.
Are Rental Application Fees Legal in Pennsylvania?
According to Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws, the state doesn’t limit what landlords can charge for a rental application fee. Furthermore, application fees are considered non-refundable in Pennsylvania.
Are Tenant Screening Reports Legal in Pennsylvania?
Yes, screening reports are legal in Pennsylvania. There’s no limitation on the type of screening reports that landlords can request from applicants. However, you must get written consent from an applicant before running a background check.
With a tenant screening service like Avail, it’s easy to have tenants authorize screening reports along with their submitted applications. Select which screening reports you’d like individually, or bundle them together for a one-time fee. You can also decide if you’ll pay for the reports or if your applicant will be responsible for the cost.
Once the process has been completed, you can view the information online via your landlord profile, and compare applicant details side by side to make an informed decision.
How Long Does it Take to Process a Pennsylvania Rental Application?
A Pennsylvania Rental Application can be processed as soon as the same day, but it depends on how quickly your applicant can complete the required steps. If you screen them with Avail, you’ll have the info populated in your dashboard within minutes once the screening reports have been authorized.
Find Your Next Tenant With Avail
When you’re ready to find a great tenant, a Pennsylvania rental application is a necessity. With Avail, you can invite applicants to the platform and have them fill out an application online. Screening reports can help you feel confident in your selection, and once you’ve finalized your decision you can create a state-specific lease for your new tenant to sign.
Create an Avail account or log in today to find your next tenant.
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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 screening practices.
In this article, we provide an overview of Arizona rental applications and a free downloadable rental application form.
What to Request on an Arizona Rental Application
Before requesting an application from a prospective tenant, ensure your application requests the following:
- Applicant’s personal information: This includes their first and last name, phone number, email, current address, proof of identification, and lifestyle questions like whether they smoke and own pets.
- Employment history and proof of income: If the applicant is employed part-time or full-time, you can request the company’s contact information to verify their employment. You can also request proof of income such as a pay stub, W-2, or a 1099 form for self-employed applicants.
- References: Landlord references can reveal what renting to an applicant is like, and credit references can reveal their ability to make on-time payments. These are also great options for applicants who can’t authorize screening reports, such as international tenants.
- Screening Reports: By requesting credit reports, background checks, and eviction history, you can see if there are any causes for concern that you may wish to discuss with your applicant. Before you request these reports, verify your local landlord-tenant laws and any restrictions on tenant screening.
- Additional applications: If your applicant would like to bring in roommates, you should request applications from them as well. Or, if you request a tenant has a co-signer or guarantor, you should have them apply as well.
What Can’t You Ask on an Arizona Rental Application?
There are certain things you shouldn’t ask about on an Arizona rental application. According to the Fair Housing Act, discrimination based on the following is prohibited:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Familial status
- Disability
Asking applicants to disclose any of these details could result in a violation of Fair Housing laws, claims of discrimination, and costly legal repercussions.
Visit our Landlord-Tenant Laws hub to learn more about laws in your state.
Are Tenant Screening Reports Legal in Arizona?
There are no laws in Arizona restricting which tenant screening reports landlords can request from applicants. The only restriction on tenant screening in Arizona pertains to protecting tenants under the Fair Housing Act.
You can use a tenant screening service like Avail to request and process screening reports. Bundle all reports together for a one-time fee, or order the individual reports that you require.
With Avail, your applicants will receive a request to authorize screening reports. Once approved, you can view the results from your landlord dashboard and compare them with other reports to find which applicant best fits your criteria.
Are Rental Application Fees Legal in Arizona?
According to Arizona landlord-tenant law, there are no limits on the amount a landlord can require for an application fee.
Application fees are refundable unless you disclose the purpose of the fee in writing to your applicant and specify that it is non-refundable.
How Long Does it Take to Process an Arizona Rental Application?
The time it takes to process a rental application in Arizona depends on how quickly a tenant completes the process. This can be done as quickly as the same day as long as they’re able to provide the required information and authorize the screening reports. Once completed, you can view the info from your landlord dashboard in a matter of minutes.
Screen Your Rental Applicants With Avail
Requesting the right information on an Arizona rental application is key to finding your next tenant for your rental property. With Avail, you can invite prospective tenants to the platform, request an online rental application with screening reports, review the collected information, and select your next tenant — all online.
To start screening tenants, create an Avail account or log in today.
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After successfully marketing your rental listing, you’ll have to screen potential tenants for your rental property. One of the easiest ways to do this is with a Wisconsin rental application. This form gives you a snapshot summary of your applicants and can provide the information you need to determine if they’re a good fit.
It’s important to be well-informed about the rules and laws surrounding rental applications in Wisconsin. For that reason, we cover the ins and outs to help you get the most out of your application process. Download a free Wisconsin rental application form to use for your rental properties.
What to Request on a Wisconsin Rental Application
Before you request an application from a prospective tenant, you should know what information you need. Here are some details you should always collect from your applicants.
- Tenant’s information: This includes their name, contact information like their phone number and email address, social security number, and if they own pets.
- Residence history: Request information about their residence history to learn how long they rented their previous home, how much they paid for rent, and their reason for leaving.
- Employment history and income verification: Requesting details about a prospective tenant’s employment and income can show if they’re financially equipped to keep up with rent payments.
- Additional references: You’ll ideally have a landlord reference and an employer to contact, but you can request personal and credit references as well. These may work well as alternatives if an applicant can’t authorize screening reports.
What Can’t You Ask on a Wisconsin Rental Application?
Landlords should avoid requesting any information that could lead to a violation of Fair Housing laws. According to the Fair Housing Act, housing discrimination based on the following is prohibited:
- Race
- Color
- National origin
- Religion
- Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
- Familial status
- Disability
Including questions based on any of the specified qualities could result in claims of discrimination, and those could lead to long and expensive lawsuits and costly penalties.
Visit our Resources page for more assets to help manage your rental like a pro.
Are Rental Application Fees Legal in Wisconsin?
Yes, rental application fees are legal in Wisconsin. According to Wisconsin landlord-tenant law, there’s also no limit to fees that a landlord can charge for rental applications.
Rental application fees can also be refundable under the following circumstances:
- The landlord rejects the rental application
- The applicant withdraws the application
- The landlord fails to approve the application by the end of the third business day
Are Background Checks Legal in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, landlords are legally allowed to conduct background checks, including credit, criminal history, and eviction history checks. However, you must receive signed consent from the applicant before moving forward.
Wisconsin landlords may also require the applicant to pay up to $25 toward the cost of the screening reports. The landlord must disclose the fee before requesting background information, and the applicant must receive a copy of the report afterward.
How Long Does It Take for Wisconsin Rental Applications to Process?
The time it takes to process a rental application can vary. With a tenant screening platform like Avail, however, you can view the information from your account within minutes once your applicant authorizes the screening reports.
After reviewing the details, you’ll be ready to accept or deny the applicant based on your tenant screening criteria.
Simplify Tenant Screening With Avail
Finding a great tenant is a common goal for landlords, and you can use a Wisconsin rental application to determine who’s a good fit. To make the process seamless, use Avail to request an online rental application with the prospective tenant’s name and email address. You can also request screening reports that your applicants can authorize online. Once ready, you can compare each application to confidently select your next tenant.
Create an account or log in today to get started.
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Arizona is an excellent place to own rental property, but it’s essential to understand your landlord-tenant laws before taking on tenants. Understanding the rules around leases, security deposits, rental applications, and more can increase your credibility as a landlord and improve your rental business.
Here are eight important facts about Arizona rental laws that every Arizona landlord should know.
1. What Is the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?
The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act identifies the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants within a rental agreement. When renting a dwelling to a tenant in Arizona, a landlord must:
- Comply with all applicable building codes
- Make all necessary repairs to keep the premises safe and habitable
- Keep all common areas clean and safe
- Keep services (like plumbing, heating, and electrical) and equipment (like elevators) in working order
- Provide for the proper removal of trash
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, and reasonable heat and air conditioning where units are installed and offered
Meanwhile, tenants must:
- Comply with all applicable building codes
- Keep the rental property clean and safe
- Properly dispose of all trash
- Keep all plumbing fixtures clean
- Use electrical, plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning appliances and systems in a reasonable manner
- Not deliberately or negligently damage the property
- Conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb their neighbors
- Promptly notify the landlord of needed repairs or other action
- Use the premises as a residence only unless otherwise agreed
Arizona has a second Residential Landlord and Tenant Act that applies specifically to renters in mobile home parks.
2. Does Arizona Require Written Rental Agreements?
While oral rental agreements are valid in Arizona, tenancies lasting 12 months or longer must be in writing. Because a written lease agreement is easily referenced and can protect both parties, writing a lease is generally recommended regardless of the term length.
You can create an Avail digital lease that’s lawyer-reviewed and includes all the locally-required clauses. Our templates can be further customized with Unlimited Plus to ensure the agreement includes all the information you want. Once finalized, your tenant can easily add a digital signature for free. The executed lease agreement can be accessed through your Avail account at any time.
3. How Much Can an Arizona Landlord Charge For a Security Deposit?
If a landlord in Arizona chooses to collect a security deposit, it cannot be more than one and one-half month’s rent. Once collected, the landlord doesn’t need to hold the deposit in a separate account or pay interest on the amount.
A security deposit receipt isn’t required either, but it’s best to confirm the amount paid in writing to avoid future disputes.
After a tenant moves out, landlords have 14 days to return the security deposit. It’s best to do this with a security deposit return letter that notes the returned amount and identifies the reason for any withholdings, if applicable.
4. How Much Can a Landlord Increase Rent in Arizona?
Because there are no rent control laws in Arizona, there’s effectively no limit on how much a landlord can increase the rent. However, it’s important to note that a reasonable rent price is integral to avoiding challenges like late rent during a tenancy and extended vacancies between tenants.
With an Avail Rent Analysis report, you can confidently set a rent price that’s both fair and competitive. Instead of manually researching other rentals in your area, this report compiles a list of comparable local properties in minutes. You’ll also receive a rent estimate based on local market data, and a breakdown of pricing trends can help you plan for future decisions.
5. How Much Can Landlords Charge for Late Fees in Arizona?
For residential properties, Arizona landlord-tenant laws say landlords can charge any reasonable amount as a late rent fee if specified in the lease. However, tenants must receive a five-day grace period before charging a late fee.
Mobile park home landlords can charge a late fee of up to five dollars per day following the grace period, according to Arizona statute 33-1414.
6. How Long Does a Landlord Have to Make Repairs in Arizona?
If a tenant gives a written request for maintenance, the landlord has 10 days to address the issue, and possibly fewer in the case of emergencies. After this period, the tenant may exercise their right to repair and deduct. The tenant can perform the repairs themself or hire a licensed contractor to complete the work. They can then deduct the expenses — up to $300 or one-half of the monthly rent, whichever is greater — from their owed rent.
To ensure a maintenance request never falls through the cracks, you can use a maintenance tracking software platform like Avail. Tenants can submit requests and share photos online, and in-app messaging will let you understand the problem without needing to visit the property. Change the ticket status to keep your tenants updated on their requests, and you can add expense amounts to keep your financials in order.
7. How Much Notice Must a Landlord Give for A Tenant to Move Out in Arizona?
The required notice period to move out depends on the type of lease agreement, according to Arizona statute 33-1375. A week-to-week tenancy requires a minimum of 10-day written notice, while a month-to-month tenancy needs at least a 30-day written notice.
Landlords don’t need to provide notice for a fixed-term lease, such as a six-month or one-year lease. However, it’s generally good practice to include a clause about renewal policies in a lease agreement to avoid confusion.
8. What Are Legal Grounds for Eviction in Arizona?
Per Arizona landlord-tenant laws, landlords must have a legal reason to evict a tenant. Examples include:
- Not paying rent
- Repeatedly violating the lease
- Refusing to leave after the lease expires
- Health and safety violations
- Falsified rental application information
- Criminal activity on the property
Depending on the cause, the tenant should receive the proper notice and can attempt to remedy the situation, if applicable. If unable, the landlord can proceed with the eviction process.
Keep in mind that self-help evictions are illegal in Arizona. Landlords should not try to force a tenant out by changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing the tenant’s belonging. This could result in a lawsuit against you and may involve steep legal penalties.
Learn More About Arizona Rental Laws With Avail
Arizona landlord-tenant laws and ordinances can take time to understand, but plenty of helpful resources can help your business stay compliant. By signing up for The Landing below, you’ll have rental law updates, educational resources, and helpful property management tips delivered straight to your inbox. And for more information on rental laws in Arizona, visit our legal page.
*This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for more information on landlord-tenant laws.
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Being familiar with Pennsylvania rental laws is integral to providing your tenants with a positive rental experience. Having the proper knowledge for handling security deposits, rent increases, and screening reports can also help you avoid costly mistakes.
To help you get started, here are the top eight things that landlords should know about Pennsylvania landlord-tenant laws.
1. How Much Can a Pennsylvania Landlord Charge For a Security Deposit?
If you request a security deposit from your new tenant, it cannot be more than two months’ rent. Additionally, you must hold security deposits of more than $100 in a state-regulated or federal institution.
While you’re not required to give a security deposit receipt, you must provide tenants with the name and address of the institution the security deposit is held in writing.
2. How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has no statewide legislation regarding rent control, so you can increase rent as much as you see fit. However, you cannot raise the rent in retaliation because the tenant exercised a legal right or filed a complaint of discrimination.
Inform your tenants of an upcoming rent change with a rent increase notice.
3. What Is the Right of Quiet Enjoyment in Pennsylvania?
The Right of Quiet Enjoyment states that every lease includes an implicit promise that the landlord won’t unreasonably interfere with a tenant’s right to possess the leased property.
Landlords in Pennsylvania can’t enter a tenant’s home at any time for any reason if it isn’t an emergency. You should have a legitimate reason, like inspecting for needed repairs or showing the property to potential buyers or renters. Give your tenant reasonable notice before visiting the premises, schedule your visit at an appropriate time, and knock before entering.
4. Are There Late Rent Fees in Pennsylvania?
No Pennsylvania law addresses or limits late fees, so you are allowed to impose them. However, it’s recommended that you keep them reasonable and clearly state them in your lease agreement to avoid confusion from your tenant.
To simplify the rent collection process even further, you can collect rent with Avail. From your landlord account, you can easily set up your tenants and the rent amount they’re responsible for each month. And, while you can automate late fees, automatic rent reminders and the tenant Autopay option can help tenants avoid penalties while ensuring you get paid on time.
5. When Can a Tenant Withhold Rent in Pennsylvania?
According to the City Rent Withholding Act, Pennsylvania tenants may be allowed to withhold rent if the property is certified by a government agency to be unfit for habitation. Tenants must first inform the landlord of the problem in writing and allow a reasonable amount of time to fix it. If action is not taken, the premises can be certified as uninhabitable.
Alternatively, tenants can implement the repair and deduct remedy. If the landlord fails to make the necessary repairs, the tenant can do so themselves. As long as the repair cost doesn’t exceed the total rent remaining on the lease, the tenant can deduct relevant fees from the rent.
6. Are There Tenant Screening Report Restrictions for Pennsylvania Landlords?
You must get written consent from every applicant to run a background check. There are no laws limiting the types of screening reports landlords can request. Furthermore, Pennsylvania does not limit rental application fees, so you can decide how much to charge for tenant screening reports.
With Avail, you can access complete online tenant screening services, including tenant background checks, eviction history, TransUnion credit reports, and more. You can decide who pays the fees, and once your applicant has approved the requested reports, the results will be sent directly to your account for review. This way, you can feel confident that you’re choosing the best applicant for your rental.
7. Do Pennsylvania Landlords Need a Rental License?
While the state of Pennsylvania doesn’t require rental licenses, certain municipalities may have their own local mandates. For example, the city of Philadelphia does require landlords to have a license before renting to tenants.
8. What Is Considered Retaliation in Pennsylvania?
Retaliation refers to action taken by a landlord in response to a tenant’s actions and is illegal in Pennsylvania. For example, if you increase rent or substantially alter your lease terms within six months after a tenant exercises their rights under the agreement, this would be considered illegal retaliation.
Illegal retaliation can result in being held liable to the tenant for damages equal to two months’ rent or the actual damages sustained by the tenant — whichever is greater. You may also be responsible for the cost of the suit and attorney fees if found guilty of illegal retaliation.
Learn More About Pennsylvania Landlord-Tenant Laws
The more informed you are about local landlord-tenant laws, the better you’ll be able to manage your rental properties. To keep up with the latest rental laws and regulations updates, subscribe to The Landing newsletter and receive curated content sent directly to your inbox.
Visit our Landlord-Tenant Laws page for more facts and details on Pennsylvania rental laws.
*This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for more information on landlord-tenant laws.
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Your understanding of Wisconsin rental laws can impact the success of your rental business. Local laws can affect how you screen tenants, plan rent increases, and more.
In this article, you’ll find nine important things landlords should know about landlord-tenant laws in Wisconsin.
1. What Forms of Rent Payment Are Allowed in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, landlords are allowed to accept rent payments in all forms. However, they’re required to provide receipts when tenants pay in cash.
While all forms of payment are acceptable, you can streamline rent collection using an online rent payment platform like Avail. You can request payments, schedule reminders, and keep your records organized in one convenient place.
2. What Are the Security Deposit Limits in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin landlords aren’t limited on how much they can charge for a security deposit. Landlords don’t need to pay interest on deposits, and they aren’t required to hold them in separate accounts.
However, landlords generally must provide their tenants with a security deposit receipt stating the nature of the deposit and the amount paid. The only exception is when a tenant pays with a check and does not request a receipt.
3. When Can A Security Deposit Be Withheld in Wisconsin?
According to Wisconsin rental laws, landlords can deduct from the total security deposit amount to pay for any of the following items:
- Unpaid rent or rental fees
- Property damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Unpaid utility bills
- Unpaid municipal permit fees
Landlords have 21 days after the rental agreement terminates and the tenant vacates the property to return a security deposit. If you plan to withhold any amount, be sure to clearly note how much and the reason in a security deposit return letter.
Track the condition of your rental and identify property damage with a rental property walk-through checklist.
4. Does Wisconsin Have Lease Renewal Laws?
According to Wisconsin statute 704.15, landlords must give the tenant at least 15 days’ notice of the option to renew their lease automatically. If proper notice isn’t given, the automatic renewal will be invalid.
One way to ensure your tenants receive ample notice is with an Avail rental lease agreement. From your landlord account, you can view the timelines for each unit’s associated lease and a 90-day renewal period where you can confirm your tenant’s intentions. By the 60-day point, you can duplicate the lease for a renewed term with a few clicks and edit the agreement if necessary before sending it for signing.
5. Are There Rental Application Fee Limits in Wisconsin?
There’s no limit to what a Wisconsin landlord can charge for a rental application fee. However, these fees are refundable under the following circumstances:
- The landlord rejects the application.
- The applicant withdraws the application before the landlord has accepted.
- The landlord fails to approve the application by the end of the third business day after accepting a deposit.
6. What Lease Notices and Disclosures Are Required in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, rental agreements must include a lead-based paint disclosure noting the presence of known lead-based paint and related hazards in the dwelling. Tenants should also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.
In addition to a lead-based paint disclosure, landlords should include a move-in checklist. Completing a move-in checklist will let you identify what repairs or maintenance need to be performed and can serve as a reference for the condition of the rental at the start of the lease term.
Handle rental property repairs easier with Avail maintenance tracking.
7. Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Wisconsin?
Under most circumstances, Wisconsin landlords can only legally enter a property after notifying the tenant beforehand. Generally, landlords must give at least 12 hours advance notice, but the tenant may consent to a shorter timeframe if they so choose.
This requirement doesn’t apply if a health or safety emergency exists, or if the tenant is absent from the premises and the landlord reasonably believes entry is necessary to protect the property from damage.
8. When Can Wisconsin Landlords Evict a Tenant?
In Wisconsin, landlords can evict a tenant for failing to pay rent, violating the lease agreement, or committing violent acts on the property. However, self-help eviction is illegal. This means landlords can’t take action like shutting off utilities or changing the locks to get a tenant to leave.
To evict a tenant, a landlord must give the tenant five days’ notice to remedy or vacate. If the tenant fails to do so, then the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
9. What Is Considered Retaliation in Wisconsin?
Retaliation is when a landlord takes action against a tenant in response to them exercising a protected right. For example, Wisconsin landlords can’t evict tenants for:
- Reporting a landlord-tenant law violation or a building or housing code violation to a governmental authority
- Joining or trying to establish a tenant’s union or association
- Attempting to assert any tenant rights
If a landlord takes retaliatory action against a tenant, it could result in a lawsuit against the landlord.
Learn More About Wisconsin Rental Laws
Landlord-tenant laws are constantly evolving to make renting fair for all parties involved. To better understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord in Wisconsin, visit our state-specific legal pages.
Subscribe to The Avail Landing newsletter below for the latest news on landlord-tenant laws delivered straight to your inbox. And, for other helpful resources like educational articles, guidebooks, and rental forms, visit our Resources library and start landlording like a pro.
*This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for more information on landlord-tenant laws.
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As a landlord in Tennessee, it’s essential to understand Tennessee landlord-tenant laws. These laws govern the relationship between landlords and tenants, ensuring both parties know their rights and responsibilities.
This article shares eight important facts about Tennessee landlord-tenant laws, including rental property management mandates and the Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Act.
1. What Kinds of Leases Can Tennessee Landlords Accept?
In Tennessee, both written and oral leases are acceptable. If you and a tenant verbally enter into a lease agreement, that agreement is considered legally binding. Written agreements are generally only required if the lease lasts over three years.
An oral lease may be convenient, but a written lease gives a point of reference for you and your tenant to refer back to in case questions arise. With an Avail lease template, you can create a state-specific and lawyer-reviewed lease to save time and money. You can request signatures, easily access your lease, and add lease amendments to legally modify the lease – all online.
2. How Much Can a Landlord Charge for Security Deposits in Tennessee?
Landlords aren’t limited in what they can charge for security deposits in Tennessee. Furthermore, landlords aren’t required to provide a security deposit receipt or pay interest on collected deposits. The deposit must be held in a separate account, and landlords should notify their tenants of its location.
After the tenant’s lease ends, the landlord must send a return notice outlining the amount being returned. If withholding any portion of the security deposit, the return notice should specify how much and for what reason.
3. Are There Limits to Late Fees in Tennessee?
Late fees are allowed in Tennessee, but landlords can’t charge a fee over 10% of the rent price. While late fees do not have to be listed in the lease agreement, Tennessee landlords are encouraged to do so. The state of Tennessee also provides a five-day grace period before rent is considered late, so landlords cannot charge any relevant late fees until the grace period has passed.
4. What Are the Rental Agreement Notice Periods in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, a landlord or tenant may terminate a week-to-week tenancy with at least 10 days’ written notice. To end a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord or tenant must provide written notice at least 30 days before the specified termination date.
5. What Is the Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Act?
Tennessee Code Annotated Title 66 Chapter 28 contains the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which outlines the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. Landlords must:
- Obey all building and housing codes that affect health and safety
- Make all repairs to keep the property safe and habitable
- Maintain the safety and cleanliness of all common areas
- Provide trash cans for waste disposal in buildings with four or more units
Meanwhile, tenants must:
- Obey all building and housing codes that affect health and safety
- Keep the property clean and safe
- Dispose waste from the property in a clean and safe manner
- Avoid property damage due to misuse, abuse, or negligence
- Avoid disturbing neighbors
It’s worth noting that Tennessee’s Landlord-Tenant Act applies to counties with a population greater than 75,000 according to the federal census.
Want an organized way to manage repair requests? Leverage Avail maintenance tracking software for your rentals.
6. Are There Limits on Rental Applications in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, there are no limits to what a landlord can charge for an application fee, but the prices should be reasonable and used towards the costs of tenant background checks. There’s also no law forbidding non-refundable application fees.
Tennessee landlords aren’t allowed to ask questions on applications that could lead to a violation of the Fair Housing Act. To avoid legal repercussions, use the same application and charge the same fees to all of your applicants.
7. Can Tenants Withhold Rent in Tennessee?
While tenants in Tennessee should generally pay rent on time, a tenant can withhold rent payment if they have been displaced due to the landlord deliberately or negligently failing to supply essential services. These essential services include utilities like gas, heat, and electricity, as well as maintenance and repairs that could affect the health and safety of a tenant if unaddressed.
8. What Are Tennessee’s Eviction Laws?
Before the eviction process can begin, Tennessee landlords must provide their tenants with a 14-day Notice to Cure for their breach of contract. This can be due to a failure to pay rent, causing extensive damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease agreement violations. If the breach isn’t remedied after the 14th day, the landlord may terminate the rental agreement and begin the eviction process.
It is, however, illegal for landlords in Tennessee to perform self-help evictions, such as changing locks to the unit or turning off utilities.
Stay Informed on Tennessee Rental Laws With Avail
Laws and regulations can be confusing and hard to follow, but Avail offers helpful resources so you can stay informed as a Tennessee landlord. Find more details on our Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Law page.
To have relevant information on Tennessee rental laws delivered straight to your inbox, be sure to subscribe to The Avail Landing newsletter below.
*This article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult an attorney for more information on landlord-tenant laws.
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