Prevent this problem with these steps. Clagett Enterprises is here to help!
Being a landlord or a property manager is not always smooth sailing. Although tenant screening can do a great job of securing you with a landlord’s dream tenants, bad cases can still happen, namely in the form of property destruction. The best way to prevent tenants from trashing rental property in Maryland is to follow these tips.
Screen Tenants Carefully
The first step is to screen your tenants carefully. You can either create a list of questions for each prospective tenant to fill out, or you could hire a property manager to deal with this aspect of property management for you. Asking the right questions will give you great insights into what you might expect.
Collect a Security Deposit
A security deposit is a fee that a landlord or property manager collects and returns to the tenant at the end of the rental period if the tenant has taken great care of the property. You cannot use the fee to pay for repairs that are not the tenant’s fault. Given that you follow Maryland security deposit laws, you can charge a substantial enough fee to encourage the tenant to be more careful with the property.
Take Photos of the Rental Before Tenants Move In
While you might not expect your tenants to trash rental property, it is still a good idea to take photos of the rental before the tenants move in so that you have evidence of its condition should anything happen to it.
Make Tenant Responsibilities Clear in the Contract
Not every tenant will know how to care for a rental property, and you might have specific standards that some will not have thought of. You can make these responsibilities clear in your rental contract so that tenants know and agree to it up front.
Conduct Routine and Legal Inspections
While you should be able to trust your tenants, you should also conduct routine rental property inspections according to the law. It’s a good way to keep tenants accountable and know how your property is doing.
Take Action Immediately Should Tenants Breach the Agreement
If you do find that a tenant has breached the contract and damaged the property, take swift and proper action. If you hire a property manager, the company can take care of that for you professionally.
Maintain a Good Relationship with Tenants
Maintaining clear and personable communication with your tenants is a great way to encourage tenants to take good care of their rental. For professional assistance in Maryland, contact Clagett Enterprises!
Trust the Professionals at Clagett Enterprises for Your Realty Needs
If you’re looking for an experienced property management company, the perfect realtor for your property, or a professional to assist you during your purchase of any home, you can rely on Clagett Enterprises. Clagett Enterprises is a full-service real estate company with almost 30 years of experience in the Frederick and Western Maryland area. For assistance with commercial sales, leasing, management, and development and consulting, contact us online or give us a call at 301-665-6009. To meet our team and see some of our beautiful homes, follow us on Facebook and Linkedin.