AAOL Articles

A triple net lease (often written as NNN) is a commercial lease structure where the tenant pays the base rent plus three major categories of property expenses: property taxes, property insurance, and common area maintenance (CAM). Because of that, many people describe NNN leases as passive for landlords. In reality, a landlord can still have meaningful costs and responsibilities in a triple net lease. The difference is that many of the building's operating … [Read more...] about What Does a Landlord Pay in a Triple Net (NNN) Lease? (Extensive Guide)

If you are a landlord, insurance is not just a box to check for your lender. A reliable landlord insurance policy can be the difference between a manageable claim and a financial disaster. The challenge is that “landlord insurance” is not one single standardized product. Coverage, exclusions, and claims experience can vary widely by carrier, state, and even by property type. This guide focuses on national U.S. insurers that commonly offer landlord or “dwelling” policies, plus a … [Read more...] about Which Companies Offer Reliable Landlord Insurance Policies? (National U.S. Guide)

Tenant screening is one of the highest-leverage skills a new landlord can learn. A good screening process helps you reduce nonpayment risk, avoid costly evictions, and protect your property, while also keeping you compliant with Fair Housing laws and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The goal is not to find a “perfect” tenant. The goal is to run a consistent, documented process that identifies risk and treats every applicant fairly. Step 1: Know the rules before you collect a single … [Read more...] about Tenant Screening for New Landlords: A Step-by-Step Guide (With Checklist)

Landlord rights during an active lease can feel confusing because two things are true at the same time: you own the property, and the tenant has the legal right to possess and live in it. The lease does not erase your rights, but it does require you to exercise them through proper notice, consistent enforcement, and the legal process. If you want to win disputes and avoid liability, your best tools are a clear lease, calm communication, and documentation. What “landlord rights” really means … [Read more...] about Landlord Rights During a Lease (AAOL Guide)

Every landlord wants the same thing: predictable rules, enforceable leases, and a fair process when a tenant stops paying or violates the agreement. But in the U.S., “landlord-friendly” is never just one thing. It’s a mix of eviction practicality, rent control limits, security deposit flexibility, local regulatory burden, and the big one investors sometimes ignore: opportunity (job growth, population shifts, and rent demand). This 2026 AAOL guide ranks 10 landlord-friendly states using a … [Read more...] about Top 10 Landlord-Friendly States in 2026: Regulations & Opportunities (AAOL Guide)

Becoming a landlord for the first time can be a smart way to build long-term wealth—but it can also become a legal and financial nightmare if you treat it like a casual side hustle. The difference between a stable rental business and a constant stream of disputes usually comes down to three things: screening, documentation, and compliance. This guide walks you through the full first-time landlord process: deciding what kind of landlord you want to be, setting up the property and your systems, … [Read more...] about Becoming a Landlord for the First Time (AAOL Step-by-Step Guide)

Roaches are not just gross—they can be a serious habitability issue. If you’re asking, “How long does a landlord have to get rid of roaches?” the real answer depends on your state and city, how severe the infestation is, and what caused it. But in most U.S. jurisdictions, landlords must address roaches within a reasonable time after receiving notice, and faster if the problem affects health and safety. This guide explains typical timelines, what “reasonable” usually means in practice, what … [Read more...] about How Long Does a Landlord Have to Get Rid of Roaches? (Timelines, Tenant Rights, and Landlord Duties)

Evicting a tenant in Michigan is a legal process, not a DIY lockout. If you want the tenant out, you generally have to follow Michigan’s notice rules, file the right court case, win a judgment, and then use the court’s eviction order so the proper officer can remove the tenant if they still won’t leave. This guide walks through the Michigan eviction process for the three most common situations landlords face: Important: Michigan landlord-tenant rules can vary by local court practices, … [Read more...] about How Do I Evict a Tenant in Michigan? (Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords)