Education

Background:In 2021, Marcus T., a high school teacher from Albany, New York, decided to invest his savings in a small, 12-unit apartment building in nearby Schenectady. The property was priced below market value, but for good reason: it had a reputation for late rent, vandalism, and constant tenant disputes. The previous owner warned Marcus that “the building eats landlords alive.” Marcus wasn’t deterred. He saw potential in the neighborhood and believed that with the right approach, he could … [Read more...] about Landlord Success Story of the Week: Turning Around a Troubled Building in Upstate New York

This week’s overlooked mistake: failing to keep detailed, written records of every rent and fee payment—no matter how it’s paid. Many landlords trust bank statements, casual texts, or memory, especially for cash or app-based payments. But without organized written records, you’re at risk for security deposit disputes, missed payments, tax problems, and court losses. Here’s why this mistake matters, and how to fix it. Why Payment Records Matter Without a clear, written record of every … [Read more...] about Landlord Mistake of the Week: Not Keeping Written Records of Tenant Payments | AAOL

Landlord-tenant relationships can become complicated, especially when property conditions, legal compliance, or fair treatment are in question. Tenants have several avenues for reporting landlords who fail to meet their legal duties. Understanding these channels not only helps tenants protect their rights, but also helps landlords stay compliant and avoid costly disputes. This in-depth guide breaks down where tenants can file complaints, what each authority handles, and how landlords can … [Read more...] about Who Can Tenants Report Landlords To? A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords

One of the most serious mistakes a landlord can make is locking out a tenant without a court order. This action—often called a “self-help” or “illegal eviction”—is not only risky, it’s almost always against the law. Many landlords believe that if a tenant fails to pay rent or breaks the lease, they can simply change the locks or remove the tenant’s belongings. But in nearly every state, the law is clear: tenants can call the police, and the landlord could face fines, lawsuits, or even criminal … [Read more...] about Can Tenants Call the Police If Their Landlord Locked Them Out? A Comprehensive Guide for Landlords

Pest control is a common source of landlord-tenant disputes in Florida. The answer to “Are landlords responsible for pest control?” depends on state law, lease terms, the type of pest, and the cause of the infestation. Many landlords assume they can shift all responsibility to tenants, while tenants often believe it’s always the landlord’s job. The truth is more nuanced. Florida law, specifically Chapter 83 of the Florida Statutes, requires landlords to maintain rental units in a condition … [Read more...] about Are Landlords Responsible for Pest Control in Florida? A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Landlords

Background:Meet Jennifer L., a nurse from Denver, Colorado, who inherited a small rental property from her grandmother in 2018. What started as a single duplex quickly spiraled into a portfolio of five properties by 2021—but not in the way Jennifer had hoped. Overwhelmed by tenant issues, maintenance emergencies, and inconsistent cash flow, Jennifer found herself working double shifts at the hospital while juggling late-night calls about broken pipes and eviction notices. By 2022, Jennifer … [Read more...] about Landlord Success Story of the Week: From Struggling Portfolio to Market Leader

This week’s overlooked mistake: entering a rental property for repairs, inspections, or showings without giving tenants written notice. Many landlords rely on texts, calls, or even verbal heads-ups. But skipping proper written notice can result in legal claims, bad reviews, and broken trust. Here’s why this mistake matters and how to avoid it. Why Written Entry Notice Is Essential Tenants have the legal right to privacy and quiet enjoyment of their home. State laws almost always require … [Read more...] about Landlord Mistake of the Week: Failing to Notify Tenants in Writing Before Entry | AAOL

One of the most common questions landlords ask is whether they can sue a tenant who never signed a written lease agreement. The answer is yes—landlords do have legal options, but there are important details to understand. Many landlords assume that without a written lease, they have no recourse against a tenant, but this is a costly misconception. Leases don’t have to be in writing to be enforceable. Oral agreements, implied tenancies, and month-to-month arrangements all create legal … [Read more...] about Can Landlords Sue Tenants If They Never Signed a Lease? A Comprehensive Legal Guide for Landlords