Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started with Landlording Fundamentals 5
Chapter 1: Grasping the Legal Fundamentals of Managing Residential Rentals 7
Chapter 2: Protecting Your Legal Assets 23
Chapter 3: Taking Possession of a Rental Property 41
Chapter 4: Hiring a Property Manager 59
Part II: Advertising and Taking on New Residents Legally 75
Chapter 5: Getting the Lowdown on Fair Housing 77
Chapter 6: Exploring the Legal Aspects of Advertising 99
Chapter 7: Addressing the Legalities of Rent Collection and Rent Control 111
Chapter 8: Screening Applicants: Knowing When to Approve or Reject Them 137
Chapter 9: Composing Your Rental Contract 153
Chapter 10: Establishing a Security Deposit Policy 185
Chapter 11: Moving in a New Resident 201
Part III: Recognizing Your Responsibilities and Liabilities 221
Chapter 12: Repairing and Maintaining the Premises 223
Chapter 13: Minimizing Injuries from Potentially Dangerous Conditions 245
Chapter 14: Preventing and Eliminating Hazardous Environmental Conditions 259
Chapter 15: Protecting Residents and Workers from Criminal Acts 277
Chapter 16: Understanding Resident Privacy and Your Right to Enter the Premises 297
Chapter 17: Resolving Landlord-Resident Disputes 309
Part IV: Changing and Ending Leases 321
Chapter 18: Handling Cotenancies, Sublets, Assignments, and Guests 323
Chapter 19: Revising and Terminating Rental Contracts 331
Chapter 20: Moving a Resident Out 349
Part V: The Part of Tens 357
Chapter 21: Ten Tips for Staying Out of Legal Trouble 359
Chapter 22: Ten (or So) Tips for Being a Better Landlord 365
Index 371