Landlord Forms & Real Estate Forms:
Do Online Leasing Forms Really Work?
Rental applications, leases, and virtually every other landlord form you've heard of, and some that you haven't, were once the exclusive domain of lawyers. That meant a long wait, and hefty bills to get the best leasing forms. But today, online rental forms allow landlords to seize control, and save money in the process:
- Downloading online forms can save you a significant amount of money in legal fees compared to hiring a lawyer to draft a document from start to finish. In all likelihood, the lawyer will use the same basic rental form, but charge you more for it.
- The value of the form you choose is based on the reputation of the rental forms publisher. That's why it's important to choose a service that is picky about the forms it offers. American Apartment Owners Association's Landlord Forms are hand-selected by attorneys and industry-experts to ensure they are up-to-date, and are easy to use.
Want to get the best value from online rental forms? Follow the tips in this
checklist.
Which Landlord Forms Will I Need?
American Apartment Owners Association provides a large selection of landlord legal forms to cover a number of different situations that may come up.
When you are first getting started with a new tenant, before running a
tenant background check, you will need to select a rental application. To understand just how important a rental application is to your bottom line, see
5 Reasons Landlords Need a Rental Application.
Once you process a
tenant screening and find the right tenant, don't hand over the keys to the unit without a signed residential lease form. This important rental form provides the basis for the legal relationship between landlord and tenant. A well-written lease protects a landlord's rights and helps keep rental properties profitable. Are you unsure what provisions should be included in your lease agreement? Leasing mistakes cost profits. Many are easy to avoid.
Find out more...
One of the most common disputes between landlords and tenants involves the condition of the property, especially when it comes time to return a security deposit. That's why every landlord needs to complete a Move In/Out checklist.Typically, the checklist is completed when the tenant moves in, and again when the tenant vacates. That way, the landlord has proof if the tenant damages the property.
Click here if you would like to see some tips on tenant move in/out checklists.
Depending on where your property is located, you may also want to address special problems, like offering a mold and ventilation addendum, or a smoke detector addendum prohibiting tenants from tampering with these important safety features.
From there, the landlord forms you choose will be based on your individual needs. If you accept cash payments, it is important to complete rent receipts. In the course of the lease term, you may need to provide notices to tenants, like a Landlord's Notice of Rent Increase.
Landlords must understand what is contained in the rental forms they provide for tenants to sign. Investors may purchase rentals subject to an existing lease. But what if you try to rein in a bad tenant only to discover that their actions aren't covered in the lease? Don't get caught by surprise. For more, see
Landlord, Know The Forms!
Whether you are a professional property manager or have one property to manage, the proper rental forms can make the difference between success and failure. Protect your investment with American Apartment Owners Association's Landlord Forms.
