If you are the landlord of a Hollister apartment or home rental, then it is important to know that you have protected yourself as the owner of the property that you are renting out to your tenants. 

Setting specific rules of conduct and household obligations is a great way to cover the bases and make sure that your requirements are met and that your expectations for the property are adhered to.

Before choosing any tenant to lease your Hollister apartment, you should communicate, in detail, the property rules. Make sure that your future tenants know the consequences for any violations. Clear communication up front can save all parties involved from  big headaches and frustrations later. 

In order to protect your rights and wishes as the owner and the property follow these basic rules for your tenants.

Rent Money Due Date

You own and maintain a rental property to make money. There may  be other reasons as well, but the money is certainly a factor. 

Inform your tenants of the date that their rent is due. If there is a grace period, make sure they are also made aware of that fact, as well as if there are any late fees associated with their account after the due date. 

Being lenient with when it is ok for your tenants to pay you, often leads to animosity, as your generosity is taken advantage of. 

Property Inspections

If you do quarterly inspections, go ahead and make your new tenants aware of that fact. Communicate with them ahead of time so there are no last minute surprises when you rhea out to let them know that you will be coming. 

Many states have laws and regulations about how much advance notice is required before you can enter your rental. Check you local guidelines to know for sure, however it is often normal in the rental market industry to provide tenants with a minimum of 24 hours advance notice. 

Along with adhering to local laws, this lets your tenants know that you appreciate their need for privacy and shows respect.

Expectations of Furnishings In The Apartment

If the Hollister apartment or home that you are leasing is furnished with household goods, take the time to put together an inventory list to keep track of your property. Have the tenants sign this list upon move-in and be clear that all items on the list must remain in the unit when the tenant vacates. 

If you intend to charge replacement costs for any items on the list that are missing or damaged, be clear about how those charges will be assessed.

Utilities

Many times, renters mistakenly assume that the costs of their utilities are included in their rent amount, however, more often that not, that simply is not the case.

If you are including utilities in your rent amount, let the tenants know, but if not, be very clear that electric, water, trash, cable and internet are the responsibility of the tenant to provide for themselves. 

To be helpful, you may offer the renter a list of the utility companies that service the property and then follow up with those utility companies to make sure the service has been transferred into the new tenants name and account.

Pets

Are pets allowed in your Hollister apartment or rental home? Whether the answer to that question is yes or no, communicate your policy with your tenants. Make sure that your tenants are aware of your policy and that they are made aware of any fees associated with having a pet on property.

Let them know of any security deposits, pet fees or pet rent that may be applicable to your unit, as well as the local leash laws and your policies on pick-up and disposal of pet waste. 

Don’t forget to check the landlord laws to make sure you are in compliance regarding any service animals that may belong to any of your prospective tenants. 

Time For Notice

How much of a heads up do you want before your tenants move or before they commit to staying again? Ensure your leasing contract includes these details so that your renters know how much notice they are legally required to give you.

Move-Out Instructions

When your tenant’s lease expires and they are ready to move out, inform them of your expectations for cleanliness. Instruct them on what items, appliances and fixtures need to be cleaned, and make sure they know your carpet cleaning requirements.

Communicating all of the rules and regulations you have for your tenants will help make the leasing period as smooth as possible.

Thousand Hills Realty is the premier property management company for Hollister apartment and home rentals. If you are a landlord who would like us to put our experience to work for your rental property, call us today at (417) 337-8081. We would love to discuss the opportunity with you!