Can you keep the security deposit after a tenant breaks the lease? When a tenant breaks the lease on your rental property, you could be entitled to keep the security deposit based on your state’s laws. Q: Can I keep the security deposit my tenant gave me after he broke the lease? Here's what happened: [...]
Shutterstock If you’re looking for some of the safest cities to rent a home for your family, try the East or West Coasts. A recent survey by Rent.com revealed the best cities for renters raising families, and found towns in California and New Jersey ranked best for low crime rates and weather risks. [...]
There are a million reasons why tenants may choose not to purchase renters insurance, but it’s coverage that is worth considering—even if you don’t own anything that you consider overly expensive or valuable. In many cases, renters insurance will cover more than just the contents of your apartment. Scenario #1: Injuries to a guest in [...]
Buying a house after retirement can be a good or bad idea. Deciding if it's better to rent or buy a house after retirement requires careful planning. Q: I am a 66-year old single female. I currently rent a home for $875 per month (low for this area because I have been in this location [...]
If you’re a small business owner who has outgrown your spare bedroom or garage, or if you’re looking to expand to a new location, you might want to consider whether to buy or rent your next commercial space. Leasing Commercial Property Let’s start with making the decision to lease a commercial space. In some cases, you [...]
Deciding to rent your home instead of selling it is not an easy decision, particularly if you were not planning on becoming a real estate investor in the first place. Homeowners often make this choice when they have their backs against a wall—they cannot sell, but they also cannot stay. If you find yourself stuck [...]
Is the U.S. shifting from a nation of homeowners (and aspiring homeowners) to a nation of long-term renters? It may depend on your perspective of homeownership. Homeownership has been trending down, while renters are snapping up vacant properties. In fact, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, homeownership may be at its lowest rate since the [...]
Do you have noise issues with rotten neighbors? How to deal with neighbor issues in a homeowner's association. Q: I borrowed your book for first-time home buyers from the library a few years ago. I need to read it again and this time I’ll buy it. But in the meantime, I’m hoping you can answer [...]
Refinancing a rental property or an upside down mortgage? Options for refinancing an underwater mortgage. Q: We received an invitation from a loan company to refinance a rental home we own. Our current lender is in partnership with this company. The interest rate on our current loan is 6.25 percent with about 22 years left [...]
