A tenant is someone who rents a property from a landlord or property owner. The tenant pays rent to the property owner, in exchange for living in or using the property. The terms of the rental are usually defined by a lease. Learn more here abotu what it means to be a tenant and what it involved in renting or leasing property.
How to Evict Someone from Your Home—Peacefully
Buying a foreclosed home through an auction may get you a great deal on a house, but it may also come with some unusual complications--like the former owners still living inside. While the foreclosed owners do have to leave eventually, every new owner fears the worst: They may be tempted to do a little damage on [...]
Homeowners Looking to Rent Out Their Houses May Have Help
The housing market crash has left many homeowners stuck in their homes, unable to sell or relocate. Without any equity and an underwater mortgage, these homeowners have been desperately searching for relief. Recently, several companies have been seen advertising what seems like a potential lifesaver for these folks. If you are stuck in your home, but want or [...]
Preparing to Rent Your Home
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 [...]
Owner Occupied Status Affects Mortgage Refinancing
A renter asks about an owner-occupied requirement with regard to mortgage refinancing. The renter says his landlord has refinanced the property twice, each time claiming he lives there. The renter wonders if the landlord breaks the law by claiming the property is owner-occupied during a mortgage refinance. Circumstances may change after the mortgage refinance occurs and that lenders don't have time to follow up.
Renters Renting In A Foreclosed Home
If you're a tenant in a property that is foreclosed on, what are your rights? I recently answered this question from a reader, and it appears that the...
Rental Property Foreclosure Forces Tenant Eviction
If you are renting a soon-to-be foreclosed property, will you be evicted? What happens if you pay your rent, but your landlord did not make the mortgage payments and the property entered foreclosure. What does the eviction process look like for a renter of a foreclosed property? Ilyce offers advice about the foreclosure eviction process.
Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure Affects Credit Score
A landlord wants to sell her investment property and has trouble. While the property is rented, the rent does not cover the mortgage. The landlord wants to know the effect of using a deed in lieu of foreclosure on her credit score. She called the credit bureaus but could not get a direct answer. Ilyce says that the effect of a deed in lieu of foreclosure on a credit score depends on the individual because each person has different credit factors.
Consider Lease Purchase In Tough Housing Market
If you're trying to sell your home in a tough housing market you might consider offering a lease purchase. In a lease purchase the seller rents the property to a tenant who may later buy it. The tenant puts down a non-refundable option fee which goes toward the purchase of the home. Learn about how lease purchases work and if it's the right choice for you.
Renter’s Insurance Will Help Protect Property
If you rent your home you should have renter's insurance. Less than half of renters have renter's insurance according to Allstate. Why is renter's insurance important? What does renter's insurance cover? Good renter's insurance will help you replace your belongings in case of a disaster.
Renting Out Property Subject To Foreclosure
Is it legal for a rental property owner to rent a property that may be subject to foreclosure? A tenant should be given notice that the rental property is the potential subject of a foreclosure lawsuit. The landlord should also be using the income from the rental property to pay his mortgage lender and keep the property from becoming subject to a foreclosure lawsuit.