Ask Lucas : Q&a For Landlords

Sue has a tenant who is leaving behind a 25-year-old desk. What does she need to do in order to prepare the unit for the next tenant, while complying with laws on abandoned person property in California?

Larry from Massachusetts asks about the rules and regulations to create a bedroom or sleeping space in a basement or attic. What requirements help make a room into a "bedroom"?

Amy is wondering if she should include the cost of utilities in the overall price of rent, or manage them independently and then bill the tenants separately. Lucas discusses the options and provides a third (and better) alternative.

Cynthia asks about Cozy and is concerned about online security. She is also wondering if she needs to collect paper versions of the rental applications before sending the applicants to Cozy to setup accounts.

In this episode, Bo asks about move-in / move-out letters. What kind of information do I list in my welcome and departure letters?

Pete, a tenant from Portland, says his landlord is trying to charge him for the entire cost to replace the carpet. However, the carpet wasn't new when he moved in. How much can the landlord charge Pete, and isn't carpet damage considered "normal wear and tear"? If not, what is the best way to calculate Pete's responsibility?

Dave from Arizona is moving out of state and wants to rent out his current residence. He's never been a landlord before and wondering if he should hire a local property manager, or is he able to manage the property remotely? Further, he's heard that property managers can be expensive, but how much should he expect to pay?

Ted from New Mexico has been collecting paper rent checks for years and is wondering if online rent payments would be a better option for him. However, he's not quite sure how it works, and what the benefits are.

Mike from Madison, Wisconsin is concerned that if he allows his tenants to be at the move-out inspection, they will inhibit the inspection process and try to keep him from documenting all the damages. Mike asks the question: "must I allow them to be present, or can do the inspection without them?"

Guy from Virginia is wondering what happens to his lease when the landlord sells the property. Does it continue or can it be terminated? The landlord wants to terminate the lease early, but Guy doesn't necessarily want to leave. Does he have any rights, and how should this situation be handled?

Rachel from Michigan just bought her first rental property (Hooray!), but is wondering if she should buy a home warranty insurance package.

Vickie from Florida is concerned that her tenant might ignite fireworks in celebration of Independence Day, but she doesn't have anything in her lease restricting it. What can she do?

Today's question is from John in Phoenix, Arizona, who wants to know how much notice he has to provide, and in what situations can he enter a rental property.

Today's question is from Stan in Austin, Texas, who is asking if there is a limit on amount he can raise the rent.

I'm so excited to share with you the newest feature of Landlordology; Ask Lucas! In this inaugural episode, I talk about its purpose to provide a bite-sized question and answer forum for landlords, tenants, and property managers. I'm happy to share what I've learned as a profitable landlord. Let's do this together!