landlord to be

hey guys. it looks like i may be a landlord shortly. i thought mrlandlord.com had forums, apparently i was wrong.

i’m looking for a resource which will cover everything from A-Z so i don’t make any major mistakes. does anyone have any recommendations of such resources online etc.?

What about contacting local Realtors? Some of them may have some rentals or at least manage some properties. You could compile a few different leases and see what you like and dislike about them. Where I am, there are still plenty of independent LLs just doing verbal leases. You really don’t need much proof at all here to evict anyway. We have everything in writing so there’s no room for argument.

you’re suggesting i contact a realtor for possible tenants? did i understand correctly?

ps - i found mrlandlord.com did have a forum, however i’m still open to finding more resources.

I bought mrlandlords book “landlord kit” from barnes and noble, pretty inexpensive and chock full of good info and forms to use, tips, questions to ask, etc. a good book to get started, but not state specific so just watch for specifics in the forms included in the book. In my state, the state housing authority (or whatever its called) offers a manual/reference book for landlords that covers all sorts of rental issues and legalities. that might be another place for you to check with.

Regardless of where you find the forms, you need to ensure that they apply to your state and local area. I would have your real estate attorney (or at least a local SUCCESSFUL investor) look over your forms.

Good Luck,

Mike

Ryan,
I was suggesting you could get copies of leases, move in/out checklists, etc from some RE offices who have probably managed properties for years. And yes, if you develop rapport with them (and give them some business sometime) you can probably also get potential tenants referred to you. Many people call RE offices looking for rentals too. Our Realtors refer all those calls to us.
If you’ve been reading the forums here, you’ve probably seen a great amount of mistakes others have made and also good advice.
Search LL/tenant laws for your state. That will give you the basic guidelines you’ll have to follow. Not knowing your boundaries as a LL will be one of the first things to get you in trouble.

Mr Landlord forum is called Q&A, not listed as forum.

The landlord section here is excellent, and you’ll get answers from people with experience. Mr Landlord is good, too, as long as you aren’t sensitive-- they fight a lot.

Ask here and someone will give advice.