Nearly 3 million households in the United States receive eviction filings each year. It's the end game for rental agreements that is quite common, though no one wants it to happen.
Understanding how to enforce leases is a critical step in managing a property. These three tips will help you when you need to learn and follow through with lease enforcement.
1. Seek Common Ground and Explore Options First
Open and fair communication with your tenant is one of the most important parts of lease enforcement that you should prioritize. If your tenant is behind on rent or has another issue, always seek common ground before rushing to legal or more stringent measures.
When there's a workable compromise on the table, you'll be able to solve problems and build lasting relationships with tenants.
2. Put Things in Writing
You need to communicate in writing if you're interested in enforcing a lease correctly.
Start by making sure that you have a clear and ironclad rental agreement. Understanding tenant law in Florida will help you put together a lease agreement that you can easily enforce.
When you're reaching out to your tenant to address issues, you'll have a solid lease agreement to reference. Put all of your property management notices in writing and serve them to your tenants so that you're giving the proper legal notice.
Study up on Florida leasing and rental laws so that you can cite state code in any instance that it makes sense. Knowing you have the backing of the law will make your lease enforcement more effective.
3. Archive Documents and Use the Help of Professionals
Archive your documents so that you're able to keep records and have a legal standing based on your leasing agreement and the law.
Use a leasing management system that can help you with your archives, correspondence, and accepting payment. These Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms will help you easily keep records of every point of contact that you have with your tenants.
Tenants will appreciate these platforms because they let you accept direct payments in a lot of forms, and it gives them more options. Having an online rent-paying portal creates a digital trail for every transaction that took place, including confirmation numbers and receipts.
Aside from a lease management portal, make sure that you also hire the help of some professionals that can look after your lease enforcement needs. Get the help of attorneys that can contact tenants, serve notices, and file court cases when necessary.
As a property manager, you should also invest in tools and services that keep you organized and on task.
The Top Tips for Lease Enforcement
Lease enforcement is a vital part of being a property manager. It comes down to knowing lease rules and having strategies for communicating with tenants toward desired outcomes.
If you're a landlord, the best investment you can make is in the service of a property management company that can help you out with all aspects of lease enforcement.
Round Table Property Management can assist you when you need help with tenant screens, maintenance, rent collection, and more. Get in touch with us by connecting online, or calling (904)469-7272.
