5 Updates Landlords Shouldn’t Make

Marble countertops, shiny tiled floors, and a brand-new patio: while they might be pretty, upgrades like these won’t help your bottom line. If you plan to invest and maintain a profitable rental property, you’ll need to strike a balance between updating the space and minding your budget.  By creating an appealing setting, you can make more of a profit by increasing the rent – however, if you stray from updates to full-scale renovation, you might end up dealing with a property that costs more than it earns. Here are a few renovations that investors shouldn’t make on a rental property.

1. Adding a Swimming Pool

A pool may seem like an ideal addition to the backyard, but it won’t necessarily increase the value of the home. The feature can also take away space in the backyard for pets or children to play in on the property and make it seem unattractive to families who lack the time or resources to maintain it.

2. Room Addition

According to loans.usnews.com, room additions don’t always pay off due to the high cost of the construction. Projects with a lower price tag – such as appliance updates and repainting – tend to have a better ROI for landlords.

3. DIY Projects

From painting the walls to installing new sinks, DIY projects are cost-effective at a price; while they may seem cheap at the outset, they often look they were performed by someone who had a lack of experience and ultimately turn away would-be tenants. It’s necessary to leave the work to professionals to ensure that your money is an investment that pays off and attracts more tenants in the coming years.

4. High-Maintenance Landscapes

According to Time Magazine, creating a beautiful garden benefits the aesthetics of a home – but it doesn’t justify increasing the rent that you charge. It can also require a significant amount of money for landscaping services to upkeep the property or the tenants may not want to spend their weekends pulling weeds and watering different areas of the yard. Stick to landscaping that is easy to maintain to ensure that you don’t waste your money if you’re renting out the house.

5. Upgrading Everything

Many landlords make the mistake of upgrading everything and assuming that the home needs to have all new features or materials to attract good tenants. Overspending on upgrades can make the house appear too chic and regal for the local area, making it necessary to keep the upgrades to a minimum. Stick to adding new fixtures on the cabinets or new hardwood floors in the living room to make upgrades that are minimal, yet aesthetically effective.

Jason Cohen is a real estate investor and broker working in Pittsburgh, PA who has built his career around turning dilapidated properties into profitable rentals. As a veteran operative in the field, Jason is well-equipped to discuss the do’s and don’ts of property rehabilitation – and here, he points out a few renovations that investors shouldn’t make when they begin to prepare a home for future tenants. 

Originally posted on JasonCohenPittsburgh.net

How to Find a Great Real Estate Agent

Jason Cohen is the founder and president of Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, an informal real estate group which provides constructive advice to professionals considering property investments. Given his near-constant interpersonal work with other professionals in the field, Jason is well-equipped to offer guidance on the process of finding a competent real estate agent. Here, Cohen offers his thoughts.

What separates a great real estate agent from an ineffective one? In a social-media landscape where every realtor’s promotions are glossy and attractive, it can be hard for regular buyers and

sellers to discern whether the agents they research are actually the capable, honest professionals they appear to be online. However, there are some steps that real estate hopefuls can take to ensure a successful professional relationship before officially signing on with an agent. The following tips are brought to you by Jason Cohen, the president and founder of the informal real estate advising group, Jason Cohen Pittsburgh – consider observing them prior to committing to a real estate professional!

Check Qualifications
Every buyer and seller needs to make sure that the agent they hire is equipped to manage their needs. It’s especially important to find a professional affiliated with the National Association of Realtors – you can determine this by checking to see if the agent notes their title with a capital “R.” Those in the NAR pledge to follow a code of ethics, and will be held accountable for any professional wrongdoing in the field. This code protects clients from potentially troublesome action on the part of the agent. Clients should also check to make sure that the agent specializes in handling cases like theirs. For instance, an individual looking to buy a house should search for a realtor with an ABR certification: These professionals are Accredited Buyer’s Representatives, and have completed additional courses for representing buyers in transactions.

Review Agent Records

Clients should also direct their research towards answering a few basic questions: How long has the agent been in business? Are their current listings similar to yours? Does the agent have any marks on their record? While the first two can be answered through an online search or direct conversation with the agent, the last question should be directed towards the applicable state regulatory body, which will have a record of any concerns or complaints.

Reach Out to Previous Clients

Don’t be afraid to ask a potential agent for a list of former clients! Reaching out to previous home buyers and/or sellers will help you better understand the agent’s skill set, capabilities, and professionalism. Make sure to ask for details; how long was the client’s home on the market? How much did it sell for? Was the agent friendly and helpful, or were they professionally challenging? All of these questions will help you come to a decision when choosing a professional to represent your real estate interests.

For more helpful advice and intriguing articles, please visit Jason Cohen Pittsburgh’s blog at JasonCohenPittsburgh.org.

Handy Tips for First-Time Landlords

Jason Cohen has been an active investor within the Pittsburgh real estate community for nearly a decade. While he began his industry efforts by purchasing and renovating cheap residential buildings in high-potential neighborhoods, he has since expanded his investments to large-scale commercial and residential properties in vibrant neighborhoods. Here, Jason Cohen provides a few tips to new landlords.  

You’ve finally done it. You’ve purchased the building, touched up the paint, laid the carpet, and put your first investment property up for rent. But as the inquiries come in, you realize that the easy part is over – now, you have to deal effectively with your tenants. Jason Cohen Pittsburgh is an advising group operating in the city; as such, its veteran members have heard their fair share of first-time rental horror stories. It’s common for a first-time investor to be so caught up in the buy and the renovation process that they find themselves at a loss when they need to communicate professionally with the people living in their units. Unfortunately for landlords, the work doesn’t end when the contractors leave. Below, Jason Cohen, head of Jason Cohen Pittsburgh lists a few tips for aspiring landlords to take note of before opening their doors to tenants.

Be Assertive

Everyone has an off month now and again. Sometimes, a tenant can’t make a payment on the day it comes due – and in some cases, that’s okay. Landlords should be empathetic and understanding if a tenant faces tragedy or finds himself in a temporary financial crunch, so long as the tenant communicates the situation. If, however, the tenant chooses to go dark and refuse to pay the agreed-upon rental sum, landlords need to act assertively. You need the rent they owe you to keep up the building and make a profit. Being overly understanding to an elusive or underpaying tenant will only result in your missing needed funds. Be assertive! Don’t be afraid of pursuing a delinquent tenant for the money they owe you.

Check Credit and References

Never rent to someone who doesn’t have a job or has a credit score of under 600. Those without the means to pay rent or a history of regular repayment will inevitably leave you waiting for payments that may never come. Screen your potential tenants closely to ensure that they will be responsible, reliable occupants who will care for your unit and pay on time.

Make Smart Renovations

Don’t install marble countertops if your unit is in a low-income neighborhood. In all likelihood, those that inquire about your unit will be looking to pay a rent in line with those offered in nearby homes; if you try to cover a fancy renovation by asking a significantly higher rent, your prospective tenants will walk. Be smart, and don’t risk renovations that offer little return!

Be Organized

Organization is key to any successful business venture. After all, how will you know you made a profit if you have no documentation of the fact? Ensure your success by keeping organized and detailed records!

For more tips, advice, and real estate content, please visit Jason’s site at JasonCohenPittsburgh.org.

Choosing a Neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA

Jason Cohen has lived and worked as a real estate professional in Pittsburgh for over a decade. Over the course of his time in the city, Jason Cohen founded the informal real estate advising group, Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, which serves as a forum for investors seeking advice on their Pittsburgh-based ventures.  In this post, Jason uses his familiarity with the region to offer insights into a few prominent Pittsburgh neighborhoods.

A neighborhood is more than a collection of similar houses along a street. It's a community; a place with a culture and quirkiness of all its own. Those who hop from place to place in search of a house or apartment aren't just looking for four walls and roof, but for a place they feel resonates with their own personality and practical needs. As a vibrant and ever-shifting city, Pittsburgh has a little something to offer every person who sets down roots within its limits. Jason Cohen, founder of real estate advising group Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, has owned and operated properties in all of the neighborhoods listed below. All are wonderful in their own, unique ways - and all are worth considering as communities to call home!

South Side

Median home value: $109,000

While united under the “South Side” moniker, this region is technically two neighborhoods, the Southside Flats and the Southside Slopes. Both are excellent places for working professionals to settle, given the region’s excellent public transportation system and its proximity to the city’s Business District. With its many restaurants and nightlife offerings, the area also offers plenty of opportunities for post-work pursuits.

Oakland

Median home value: $155,000

If Pittsburgh needed to point out its intellectual center, it would have to indicate Oakland. Home to prestigious hospitals, universities, museums, and international cultural offerings, Oakland is the perfect home space for students, medical professionals, and academics alike. The area also boasts the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History.

Mount Lebanon

Median home value: $262,700

Technically a suburb of Pittsburgh, Mount Lebanon is a suburban township in Allegheny County, PA. Young families should seriously consider setting down roots in the area, given that the district is nationally-recognized for its school and has been awarded National Blue Ribbon School awards on multiple occasions. It’s a lively, vital area - perfect for families looking to grow!

Regent Square

Median home value: $264,000

For recent college grads kicking off their professional careers, Regent Square is the place to be. Ranked #1 by Niche as the Best Places for Millennials in Pittsburgh, the Square offers a multitude of subdivided homes and diverse entertainment options at a reasonable price.

Shadyside

Median Home Value: $334,900

Well-connected and close to the University of Pittsburgh, Shadyside is perfect for university students. The area boasts a wide selection of apartment listings and is home to a number of boutiques, shops, galleries, and nightlife offerings. An ever-changing and vibrant area, Shadyside is perfect for residents who enjoy living in upbeat, vital communities.

*Originally posted on JasonCohenPittsburgh.net

Affordable Renovations for the Savvy Investor

House flipping requires strategy. Savvy investors know that slapping on a fresh coat of paint and changing a few doorknobs won't bring about a significant return on their investment. Jason Cohen, founder of the real estate advising group Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, realized this need for investment strategy when he bought his very first property. With the limited funds available to him at the time, Jason couldn't afford to sink money into unneeded updates; he needed to plan out his renovations and open the property to tenants without going over a set budget. Working on that initial project, Jason Cohen learned that a few carefully chosen renovations could net him a larger return than a few haphazard repairs ever could. Aspiring house-flippers should consider undertaking these worthwhile and inexpensive updates when they purchase a property!

Install new carpet

Stained wall-to-wall carpeting is an instant deterrent for buyers. Throw it out! The flooring below may surprise you; oftentimes, ugly carpets conceal beautiful floors that only need a little wax and polish to shine. If the floor underneath the old covering is unattractive, investors should consider purchasing and installing a new carpet. Either way, buyers will appreciate the clean, fresh appearance imparted by the touched-up flooring.

Replace Bathroom Odds and Ends

Investors don’t need to gut an older bathroom to make it shine. Grouting and caulking, while time-consuming, is an excellent way to return a grungy bathroom to its previously fresh aesthetic. Additionally, minor pieces such as sink faucets, towel bars, vanity surfaces, and medicine cabinets can be replaced at relatively low cost and up the attractiveness of the space.

Paint the walls

Never underestimate the value of a good paint job. A new coat can do wonders for an older space by imparting a sense of freshness to spaces that appear dated or run-down. When painting, investors should opt for a neutral color palette in order to avoid turning away picky buyers.

Consider your landscape

A buyer makes their first conclusions about a property before they ever step foot through the front door. All the time and money an investor spends on a property’s interior may amount to nothing if the shingles on its exterior are shedding or the grass in unkempt. Mind the landscaping! A quick mow of the yard and a bit of garden work doesn’t require much time or money and makes a tremendous difference to buyers.

Mind the budget

In the end, budget takes precedence. While a house flipper may want to completely renovate the kitchen or replace the plumbing in the bathroom, such pricey changes might not always be feasible. Investors should consider repairing rather than replacing, and ditch non-essential renovations if they find themselves spending more money than they anticipated.

Originally posted on JasonCohenPittsburgh.net.

The Value of Research: A Pittsburgh Case Study

Jason Cohen was only two years out of college when he bought his first property in Pittsburgh. It wasn't a luxurious place by any means, but it was what he could afford with the means left to him after student loans. He sunk what resources he had into performing the most necessary repairs and managed to breathe new life into the struggling building. Its value soared; newly determined after his success, Cohen set his eyes on the next project and invested his profits. After ten years of hard work, Jason owns commercial and residential properties throughout Pittsburgh. He began with limited means, but Jason now has the resources and experience to run multi-million dollar community projects.

His secret?  Research.

According to Cohen, who facilitates the real estate investment forum Jason Cohen Pittsburgh in his free time, research is the factor that makes or breaks a real estate venture. An enormous amount of pre-planning goes into rehabilitating a property for sale, and the success of the venture hinges on having reasonable profit and cost projections.

More and more investors are flocking to house flipping to make a profit; according to statistics provided by Trulia, a full 6% of homes bought in 2016 had been renovated for sale. However, the field does pose significant risks if investors have little experience. If you intend to break into the real estate industry as Jason Cohen did, please consider the following basic tips for real estate research.

Look into the expense of the house.

Houses cost money. Repairs cost money. As Mindy Jenson, community manager for Bigger Pockets commented for a U.S. News article: "Nobody is going to hand you a house for free, and you can’t go to Home Depot and [get] your supplies for free [...] If you are using credit cards and have no money, you can get into trouble quickly.” Assess whether the house will require expensive repairs, and compare your expense projections to your budget. Sometimes, it’s best to be patient and move on from a house with too many liabilities in search for one that poses less of a risk.

Research the neighborhood.

Find out how much you’ll need to pay to renovate the house for sale, then assess how much you’ll likely get for it based on neighborhood averages. Remember, you can’t tack on an extra $10,000 to the price simply because you owe that much to your lenders. Figure out if you can afford to buy and renovate the home, then act accordingly.

Research lenders.

Financing a house is notoriously expensive. Spend time going over your borrowing options, and choose one that suits your needs. Don’t move forward with the first place you visit; take the time to check out all of your lending options and proceed as seems best.

*Originally posted on JasonCohenPittsburgh.org

Do You Know How to Spot a Shady Contractor?

The first building Jason Cohen bought in Pittsburgh wasn't particularly luxurious - but to Jason, it had potential. He knew that he could refurbish and turn a profit on it if he sank funds into a remodel, but he had neither the time nor skills to complete the repairs it required by himself. Cohen needed a contractor he could trust to do the job well on-schedule, and within the tight budget that he could afford.

However, the hiring process wasn't as simple as finding and signing the cheapest contractor to come along; Jason knew that many homeowners in his position fall into contracting traps when they entrust the remodel of their property to underqualified or shady contractors. Luckily, Cohen found a competent and fair contractor to work with, and that initial project went well. With over a decade of experience under his belt, Cohen continues to hire contractors in

Pittsburgh and elsewhere to improve his properties - and watches for the same red flags that he steered clear of in his early years. Those warning signs are listed below.

Can’t provide proof of permits and insurance

Never work with a contractor who can’t show you their permits, licenses, and insurance papers. Each state has different regulations regarding the licenses contractors should have before beginning work on a project; make sure your applicants meet all of the proper requirements before you hire!

Asks to work without a contract.

If they don’t sign a contract, they don’t get the job. Never trust a contractor who offers to take on the remodel with only an informal verbal agreement; without the proper documentation, they can exit the job at any time and leave you with no money and a half-finished project. For advice on what to put in a contract, check out HomeLogic’s post on Contract Basics.

Offers to work at an unreasonably low rate.

Don’t trust a lowball offer, especially if the contractor asks to be paid upfront or in cash. Some shady operators will lead with a low initial cost, then demand more money from the homeowner later, citing a budgetary miscalculation. Don’t be fooled by contractor scams - go with someone who offers quality work at a reasonable price.

Lacks the proper equipment.

Avoid hacks! Make sure that your applicants have the proper equipment to complete the job at hand. A lack of necessary equipment indicates a lack of experience and skill, and hiring an under-qualified contractor will cost you in time and money. If you’re unsure of a contractor’s competency, reach out to their references! They might provide you with insight into the types of jobs that your applicant has worked before, and whether the contractor is right for your project.   

Acts standoffish or disrespectful

Your remodel is important to you, and any contractor should be aware of its value. Find someone that you can work well with; someone you trust to listen to what you need from the project. Odds are, you’ll be working with this person for weeks or months - so don’t go with someone who brushes away your concerns, skips meetings, or acts rudely!

*Originally posted on JasonCohenPittsburgh.com

Habitat for Humanity teams up with Jason Cohen Pittsburgh

A real estate professional based in Pittsburgh, Jason Cohen offers customized real estate consulting services to clients throughout the Pittsburgh area. In the philanthropic sector, Jason Cohen of Jason Cohen Pittsburgh supports the efforts of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh.

Dedicated to advancing the Habitat for Humanity mission of giving everyone a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh offers a broad range of home repair services for homeowners in the region. Through its Critical Home Repair program, the organization helps restore safe and sound living conditions for individuals without the financial means or physical ability to complete the repairs. In some cases, the program may enlist the help of outside contractors for extensive repairs.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh also works closely with veterans and their families, offering home repairs and renovations via the Veteran Build Program. The program consists of many veterans in volunteer roles, creating a sense of community among veterans in the area. The organization also offers comprehensive weatherization services in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, designed to save homeowners money by making homes more energy efficient. 

To learn more about home repair services at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh, visit the official website at pittsburghhabitat.org.

NMHC Wins Energy Star Award

An experienced real estate professional, Jason Cohen of Jason Cohen Pittsburgh works with clients, advising them regarding multifamily and other housing investment opportunities. In addition to working with his Pittsburgh clients, Jason Cohen belongs to a number of trade associations, including the National Multifamily Housing Council.

The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) recently announced that it has received the Partner of the Year - Energy Efficiency Program Delivery Award from Energy Star. The organization was chosen for this award due to its work supporting initiatives that have made America’s apartments more energy efficient, including an effort that provided potential investors with comprehensive data about utility costs. 

This initiative also saw the launch of a new online platform touting various Energy Star tools. Additionally, those who live in apartments participated in a survey that highlighted how they would use energy efficient technologies. In his comments, NMHC CEO and president Doug Bibby expressed gratitude for receiving the award and said the organization will move forward with similar initiatives in the future.

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh Sponsors Kids Triathlon

Jason Cohen works as a real estate investor leading Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, a forum for like-minded real estate professionals seeking multifamily investing opportunities. Jason Cohen and his company remain charitable and volunteer their time with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh (HFHGP).

As one of the 2,300 affiliates of Habitat for Humanity, HFHGP seeks to eliminate substandard housing in Allegheny County. Since 1986, the chapter has helped nearly 80 families acquire new housing. HFHGP works in conjunction with volunteers and low-income families to build houses, which the families purchase through no-interest, no-profit mortgages.

One of HFHGP’s fundraising events is its Kids Triathlon. The competition is HFHGP's main moneymaking event, raising more than $750,000 since it began more than 15 years ago. 

In addition to raising money, the triathlon provides children with a productive way to spend their time during the summer. The South Park Race for children ages 7 through 12 took place July 23, 2016, with the North Park Race occurring August 6, 2016. Jane Maurer and Tabari Morgan were the top fundraisers, bringing in a combined total of more than $1,200.

Chinese Buyers Abroad

As buyers from China have started to spend billions in Australia, the US and the UK, property prices

have started to skyrocket.  Even as the Chinese stock market has begun to crash, experts have predicted that much more cash is still on the way.  Chinese stocks have crashed 40% since June, wiping away trillions of dollars in market value.  As the yuan devalues, the Chinese are starting to think that foreign real estate is a more stable investment than Chinese banks.  

Chinese investors have been active in residential property markets in such cities as Sydney, London and New York.  Chinese are currently the leading foreign buyers of US homes, with sales reaching a record $29 billion in the 12 months leading up to March 30.  This makes up more than a quarter of all foreign purchases by value, according to the National Association of Realtors.  Credit Suisse has predicted that sales of homes to Chinese buyers are predicted to total $60 billion between now and 2020 in Sydney alone, double the amount spent in the past six years.  In London, Savills says that Chinese buyers already make up more than a quarter of all home purchases in London.  

With prices rising fast in major cities, Chinese buyers have started to get more creative by teaming up with local partners or looking to newer markets in other countries.  In the UK, they’ve started to put their money beyond London and into surrounding areas, including Surrey.  Commercial real estate deals are also on the rise; Knight Frank predicts that Chinese investors will spend $20 billion major deals this year, compared to just $5.5 billion back in 2012.  

This interest in foreign markets coincides with limited options for investors in China; many have lost money in stocks after domestic property prices started to fall about four years ago, or in various riskier investments in the shadow of the banking sector.  Despite the annual limit of $50,000 on the amount of money somebody can move out of China, this rush into world markets has taken place through channels both legitimate and not.  Restrictions means that investing abroad requires planning and creativity, such as moving out money over a long period of time or securing approvals to send large sums abroad.  The fact that investor interest is continuing in spite of these restrictions hints that this trend isn’t going away any time soon.

If you’d like to learn more, then click here!

Get a Real Estate Agent!

It can be complicated to get a purchased closed in the current market; it has changed dramatically from just a few years ago.  Buyers face more hurdles than ever, including stricter financing, low housing supplies, higher mortgage rates and rising prices.  To negotiate these challenges, you need to find a real estate sales professional who will help you close the deal.  A good real estate professional understands current market conditions, and has house-by-house neighborhood experience that will help you to obtain the right home at the best possible terms.

Your agent will also be able to help you find a home quickly.  Not only do real estate agents have access to the local multiple listing service, they and their colleagues share an extensive knowledge of homes coming onto the market.  Your real estate professional will tell others about your home requirements, so that they’ll also be looking for good homes for you.  Networking actually serves as one of the biggest advantages of the industry.  Many homes are bought and sold without any ads in the newspaper or signs in the front yard.  Yet for buyers to be shown the latest homes on the market there needs to be a strong relationship between buyer and real estate professional.  

If you want to be a buyer who's in the position to make the first and best offers, then make sure your agent knows how committed you are.  Some ways to do this include getting prequalified with a lender, working with only one agent and not shopping for homes without your agent.  Real estate professionals mostly work off commission, so be loyal; in return, they’ll tell you about any exceptional deals before anybody else.  Don’t try to play agents off of each other; agents tend to talk, and they’ll be quick to find out that they’re working for the same buyer.

The work really starts once you find the house that you want.  You’ll need to navigate negotiations, loan approval, seller’s disclosures, inspections and countless other hoops.  Yet from helping you to make a reasonable offer to providing for the discovery and disclosure of material facts, your agent can protect your interests.  Agents are skilled negotiators and problem solvers, who can also anticipate problems before they happen.  Your agent will share your risk, and make sure that you go into any home purchase fully prepared.  So take advantage of what could be the greatest homebuying resource around!

The Lease

A lease is the written legal agreement between a tenant and landlord, property manager, or property owner. Be careful when dealing with any legal document, as they represent binding terms. Certain information is necessary within the contents of the lease document, but sections can be tailored to match your (the landlord’s) specific preferences and that of the property. At Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, we know the importance of this document and cannot stress it enough. It is the basis for what youyou’re your tenant expect from one another. The Internet houses an abundance of sample leases, which you can use either as guides to write a tailored lease. A lawyer can also draw up a lease for a nominal fee.

The required sections of a lease are:

• The parties involved
• Property location
• Lease term
• Rental amount
• Acknowledgment or signature

The first section, parties involved, is simply a clarification of the names of the tenant and the landlord.  The property location should be listed in as detailed a description as possible. Include the unit number with the street address. The lease term should include the date that the tenant can take possession of the property and when she/he will have to vacate or renew the lease. The rental amount can be listed as a weekly, monthly, or annual fee — monthly is most common. Lastly, the lease must be signed by the tenant and the landlord, property manager, or property owner to be valid.

Within the section of the lease including the rental amount, it is advisable to detail additional terms. The deposit amount should be clearly stated in this section. The circumstances in which the deposit can be used can be explained in a separate section. The late payment policy can be included with the rental amount, or it could have its own addendum. The latter is more common.

Although a pet policy is not a necessary section in the lease, at Jason Cohen Pittsburgh, we advise you to include it in as much detail as possible. If an additional deposit is required for pets, describe it in this section. If pets are allowed, detail the types and sizes of the allowed and restricted pets. Consider all types of pets — from mice and hamsters to cats and dogs. Even take into account exotic pets, such as lizards and monkeys — you never know what you’ll encounter renting out a property. While many people do not consider fish a problem when it comes to rental unit, the size of aquarium should be limited to what the floor can support. Research the types of pets that residents may have before writing this section to be sure to cover all situations. Of course, the pet policy can be a simple “no pets allowed, ” but you may find the tenant pool shrinks with this strict rule. 

Sometimes a tenant will allow friends or family to visit or stay for an extended period. You can choose to include a section limiting the time that a guest can stay. Fifteen days is a common term for a guest. Detail the circumstances in which this can be allowed. For instance, a tenant caring for an ailing mother in the apartment can be viewed differently than a friend crashing on the couch for six months. Punishments for breaching this rule can either be listed in this section or in a section allotted to breach of contract for any reason. 

The words written in a lease agreement can be as important as the tenant’s signature. Including the mandatory parts of a contract make the agreement legal. Adding additional sections tailored to the property and your preferences will minimize issues later on in the renting process.