Blog / Real estate and tenancy
Real estate, leases, and tenancy
Real estate and rental agreements govern how property is leased, sold, and managed. These guides cover leases, landlord and tenant rights, deeds, and the paperwork behind buying and renting.
- How to Fill Out and Record a Quitclaim Deed
A step-by-step guide to filling out a quitclaim deed, getting it notarized, and recording it at the county recorder, plus transfer tax and c…
- Subleasing vs. Assigning a Lease
The difference between subleasing and assigning a lease: who stays liable, when each option fits, and how to document the transfer correctly…
- Office Lease Agreement Template & Guide
How to write an office lease agreement: rentable vs. usable square footage, CAM charges, tenant improvements, term and renewal, and the clau…
- Gift Letter Template for a Mortgage
A complete guide to writing a mortgage gift letter: what lenders require, who can gift funds, how to document the money, and common mistakes…
- Satisfaction of Mortgage: Filing a Release
How to write and record a satisfaction of mortgage after a loan is paid off: required fields, who signs, recording steps, and mistakes that …
- Roommate Agreement Template: What to Include
How to write a roommate agreement that holds up: rent splits, deposits, utilities, chores, guests, and moving out. Clauses, a step-by-step, …
- Deed of Reconveyance Template: How to Write One
A guide to the deed of reconveyance: what it is, who signs it, when it's recorded, and how to write one that clears the deed of trust off yo…
- Lady Bird Deed Template: How to Write One
A step-by-step guide to writing a lady bird deed: which states allow it, the enhanced life estate language, how it avoids probate, and mista…
- Release of Information Form: What to Include
A guide to writing a release of information form: required fields, medical vs. employment vs. education records, expiration dates, and mista…
- Short-Term Rental Agreement Template
How to write a short-term rental agreement for vacation and Airbnb-style stays: house rules, deposits, cancellation, occupancy limits, and l…
- General Release Form Template: How to Write
A step-by-step guide to writing a general release of claims: what to include, mutual vs. one-way releases, consideration, and mistakes that …
- Beat Lease Agreement: A Producer's Guide
How to write a beat lease agreement: lease tiers, usage caps, streaming and monetization limits, credit, and the mistakes that cost producer…
- Lease Amendment Template: How to Write One
How to write a lease amendment: what to include, amendment vs. addendum, when to use one, a step-by-step guide, and common mistakes that voi…
- Gross Lease Agreement Template & How-To Guide
How to write a gross lease: full-service vs. modified gross, base-year expense stops, what rent covers, and the clauses that decide who pays…
- Standard Lease Agreement Template: How to Write a Lease
How to write a standard residential lease agreement: required clauses, deposit and rent terms, disclosures, and the mistakes that get landlo…
- Equipment Rental Agreement Template
How to write an equipment rental agreement: rental period, rates and deposits, damage and liability, insurance, and the clauses that protect…
- Table and Chair Rental Agreement: How to Write a Party Rental Contract
How to write a table and chair rental agreement: rental period, delivery and setup, damage deposits, liability, and the clauses that prevent…
- Airbnb Cleaning Contract Template: How to Write a Short-Term Rental Cleaning Agreement
How to write an Airbnb cleaning contract: turnover scope, same-day deadlines, pricing per clean, supplies, key access, and the clauses that …
- Vehicle Rental Agreement Template: How to Write a Vehicle Rental Contract
How to write a vehicle rental agreement: the clauses that protect the owner, who pays for insurance and damage, mileage limits, and the mist…
- Land Rental Agreement Template: Key Clauses
How to write a land rental agreement for raw or vacant land: rent, permitted use, term, improvements, liability, and the clauses owners and …
- Farm Lease Agreement Template: How to Write an Agricultural Land Lease
How to write a farm lease agreement: cash rent vs. crop-share, key clauses, conservation terms, and the mistakes that cost landowners and te…
- Event Space Rental Agreement Template
How to write an event space rental agreement: rental fees, security deposits, insurance, cancellation terms, and the liability clauses every…
- How to Write a Cattle Lease Agreement
A practical guide to writing a cattle lease agreement: cow-calf share leases, cash leases, who pays vet bills, death loss, and the clauses t…
- Shipping Container Lease Agreement Template: How to Write a Container Lease
How to write a shipping container lease agreement: rates, delivery, container condition, maintenance, insurance, and return terms that prote…
- Private Mortgage Agreement Template & Guide
How to write a private mortgage agreement between two parties: the promissory note, the security instrument, key terms, recording, and mista…
- Liability Waiver Template: How to Write a Release of Liability Form
How to write a liability waiver that holds up: the clauses a release of liability needs, what courts won't enforce, and a step-by-step draft…
- Waxing Consent Form: What to Include
How to write a waxing consent form that protects your salon: contraindications, medication disclosures, aftercare acknowledgment, and a liab…
- Hunting Lease Agreement Template & Guide
How to write a hunting lease agreement: rent, term, liability, game rules, and the clauses landowners and hunters both need before anyone st…
- Billboard Lease Agreement Template: How to Write a Billboard Ground Lease
How to write a billboard lease agreement: rent structures, term and renewal, access easements, removal and restoration, and the clauses land…
- Triple Net Lease Agreement (NNN) Explained
A plain-English guide to triple net (NNN) leases: what the three nets cover, how base rent and expenses work, what to negotiate, and tenant …
- Podcast Guest Release Form: What to Include
How to write a podcast guest release form: the permissions, clauses, and edits every host needs before publishing an interview across audio …
- Horse Lease Agreement: Template and Guide
How to write a horse lease agreement: full vs. half lease, board and vet costs, insurance, liability, use limits, and the mistakes that end …
- Mobile Home Lot Lease Agreement Template
How to write a mobile home lot lease agreement: lot rent and increases, park rules, the right to sell your home in place, and state tenant p…
- Lease Purchase Agreement Template: How to Write One
How to write a lease purchase agreement: option fees, rent credits, purchase price, and the clauses that separate a lease-purchase from a le…
- Boat Rental Agreement: Template & How-To
A complete guide to writing a boat rental agreement: deposits, liability, fuel and damage terms, operator rules, and the clauses that protec…
- Tenant Estoppel Certificate: What to Include
A practical guide to the tenant estoppel certificate: what it confirms, why landlords request one during a sale or refinance, sample wording…
- Dumpster Rental Agreement Template: How to Write a Dumpster Rental Contract
How to write a dumpster rental agreement: rental period, weight limits, prohibited materials, overage fees, placement, damage, and the claus…
- Solar Land Lease Agreement Guide
How to negotiate a solar land lease: rent per acre, option vs. operating term, escalators, decommissioning bonds, drain tile, taxes, and lan…
- Media Release Form Template (Photo & Video)
How to write a media release form that grants permission to use someone's photo, video, name, and voice. What to include, minor consent, and…
- Land Lease Agreement Template: How to Write a Ground Lease
How to write a land lease agreement: rent and escalation, term length, permitted use, improvements, taxes, and the clauses that protect land…
- How to Write a Grazing Lease Agreement
How to write a grazing lease: stocking rates, rent per acre or per head, fence and water duties, term length, and the clauses that prevent o…
- Contract for Deed Template: How to Write a Land Contract
A complete guide to writing a contract for deed: how seller financing works, the key clauses to include, payment terms, default rules, and c…
- Location Release Form Template (Film Guide)
How to write a location release form for film or photo shoots: permission to record, property protection, fees, indemnity, and the clauses t…
- Property Preservation Contract Template
How to write a property preservation contract: scope of work, pricing, photo documentation, insurance, and the clauses that protect field se…
- Cell Tower Lease Agreement Template
How to write a cell tower lease agreement: rent and escalators, term and renewals, co-location revenue, assignment, access easements, and eq…
- RV Rental Agreement Template
How to write an RV rental agreement: security deposit, mileage and generator caps, insurance gaps, cleaning and dump fees, and the clauses o…
- Owner-Operator Lease Agreement Template
How to write an owner-operator lease agreement that meets FMCSA truth-in-leasing rules: compensation, escrow, chargebacks, insurance, and co…
- Bounce House Rental Agreement: What to Cover
A complete guide to writing a bounce house rental agreement: liability waivers, weather and safety rules, deposits, delivery terms, and the …
- Vehicle Lease Agreement Template
A complete guide to writing a vehicle lease agreement: key terms, mileage and wear limits, lease-to-own options, and common mistakes that ca…
- Tattoo Consent Form: What to Include in a Tattoo Release & Waiver
Learn what a tattoo consent form should include: health disclosure, risk acknowledgment, design approval, photo release, and a liability wai…
- Salon Booth Rental Agreement: What to Include for Stylists and Owners
A complete guide to salon booth rental agreements: rent terms, independent contractor status, insurance, client ownership, and the clauses t…
- Subletting Agreement Template: What to Include and How to Sublet Legally
A practical guide to writing a subletting agreement: required clauses, landlord consent, rent and deposit terms, and the mistakes that get s…
- Pet Policy Rental Agreement: What to Include and How to Write One
How to write a pet policy for a rental agreement: pet rent, deposits, breed and size limits, the pet addendum, and the rules that keep it en…
- Property Cleanup Service Agreement: Scope of Work and Disposal
How to write the scope of work and disposal sections of a property cleanup service agreement, so junk hauling crews avoid disputes and prote…
- Medical Device Rental Agreement: Equipment and Maintenance Terms
For medical equipment rental companies, your contract is more than a billing document.
- Lease-to-Own Agreement for Commercial Vehicles: Structuring the Deal
For commercial vehicle dealers and leasing companies, a lease-to-own program can be a powerful way to move inventory, expand customer reach.
- Food Trailer Rental Agreement: Equipment and Maintenance Terms (Owner-Focused Guide)
Renting your food trailer to an operator can be a strong revenue stream.
- Truck Lease Agreement: Equipment and Maintenance Terms
Truck lease agreement template with equipment and maintenance terms. Essential for commercial truck leasing companies.
- Food Trailer Lease Agreement: Equipment & Upkeep
Leasing your food trailer to an entrepreneur can be a reliable way to turn a high-value asset into recurring income, without running daily o…
- Lease-to-Own an 18 Wheeler: Contract Terms for Owner-Operators
Lease-to-own an 18 wheeler? Essential contract terms for owner-operators and trucking companies pursuing lease purchase agreements.
- Monthly Rental Car Agreement: Long-Term Rental Terms and Insurance
Extended rentals are a different business than daily rentals.
- Monthly Car Rental Contract: What to Know Before Signing (Business Traveler Guide)
Monthly car rental guide: What to know before signing long-term vehicle rental agreements for business travel.
- Are Landlords Liable for Indoor Air Quality or Dangerous Temperatures?
Guide for property managers on the liability of landlords for indoor air quality and dangerous temperatures.
- How to Search Property Deed Records for Home Ownership
A guide to searching property deed records for home ownership
- Guide to Unlawful Detainer: Understanding Eviction Laws
Learn about unlawful detainers and eviction laws to protect your rights. Understand what constitutes an unlawful detainer and how it affects…
- Understanding Custody and Child Support: Giving Up Parental Rights
A legal guide on giving up parental rights in custody and child support matters
- Who Controls the Thermostat: Landlord or Tenant?
Learn about who has control over the thermostat in a property - the landlord or the tenant.
- When Does My Tenant Need a Co-Signer?
Learn about the tenant screening process and when a tenant might need a co-signer.
- Tenant Screening Questions: Background Check Details to Cover
A comprehensive guide on tenant screening questions and background check details to cover
- Can You Evict When Selling or Renovating Your Rental?
Guide on the legal process of eviction when selling or renovating a rental property
- Can Landlords Evict Tenants During Winter Months?
Learn about the legality of eviction during winter months and the state-specific regulations surrounding this issue.
- Understanding Model Release Forms
Learn about model release forms and their importance in the world of releases and licensing.
- Can Landlords Restrict a Tenant's House or Pet Sitter?
A legal guide for tenants on whether landlords can restrict house or pet sitters in residential properties.
- Breaking a Lease: Understanding Legal and Financial Implications
What a lease agreement is, what to consider before breaking one, how the rules vary by state, and example scenarios that show how the proces…
- Navigating Pet Clauses in Lease Agreements: A Comprehensive Overview
Explore the ins and outs of pet clauses in residential lease agreements, the Fair Housing Act's impact on pet addendums, and state-specific …
- Using a Grant Deed to Transfer Property Rights
A legal guide on using a grant deed to transfer property rights
- Navigating the Complexities of Commercial Tenant Screening
Explore the distinct aspects of commercial tenant screening, including what a tenant screening document entails and differences by state.
- Lease vs Rent: Key Differences and What You Need to Know
The key differences between lease and rent agreements, including how the rules vary by state, with example scenarios that show how each one …
- Monthly vs Fixed Term Rental Agreements: What's the Difference
Learn about the differences between monthly and fixed-term rental agreements for residential property.
- Rent the Smart Way with Online Lease Agreements and Digital Signatures
A legal guide on using online lease agreements with digital signatures for residential property rentals.
- How Quickly Should Snow and Ice be Removed for Property Management?
A legal guide for property managers on the importance of timely snow and ice removal
- A Landlord's Guide to Tenant Credit Checks
This blog post offers a comprehensive guide on how to run a credit check on tenants, including step-by-step instructions and the importance …
- How to Get Rid of a Subletter Who Won't Leave
Guide on handling a subletter who refuses to leave residential property
- Guide to Lease Amendments: Including Adult Children
Learn how to include adult children on a lease through lease amendments. Understand the nuances by state and access example scenarios for cl…
- How to Make a Complaint to Your Landlord for Rental Property
Learn how to effectively make a complaint to your landlord for rental property. Essential guide for renters facing issues with their rental …
- Sublease Agreements for Residential Properties: A Guide to Lease Amendments
A comprehensive guide to understanding lease amendments for sublease agreements in residential properties
- Navigating Tenant Move-Out Notices: A Comprehensive State Guide
Explore the nuances of tenant move-out notices across different states, including example scenarios to help tenants understand their obligat…
- When to Ask for a Social Event Release of Liability
Learn when to ask for a social event release of liability and how it helps in mitigating risks. Explore nuances by state and example scenari…
- Deed vs Title: Understanding the Key Differences
Explore the crucial differences between deed and title in real estate transactions, including unique distinctions and variations by state.
- How to Handle Co-Tenants Who Do Not Get Along
Guide on managing conflicts between co-tenants in rental properties
- Mineral Deed Definition
A legal guide for understanding mineral deeds in property transactions
- Can Landlords Evict Tenants Who Refuse Vaccination?
Learn about the legal implications of eviction for tenants who refuse vaccination.
- Lease Renewal vs. Lease Extension: Understanding the Difference
Explore the key differences between lease renewal and lease extension in this detailed guide, including state-specific nuances and scenarios…
- The Golden Key to Rental Success: Crafting an Effective Landlord Reference Letter
This post explores what makes a good landlord reference letter, its uniqueness, and nuances by state, providing insights for both landlords …
- Navigating Proof of Income for Your Rental Application: A Guide
Explore the essentials of providing proof of income for a rental application, including unique methods and state-specific nuances.
- Types of Property Insurance for Homeowners
Learn about the different types of property insurance for homeowners to protect your investment and assets. Understand the nuances by state …
- Guide to Private Swimming Pools and Fencing Laws for Landlords
When a private swimming pool needs a fence, what the rules require, and the liability landlords face if a rental pool barrier is missing.
- Is It Legal to Enter While My Tenant Is Away?
Answering the question of whether it is legal to enter a rental property while the tenant is away in property management.
- A Guide to Catching a Break on Taxes for Your Rental Property
Learn how small business owners can benefit from tax breaks on rental properties and navigate complex tax regulations in different states.
- Guide to Starting a Property Management Business
A comprehensive guide on how to start a property management business, covering unique characteristics of property managers, nuances by state…
- Including Adult Children on a Lease: A Legal Guide
A legal guide on including adult children on a lease, covering lease amendments, state nuances, and example scenarios.
- Determining Tenant Utilities: A Lease Agreement Guide
Discover how to determine what utilities your tenants should pay through our comprehensive guide. Learn about lease agreements, state nuance…
- Do Property Managers Have Authority to Evict Tenants?
A legal guide on property management and eviction authority for property managers.
- Guide to Understanding Abstract of Title in Property Transactions
Learn what an Abstract of Title is, its importance in property transactions, and how it varies by state.
- Mastering Commercial Lease Negotiations: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore the nuances of commercial lease agreements, tips for negotiation, and the impact of state-specific regulations in this detailed guid…
- Rent to Own for Sellers in Residential Property
A legal guide for sellers interested in rent to own agreements for residential property
- Breaking a Lease During COVID-19 Remote Work and Relocation: A Legal Guide
Guide on breaking a lease during COVID-19 remote work and relocation for non-residential or commercial properties
- Understanding Vesting Deed Definition in Property Title Transfers
Learn about vesting deed definition and its importance in property title transfers.
- How Tenant Unions Impact Landlords
A guide on how tenant unions impact landlords in property management
- Strategies to Manage Multiple Renters in the Same Unit
Learn essential strategies to effectively manage multiple renters in the same unit as a property manager.
- Understanding Landlord Responsibility for Mold: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore when and under what circumstances landlords are held responsible for mold in rental properties, including unique state regulations a…
- Guide to Tax Prep for Landlords
A comprehensive guide to tax preparation for landlords, covering unique aspects, state nuances, and example scenarios.
- Understanding What Landlords Cannot Ask on a Rental Application
This blog post explores the legal and ethical restrictions facing landlords during the rental application process and highlights what they c…
- Can Landlords Require Renters Insurance?
A legal guide answering the question: can landlords require renters insurance
- How to Write an Eviction Letter: A Landlord's Guide
This guide provides landlords with essential information on crafting an eviction letter, including key components and state-specific nuances…
- Survivorship Deed Transfer Property Rights: A Legal Guide
Learn about survivorship deed transfer property rights and understand the nuances of transfer property title. Explore unique concerns, state…
- Legal Considerations When Buying Property with Friends
A legal guide on considerations when buying property with friends
- What Happens When Your Tenant Files for Bankruptcy
Learn about the implications of tenant bankruptcy on non-residential or commercial property and how property owners can protect their intere…
- Is Your Rental Application Legally Binding?
Explore the nuances of rental applications and understand if and when they are legally binding, including differences by state and example s…
- How to Write a Legal Description of Property
Learn about the process of writing a legal description of property and the importance of accuracy in legal documents.
- Understanding Normal Wear and Tear in Rental Properties: A Comprehensive Guide
Explore what defines normal wear and tear in rental properties, including an overview of lease agreements and example scenarios by state. Le…
- Legal Reasons to Deny a Rental Application
A guide explaining the legal reasons for denying a rental application and the importance of tenant screening in the rental process.
- Tenant Screening Guide: How to Check a Tenant's Credit and Background
A comprehensive guide on how to check a tenant's credit and background for landlords
- 5 Property Management Forms Guide
A comprehensive guide on the essential forms for property management
- Eviction by State: A Comprehensive Guide
A comprehensive guide on eviction laws in different states in the US.
- Transfer Property Rights to Family with Quit Claim Deed
A legal guide on transferring property title to family with a quit claim deed
- Monthly vs Fixed Term Rental Agreements: What's the Difference?
Learn about the differences between monthly and fixed term rental agreements for residential properties.
- What to Do When a Tenant Ignores an Eviction Notice
Guide on how to handle a situation where a tenant ignores an eviction notice.
- How to Do a Property Title Search for Free
A comprehensive guide on how to conduct a property title search for free when buying or selling property.
- Benefits of Signing a Lease with Family Members
Guide on the advantages of signing a lease with family members for residential property.
- How to Properly Document Changes to a Lease Agreement
A legal guide on properly documenting changes to a lease agreement for landlords and tenants.
- Is It Legal to Restrict Displays on Property?
A legal guide for landlords and tenants on restrictions regarding displays on property.
- Transferring Joint Property After Death: A Legal Guide
Learn about transferring joint property after death and managing another estate. Understand the unique aspects, nuances by state, and exampl…
- Legal Guide: Ways to Transfer Personal Property
Learn about the legal ways to transfer personal property and ensure your belongings are transferred according to your wishes.
- Terminating Your Residential Lease: How to Communicate with Your Landlord
A guide on effectively communicating with your landlord when terminating your residential lease.
- Renters Insurance and Your Lease Agreement
A guide to understanding the relationship between renters insurance and your lease agreement for residential property.
- Should I Sign a Lease Without Seeing the Apartment?
Guide on whether one should sign a lease without seeing the apartment
- Landlord Guide to Multi-Tenant Leases and Move Outs
A comprehensive guide for landlords managing multi-tenant properties on lease amendments and move-outs.
- How to Get Your Rental Security Deposit Refunded in California
A legal guide for individuals moving or finding roommates in California on how to get their rental security deposit refunded.
- Types of Property Deeds
A guide to understanding the various types of property deeds for transfer property title
- Is a Landlord Required to Allow a Live-in Caregiver?
Answering the question of whether a landlord must allow a live-in caregiver in lease agreements.
- Bond for Deed vs Owner Financing Pros and Cons
A guide comparing the pros and cons of bond for deed and owner financing in real estate
- 7 Tips for Negotiating Late Rent Payments with Tenants
A comprehensive guide to negotiating late rent payments with tenants in property management.
- Fire Season Guide for Landlords and Property Managers
Learn about fire season regulations for landlords and property managers in property management. Understand the unique aspects, state-specifi…
- Master Tenant and Subtenant Rights and Responsibilities
A legal guide for people renting with roommates, covering master tenant and subtenant rights and responsibilities.
- What to Do With a Tenant's Abandoned Property
Legal guide answering what to do with a tenants abandoned property
- Property Management: Disaster Damage Responsibility
Guide on who is responsible for disaster damage to apartment rentals in property management
- What Happens If You Lose an Eviction Lawsuit
Learn about the consequences of losing an eviction lawsuit and how it can impact tenants.
- Leasing and Maintenance Responsibilities in Property Management
A guide on understanding leasing and maintenance responsibilities in property management
- When Do You Need a Model Release Form?
Guide on understanding when to use a model release form in photography and videography
- Is a Landlord Required to Allow a Live-in Caregiver?
Exploring the requirements for landlords regarding live-in caregivers in lease agreements
- Month to Month Residential Leases vs Annual Leases: A Complete Guide
Understanding the differences between month to month and annual residential leases
- When Can Rental Owners Evict to Move In?
Learn about the legal aspects of when rental owners can evict tenants to move in. Understand the nuances by state and ensure a smooth transi…
- Legal Guide: Landlord Liability Insurance - How to Protect Your Rental Property
Learn about landlord liability insurance and how to protect your rental property effectively.
- Do Property Managers Have Authority to Evict Tenants
Learn about the authority of property managers to evict tenants and the legal considerations in property management.
- Can a Tenant Refuse to Sign a Lease?
Guide answering whether a tenant can refuse to sign a lease for residential property.
- Breaking a Lease: A Tenant's Guide
Learn about breaking a lease as a tenant, including state nuances, common scenarios, and FAQs.
- Understanding Bargain and Sale Deed in CO, NY, VT, WA, and WY
Learn about Bargain and Sale Deed in Colorado, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Wyoming
- The Legal Consequences of Eviction
Learn about the legal consequences of eviction and how it can impact tenants. Understand the nuances by state and important considerations f…
- Tenants' Guide: How to Handle a Rent Increase
A comprehensive guide for tenants on navigating rent increases and understanding their rights and options.
- Legal Guide: Referral Letters and References in Tenant Screening
A legal guide on the role of referral letters and references in tenant screening