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Do You Own Real Estate & Have Tenants?

Agents who use an attorney during real estate transactions can protect themselves and their assets.

NEW YORK – If you own real estate property that you rent out to tenants, being in compliance with the latest regulations and laws is crucial. Doing this is not only cost effective, but it can help you in the long run. Consulting with an attorney may seem like it takes time and can be costly, however is a wise decision for real estate landlords for several important reasons.

3 key components to consider

Legal compliance and regulations: Real estate laws and regulations are complex and ever-changing. Landlords need to stay compliant with federal, state, and local laws that govern property rentals, including fair housing, tenant rights, eviction procedures, and property maintenance standards. Consulting with an attorney ensures that you are well-informed about the latest legal requirements, helping you avoid costly legal pitfalls, fines, and lawsuits.

Lease agreements: Crafting legally sound and comprehensive lease agreements is essential. An attorney can help you create a lease that protects your interests, clearly defines tenant responsibilities, outlines rent and security deposit terms, and ensures your rights in case of disputes or violations. A well-drafted lease agreement can prevent conflicts and save you money in the long run.

Eviction proceedings: Evictions can be challenging and emotionally charged. An attorney can guide you through the eviction process, ensuring that you follow the proper legal procedures. This can help you avoid unnecessary delays and costly mistakes, such as illegal self-help evictions, which can lead to lawsuits. An attorney can also represent you in court if eviction proceedings escalate to that point.

With the three key components to consider, working with an attorney can be beneficial and cost-effective for landlords. Here are five ways attorneys can work with you to proactively protect your property and minimize risk.

How attorneys assist in proactively protecting your investment

Risk mitigation: By ensuring legal compliance, well-drafted lease agreements, and proper eviction procedures, an attorney helps you mitigate the risk of costly legal disputes and lawsuits. Avoiding such issues can save you a significant amount of money.

Efficient problem resolution: When disputes or legal issues arise, an attorney can help you resolve them efficiently. Their legal expertise can facilitate negotiations, settlements, or even prevent disputes from escalating into costly litigation.

Professional guidance: An attorney can provide ongoing legal advice and guidance. This proactive approach helps landlords make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Time and stress savings: Handling legal matters on your own can be time-consuming and stressful. Delegating these responsibilities to an attorney allows you to focus on other aspects of property management while ensuring that you are legally protected.

Long-term financial savings: While it may seem like an upfront cost to hire an attorney, their expertise can lead to substantial long-term financial savings by preventing legal problems and resolving issues efficiently.

In closing

In summary, consulting with an attorney when renting real estate out to tenants is a proactive approach to protect your investments, minimize legal risks, and ensure compliance with the law. While there are associated costs, the long-term financial savings and peace of mind provided by an attorney often make it a cost-effective choice for landlords in the real estate business.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Copyright © 2024 Mondaq Ltd, Lagerlof LLP, Pasadena, Calif.