Tips for renting real estate from broker Bob Boog. Boog is the author of three books on real estate including, "My Real Estate Nightmare"

1. Rental Property Tips
By Bob Boog
http://3funnybooks.com

2. TiP#1: Use a Checklist
• Do your due diligence
and use a checklist.
• I have a credit report,
do I need something
else?
• Investigate their jobs:
are they still
employed?

3. Former Landlords
• What does the former
landlord (the one prior to
their LAST landlord say?
• (Sometimes the LAST one
really wants to get rid of
them!)

4. Never Assume
• Never assume but realize
that “stuff happens”
• So you may have to strike a
balance with Data and
going with your gut.

5. TiP#2: Put Things in Writing
• Use a standardized rental
agreement and put
EVERYTHING in writing!
• Should show the amount
of the security deposit
and pet deposit, if any.

6. What about Late Fees?
• Don’t forget Late fees.
• Is there a grace period?
• How many days?

7. Don’t Forget the Obvious!
• Where to bring the money and the Days and
Time you are open for business. Very
important!
• In California, judges will throw out your case if
your agreement doesn’t include the Days and
Time you are open to receive payment!

8. TiP #3: House Rules Addendum
• If you live in an area where
cars get fined for street
cleaning, don’t be afraid to
spell it out in a separate
addendum.

9. Other House Rules
• Keep in mind what I tell
my wife: “My neighbors
listen to some really good
music, whether they want
to or not!”

10. Number of Occupants
• No more than X number
of people may live here
what happens?
• Perhaps the rent
increases by $389?
• (Spell it out, whatever it
is)

11. TiP#4: Take Pictures Before/After
• A single picture can be
worth 1,000 words.
• Focus on condition
• Some owners hire home
inspectors.

12. TiP# 5: Make Repairs before Move-in
• Carbon monoxide| Smoke Detector batteries.
• Also, make a plan of action beforehand for any
emergency repairs.
• Example: will tenant call a plumber? Or will
the landlord because of a home warranty? Or
will a handyman take care of problems?

13. Fire Plan
• Provide or create a
simple fire-plan.
• (Make a simple diagram
of windows & doors)
• Write out who to
contact in case of a fire.

14. TiP #6: Require Renter’s Insurance
• Renter’s Insurance is inexpensive but it helps
cover the tenants personal property in the
event of an earthquake, etc.
• Also: “Tenant to be responsible for paying any
fines levied by the HOA, if any, for Tenant & or
any of Tenant’s guests.”

15. TiP#7: Get Disclosures Signed with
Lease
• Lead base paint
• Mold disclosure
• Pet Disclosure
• CC&Rs

16. TiP #8: Reward Good Tenants
• Send an annual “Thank
You” card and include in it
a Starbucks gift card or a
• $5.00 card from Jamba
Juice
• Positive things happen to
positive people.

17. Final Thoughts
• Dealing with tenants openly, fairly yet firmly is
the key to effective communication. There is
nothing wrong with being firm. Just don’t
cross the a-hole line.

18. Be Responsible
• Be honest and dependable
too. Take responsibility for
the property, drive by and
check on it routinely.
• (Or hire somebody who
will!)

19. Thanks!
• If you enjoy books on real
estate, check out : “My Real
Estate Nightmare”
• http://3funnybooks.com/15/
• Available on Kindle