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Being a landlord can be a complicated task. While it’s a great way to have properties and keep income coming in on them while you’re not living in them, there are many laws that take place between a tenant and a landlord. The other issue is that laws are always changing. How do you stay up to date on changing landlord-tenant laws? Here is a look at how to stay up to date to do your job well and reduce a risk of a lawsuit.
Blogs and Google
Use Internet browsers like Google to stay up to date on legal updates and information on landlord-tenant laws. Google News and Google Scholar are two of the best sources for updates and they are free to use. You’ll find general news and information on Google News and you can search for specifics like “landlord laws” in your city.
You can have it send you alerts and notifications when a new news item appears that you may want to see. Use Google Scholar to find information on court decisions and specific statues. You can click on “case law” radio button and search for court cases.
Look for landlord-tenants blogs as well. There are blogs in just about every field where people can share information, their experiences and more. Find blogs that talk about issues of landlord-tenants laws and get the perspective of fellow property managers. They may have great tips and hints for other landlords on how to deal with legal matters and other issues.
Find Professional Organizations Relevant to Landlords
You may want to join a professional group that has resources for landlords and property managers. They’ll have updates on big legal changes, new laws and court decisions relevant to your business. They also will carry information articles and booklets as well as host seminars on changes. Check out the National Association of Residential Property Managers and local landlord associations.
Also, check out professional organizations that offer email alerts like in Google News. The US Dept. of Labor and the Department of Housing and Urban Development would be good places to check.
