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Unfortunately, it is no uncommon for landlords to get burned by non-paying tenants. The process of filing a claim and heading to court is exhausting, but can be rewarding if a judge rules in favor of the landlord. The problem: it is up to the landlord to collect on that judgement. Ideally, the ex-tenant will pay up and end the whole messy process. On the other hand, why would a historically non-paying tenant break his or her record by immediately settling the debt? Things could go either way, however landlords finding themselves in the position of having to collect a past-due debt are not completely without hope. In fact, there are four different strategies to choose from when attempting to collect past-due rent and court fees:

"Stronger together" might seem like a weak cliche or lame business slogan, but there is some truth to that statement when it comes to forming a solid investment partnership. As an investor/landlord, you will, at some point, be faced with the prospect of entering into a business partnership. Partnerships can be hugely beneficial and enormously risky if you don't know the right questions to ask your potential partner.

1. Education

For tenants with children, school district in the number one factor for selecting a rental property in which to reside. Single parents, in particular, are concerned that their children attend excellent schools and are willing to pay more to ensure they do. In addition, premium schools are often a strong indication that surrounding neighborhoods are also of premium quality. As an investor, strive to purchase rental properties located within great school districts.

Vacancy walk-throughs are a must for every landlord and there are ten critical items which must be inspected when a tenant vacates a property:

All rental property investors/owners know that part of the process of selecting the best location(s) for rental properties includes the calculation of annual vacancy rates. Investors know all too well that they must calculate the average percentage of the year that properties will sit empty in order to make the best decision about where to purchase units. Why? Because vacancies are one of the greatest expenses for landlords and owners.

Unfortunately, colder months do not equal hibernation for restless tenants. In fact, as a landlord, you might even be facing the possibility of a winter eviction process. Even Jacksonville experiences cooler temperatures throughout the winter months. You are probably wondering about the legalities of the possible eviction and whether you even have the right to proceed before the commencement of warmer weather.

There is an increasing push within our country to control the operations of "landlording". Of course legal protocol is necessary in order to regulate applicant discrimination and negligent landlords, however Kansas City, for example, seems to approach such regulations in a manner which could potentially victimize landlords via attempts to pass a Tenant Bill of Rights. The bill would prohibit landlords from tenant eviction history screening and exploring credit and criminal history without proof of just cause.

The most beloved time of the year can often be tainted by unexpected circumstances due to poor planning. IPS knows you've carefully selected the perfect tree and spent hours decorating your home in preparation for the perfect Christmas. We want to help keep your plans on track by suggesting some basic tips for continuing that perfect holiday vibe:

Smart investors are always reevaluating the group which retains the largest purchasing power paired with the highest demand for housing. As one such smart investor, you should know that millennials are both trendsetters and trend followers, the majority of whom would much rather rent in a chic urban neighborhood than purchase a starter home farther out from highly desired locations.

As a landlord (or prospective tenant) you've already likely heard that Flagler is mustering up its best attempt at revising the country's fair housing ordinance. The proposed amendment(s) would serve as quite a face lift to the ordinance if the upcoming December 2nd presentation is agreed upon and implemented. It has been thirty years since the ordinance has been amended.