Practical guides for small landlords and DIY property managers
Run your rentals like a pro, even with one door.
Step-by-step processes, checklists and software comparisons for small landlords: screening, leases, rent collection, turnovers and maintenance.
Latest guides
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Self-Managing vs. Hiring a Property Manager: How to Decide
Compare self-managing your rental with hiring a property manager: time, cost, skills, distance and stress, plus how property management fees work and what to…
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How to Handle Late Rent: A Calm, Legal Process for Small Landlords
A step-by-step process for handling late rent payments: prevention, reminders, late fees, payment plans, formal notices, rental assistance and what landlords must never do.
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Preventive Maintenance Schedule for Rental Properties
A practical preventive maintenance schedule for rental properties, organized monthly, quarterly, seasonally and yearly, with tips on tenant communication, vendors and record keeping.
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Landlord Insurance Explained: What It Covers and How to Choose a Policy
A plain-English guide to landlord insurance: dwelling coverage, DP-1 vs DP-3 policies, liability, loss of rent, umbrella and flood coverage, renters insurance requirements and…
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Security Deposit Rules for Landlords: Collecting, Holding and Returning Deposits
What landlords need to know about security deposits: state limits, holding and interest rules, allowed deductions, itemized statements, return deadlines and how to avoid…
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How to Collect Rent Online: Options, Fees and Setup for Small Landlords
Compare ways to collect rent online, including property management platforms, ACH transfers, bank-to-bank apps and card payments, plus how to set up autopay, late…
Browse by topic
Tenant Screening
Fair, consistent tenant screening processes and the tools that support them.
Leases & Rent
Lease templates, rent pricing, rent collection and handling late payments.
Maintenance & Turnover
Turnover checklists, inspections and preventive maintenance for rental units.
Landlord Software
Property management, rent collection and accounting software for small landlords, compared.
Landlord Business
Insurance, deposits and the business side of owning rental property.
New here? Start with these
- How to Screen Tenants Legally: A Step-by-Step Process for Small Landlords
- Best Property Management Software for Small Landlords
- The Rental Turnover Checklist: From Move-Out to Move-In
- Free Lease Templates Compared: Where to Find One and What It Must Include
- How to Set the Right Rent Price for Your Rental Property
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