Landlord Forum
Questions and answers from small landlords. Ask anything about running rentals, and share what has worked for you.
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0votesIs a verbal lease legal in PA?
My cousin has been renting my old house for a year with no written lease. We just agreed on the rent. Is that legal, and should I be worried?
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1votesHow long do I have to fix something a tenant reports?
My tenant texted that the kitchen faucet is dripping and one burner on the stove doesn't work. Is there a rule in PA for how fast I have to fix things?
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1votesCan a landlord in PA turn down a Section 8 voucher?
I got an inquiry from someone with a housing voucher. I've never dealt with the program. Am I allowed to say no, or do I have to accept it?
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0votesHow do you pick a contractor you can trust?
My new rental needs a new roof and some electrical work. I don't know any contractors in the area yet. How do you find good ones?
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0votesHow much notice do you give before entering a unit?
I need to get into a unit to replace a smoke detector. The tenant is nice but doesn't like people coming in. How much notice do you usually give?
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0votesTenant says there's mold in the bathroom
My tenant sent pictures of black spots on the bathroom ceiling. There's no leak that I know of. The bathroom has a small window but no fan. What should I do?
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0votesTenant left belongings behind
A tenant moved out last week and left furniture, clothes, and a TV. She isn't answering my calls. Can I just throw it out?
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0votesWhat insurance do you carry on your rentals?
I live in one unit of my triplex and rent out the other two. My insurance agent set up a policy but I don't really understand what it covers. What should a landlord have?
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1votesIs an LLC worth it for rentals?
I own one fourplex in my own name. People keep telling me to put it in an LLC. Is it worth the trouble?
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0votesTenant wants her boyfriend to move in
My tenant asked if her boyfriend can move in with her. She has been a great tenant. I don't know anything about him. How do other people handle this?
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1votesDo you allow pets?
My current tenant is moving out and I'm writing a new listing. Right now the lease says no pets, but I've heard allowing pets gets you more applicants. Do you allow pets, and if so, what do you charge?
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0votesKeeping pipes from freezing in an empty unit
One of my farmhouses will probably be empty from December until spring. Last time a unit sat empty in winter, I had a pipe burst in the kitchen wall. What do you do to prevent that?
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0votesHow much notice do you give for a rent increase?
I haven't raised rent in three years and I'm now well under market. My leases end in a few months. How much notice do you give, and how much do you raise it at once?
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0votesLead paint disclosure for an older house
I'm renting out my old house. It was built in 1952. Someone told me I need a lead paint form. What exactly do I have to do?
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0votesWhat income do you require from applicants?
I close on my first rental next month. I'm trying to set my screening rules before I list it. What income do you require? I keep seeing three times the rent.
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1votesWhat can I take out of a security deposit in PA?
My first tenant moved out after three years. There are small nail holes in most rooms, the hallway carpet is worn, there's a large stain in one bedroom, and one blind is broken. I'm in PA. I don't know what counts as nor…
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0votesShould my second rental be another duplex?
I have the duplex from my mom and I'm thinking about buying a second property. A lot of what I read says to start with a single-family house, but another duplex makes more sense to me since I already know how to run one.…
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1votesHow do I start an eviction in PA?
I inherited my mom's duplex last year and this is my first time dealing with this. The tenant on one side didn't pay September, and she told me last week she won't be able to pay October either. I've talked with her and …
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0votesReplaced a water heater. Can I deduct it all this year?
The water heater in one of my units broke last month. The new one cost $1,650 with installation. My brother-in-law says it's a repair and I can deduct all of it this year. Someone else told me water heaters have to be de…
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0votesWhat is on your list between tenants?
I'm writing down a checklist for getting a unit ready between tenants so I stop doing it from memory. Here's what I have: - Change the locks - Patch and paint - Deep clean, including inside the oven and refrigerator - Te…
Posts are members’ opinions and experience, not legal, tax or investment advice. Laws change and local ordinances can override state law. Check your statute or talk to a local attorney before acting. Forum rules