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Report: U.S. Rent Payments Climb 31% in 5 Years

By
John Triplett
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Rent payments climbed as the national average rent paid in 2024 was $1,302, marking a 31% increase over the past five years.

Rent payments have climbed as the national average rent paid in 2024 was $1,302, marking a 31% increase over the past five years, according to a report from Rentec Direct.

Using aggregated actual rent payments from more than 374,000 lease agreements, this report sheds light on affordability challenges and regional fluctuations shaping the housing market in 2025.

Unlike reports that rely on advertised rents, this analysis is based on actual rent paid, offering a more accurate reflection of affordability across markets—especially in rent-controlled areas, the company says in its The State of Rent: Housing Affordability Trends Across the U.S., offering a timely and data-driven look at rent trends from 2019 to 2024.

Key insights from Rentec Direct’s State of Rent Report: 

  • Nationwide rent surge: Average monthly rent reached $1,302 in 2024—up 31% over five years despite a slowing year-over-year growth rate. The steepest spike came between 2021 and 2022 as pandemic-era rent breaks ended.
  • Affordability gaps: Pacific states (Hawaii, California, Washington) top the charts as the most expensive rental markets, while Southern and Midwestern states (West Virginia, Louisiana, Minnesota) offer the most affordable options.
  • Regional extremes: Arizona, Tennessee and New Mexico saw rent hikes exceeding 65%. Minnesota stands out as the only state to see a significant rent decline—a 34% drop, likely tied to land use reform.
  • Supply and demand: States with rapid population growth, limited housing supply and no rent control laws are seeing the largest rent increases.
  • 2025 outlook: The report includes a 2025 market forecast with exclusive intel for renters, landlords and housing advocates navigating shifting trends.

Rent payments climbed as the national average rent paid in 2024 was $1,302, marking a 31% increase over the past five years.

Rent payments climbed

“A 31 percent national rent increase over just five years is a clear indicator that housing affordability remains a pressing concern for millions of renters,” Nathan Miller, President of Rentec Direct, said in a release.

“As we look ahead to the second half of 2025, landlords should focus on long-term strategies for retention and stability. Renters may benefit from exploring more affordable suburban or rural markets or by proactively negotiating lease terms. We encourage our legislators to prioritize smart housing policies that balance supply and demand for both landlords and tenants. Our goal with this report is to give the rental industry the insights it needs to make more informed decisions in an increasingly complex market.”

The report analyzed real rent payment data from Rentec’s network of landlords and property managers from over 300,000 rental properties and over 350,000 tenants in all 50 states to show how rent payments climbed.

To access the State of Rent Report, visit: https://www.rentecdirect.com/learn/research/rent-report-2025.

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Rental Parking Can Be a Pain-Some Operators Are Shifting Gears

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By The Editors
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Rental parking is an often overlooked amenity that can play a crucial role in shaping leasing and renewal decisions for renters.

Rental parking is an often overlooked amenity that can play a crucial role in shaping leasing and renewal decisions for renters.

By Todd Katler

Convenience and comfort are paramount to today’s renters, and the often-overlooked element of parking management can make or break resident satisfaction.

While flashy amenities like coworking lounges and smart home integrations capture the spotlight, the reality is that basic infrastructure, such as parking, plays a crucial role in shaping leasing and renewal decisions.

Insufficient spaces and unauthorized parking in multifamily communities can lead to rising tensions among residents and with onsite teams. This can ripple throughout the community, affecting individual satisfaction and the overall atmosphere. There are solutions to help avoid the pitfalls of mismanaged parking.

The Consequences of Common Parking Frustrations

When parking issues persist, they contribute to a negative resident experience, ultimately influencing lease-renewal decisions.

Around 20% of residents report being unsatisfied with their community’s parking overall, according to data from Grace Hill’s Kingsley Surveys, and parking ranks among the most frequently mentioned amenities in both positive and negative reviews, underscoring its significant influence on resident perception.

Surveys asking about community improvements show 6% of all resident comments are related to parking, according to Jen Tindle, vice president of strategic insights at Grace Hill.

That number jumps to 9% in pre-renewal surveys, and climbs again to 10% in move-out feedback, signaling its increasing weight in retention decisions. For comparison, only 5% of prospective residents mentioned parking when evaluating a property, suggesting frustrations grow after move-in, when expectations collide with daily experience.

As communities grow, the demand for parking spaces can quickly outstrip supply, leaving residents feeling neglected and frustrated.

Nobody wants to come home from a long day (probably dealing with heavy traffic) and spend additional time circling the lot looking for a space. If they have a designated space, the sight of a vehicle parked in their space can be infuriating. Now the resident is faced with making a trip to the office to ask the already busy onsite team to summon a tow truck, allowing them to reclaim their rightful space.

These frustrations highlight a significant operational risk for property-management teams. When residents feel unsupported in their parking needs, it creates pressure on management teams to respond effectively and promptly. These frustrations can lead residents to seek a new home, ultimately damaging the community’s reputation. It also increases time constraints on teams, when they could be using the time to build a strong community rather than being focused on trying to keep it together.

To ensure that residents are focused on the enjoyment of their community, it is essential to integrate solutions that empower them and alleviate the burdens on their onsite professionals.

Sensible Rental Parking Solutions: Automated Parking Management

By leveraging automated rental parking solutions, communities can transform their parking strategies and alleviate resident frustrations in several ways.

An automated solution allows residents to reserve spaces for themselves or a guest for up to a full week in many cases. Residents may also have the opportunity to rent a carport space or garage on a long-term basis through their parking app, further alleviating their challenges.

Unauthorized parking is easily addressed by empowering residents to contact a tow truck in less time than making a trip to the office and have their space available to them again. Any worries about dumping off responsibility to residents can be cast aside because the reality is that they prefer to have this control, especially if it adds value.

Automated parking solutions not only enhance the resident experience but also streamline operations for management teams. Leasing professionals are focused on building relationships instead of putting out fires, significantly boosting resident satisfaction and retention. Improving net operating income goes beyond reducing expenses or increasing rent. It’s also about increasing efficiency and reducing avoidable expenses, such as turnover costs.

Gates, sensors and plate readers tend to be more costly and require a significant upfront investment.

On the flip side, the initial cost to set up automated parking is relatively low, making it an optimal choice. Some companies offer free integration of automated parking systems and the use of apps and signs with QR codes makes them more user-friendly, encouraging adoption among residents. Additionally, most suppliers provide customized pricing, enabling communities to set rates that work best for their property and region. A revenue-sharing program means that owners and operators may not only avoid costs for their parking system, but it can also become an additional stream of revenue.

While it may seem mundane, addressing parking frustrations through innovative solutions can lead to happier residents and a more harmonious community. By investing in these highly essential yet often overlooked amenities, multifamily communities can set themselves apart and ensure long-term resident loyalty.

About the author:

Rental parking is an often overlooked amenity that can play a crucial role in shaping leasing and renewal decisions for renters.

Todd Katler is the CEO of Zark Parking Solutions, and is an innovator, founder and investor  in the multifamily industry.

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The 10 Worst States To Be A Landlord

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By The Editors
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In the 10 worst states to be a landlord, it can be tough between taxes, tenants who don’t live up to their lease agreements and more

In the 10 worst states to be a landlord, it can be tough between taxes, tenants who don’t live up to their lease agreements, maintenance woes, and the cost of maintaining a property.

But there are some states where—due to anti-landlord legislation, property tax rates, rent-control laws or congested court systems—there is added pressure on landlords, property owners and property managers. TurboTenant, a property-management software company, compiled the 10 worst states in which to be a landlord based on those factors and more.

Based on these findings, here are 10 states where owning rental property is harder, riskier, and less profitable.

Criteria for Ranking States

  • Anti-landlord legislation: Some states have legislation that favors tenants while presenting hurdles for landlords. A prominent example is the no-fault eviction ban, which prevents landlords from ending leases without cause.
  • Rent-control laws: What landlord wants the state to tell them how much they can charge for rent? Rent-control laws restrict when and how much landlords can increase rent, which limits their ability to adjust to market conditions or rising costs.
  • Eviction timeline and court backlog: States with slow, congested court systems or lengthy eviction-notice requirements can leave landlords stuck with nonpaying tenants for months.
  • Property tax rate: Yearly tax bills that ravage your revenue make it tough to turn a profit.
  • Rental yield: When rent barely covers the mortgage, taxes, and upkeep, landlords are stuck treading water until it’s time to sell. Low rental yields make it tough to turn a profit, let alone save, reinvest, or expand your portfolio.

With those criteria in mind, here are TurboTenant’s:

10 worst states to be a landlord:

No. 10: Connecticut

The state has a 1.92% property tax rate (the third highest in the nation) and evictions that often drag on for months. Also, landlords can’t end a month-to-month lease without just cause. And while no statewide rent-control law exists, several cities still cap rent hikes they consider excessive.

No. 9: Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, landlords can’t charge a late fee until rent is more than 30 days overdue. Adding in the high cost of living and proposed rent caps in Boston complicates matters. And eviction proceedings in Massachusetts can be a nightmare.

No. 8: Minnesota

A Minnesota landlord must issue a 14-day notice (or a 30-day notice in Minneapolis) before initiating the eviction process. Also, late fees are capped at 8%.  While there’s no statewide rent control, St. Paul limits rent increases to 3% a year, and Minneapolis has considered similar restrictions in recent years.

No. 7: Maryland

Maryland’s two most populous counties, Montgomery and Prince George’s, cap rent increases at 3% plus inflation, or 6%, whichever is lower. Maryland lawmakers also are pushing for “good cause” eviction rules that make it harder to terminate leases without a qualifying reason. If passed, the law could force landlords to renew leases with problem tenants.

No. 6: Illinois

Illinois landlords can’t turn down applicants based on how they pay rent, whether through housing vouchers, Social Security, or child support, even if they’ve had trouble collecting those payments in the past. Illinois could move higher up this list if proposed rent-control measures become law. A significant backlog of eviction cases at the court level means that 2-year evictions are a very real possibility, plus this is a high property-tax state.

No. 5: Washington

Rent control, called rent stabilization, limits rent increases for existing tenants in Washington state to 7% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. Landlords can still adjust rent by higher amounts for new tenants. It also limits rent increases for manufactured homes to 5%. Washington has laws that make it hard to remove tenants who stop paying but refuse to leave. Just-cause eviction rules make it hard to move on from tenants, and strict notice requirements add layers of complexity to the eviction process.

No. 4: Oregon

Oregon’s rent-control restriction is 7% plus the annual 12-month change in the Consumer Price Index for all urban customers. During any tenancy, other than week-to-week, the landlord may not increase the rent more than once during any 12-month period. Oregon was the first state in the nation to pass state-wide rent control.

No. 3: New Jersey

Although New Jersey has no statewide rent control, more than 100 local jurisdictions enforce their own ordinances, creating a complex spiderweb of legislation that can baffle even longtime Jersey landlords.  In addition, New Jersey imposes the highest property tax rate in the country (2.49%), strict just-cause eviction laws, and painfully slow court processes.

No. 2: New York

New York’s statewide regulations limit rent increases (even after significant improvements) and prevents landlords from resetting rent between tenants. New York’s 2024 “Good Cause Eviction” law requires landlords to have a legally valid reason to terminate a lease. Additionally, tenants can challenge rent hikes they dislike, leading to drawn-out legal battles and preventing rent from keeping pace with the market.

No. 1: California

California enforces strict rent control, capping increases at 5% plus inflation or 10%, whichever is lower. But what really puts California at the top of the “worst” list is taxes. Rental income can get hit with California’s income tax, up to 13.3%. California is also one of the toughest places to deal with squatters.

Read more here at the TurboTenant blog.

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What Are a Trustee’s Duties for Oregon Rental Property?

By
By The Editors
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 There are different trustee duties in Oregon so it is a good idea to ensure that he or she is aware of these obligations.

By John J. Stromberg
Warren Allen LLP

 There are different responsibilities a trustee is required to uphold. If you have a trustee, it is a good idea to ensure that he or she is aware of these obligations.

  • Duty to Administer the Trust:

The trustee must take actions that are in the best interest of the trust beneficiaries. If it becomes necessary to modify the trust due to the acquisition of new property, a trustee can still do so without jeopardizing their duty to adequately administer the original trust.

  • Duty of Loyalty

 A trustee involved in self-dealing or similar transactions that place the trustee’s own interests above those of the trust beneficiaries are prohibited. If your trustee is using income generated from your rental property for their own benefit, the trustee has breached their duty of loyalty.

  • Duty of Impartiality

When multiple beneficiaries have an interest in the trust, the trustee must act impartially in managing the trust assets. If trust beneficiaries have an equal or unequal interest in rental income, the trustee’s duty of impartiality requires the trustee to proportionally distribute that income.

  • Duty to Control and Protect Trust Property

Securely transferring control of rental property can be paramount in maintaining that property’s value and condition. The trustee must confirm the property is adequately insured against loss while in the trustee’s control, and must pay any taxes or liens imposed on trust assets to avoid foreclosure.

  • Duty to Keep Records

Trustees must maintain adequate records that document all receipts and disbursements for the trust. The trustee should document receipts as either income or principal, and disbursements as expenses, capital expenditures, or distributions.

Final Words

This article only addresses a handful of the many duties required of a trustee in Oregon; please feel free to contact John Stromberg by email ([email protected]) or phone (503-255-8795).

About the author:

There are different trustee duties in Oregon so it is a good idea to ensure that he or she is aware of these obligations.
John J. Stromberg

John Stromberg assists clients in domestic relations, estate planning, and civil matters. He received his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Willamette University College of Law and attended the University of Oregon for his Bachelor of Arts degree. He is a current member of the Multnomah Bar Association Service to the Public Committee and has appeared at events informing the local community of available domestic relations resources.

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Oregon Governor Signs Bill To Let Landlords Evict Squatters

By
John Triplett
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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed HB 3522 which allows property owners and landlords to evict squatters after giving a 24-hour notice.

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has signed HB 3522 which allows property owners and landlords to evict squatters after giving a 24-hour notice.

The Oregon House has unanimously passed the bill, according to katu.com news. Kotek signed the bill on June 20, 2025.

The bill explicitly adds squatters to the list of situations considered “unlawful holding by force” under eviction law. This would give property owners and landlords a clearer and faster legal mechanism to reclaim their property from unauthorized occupants.

A squatter is an individual who occupies a property without a valid rental agreement or tenant authorization. The bill amends current law to incorporate this new eviction process. The bill allows a landlord or property owner to issue a 24-hour written notice to vacate the property to evict a squatter. The notice must state the date and time the squatter must leave and clearly indicate that the reason for eviction is the person’s squatter status.

Holdover tenants, those who remain in a space after a lease expires, are not included as squatters under this bill.

The bill to change the law came because currently, Oregon law permits a person to acquire ownership of a property through adverse possession. Adverse possession allows a person to gain ownership if they occupy the property openly, continuously, and exclusively for a period of 10 years without the owner’s permission. The claim of adverse possession can lead to lengthy legal battles.

The original bill specified that only the property owner could evict squatters by issue of a notice of eviction. The amended bill allows landlords to evict squatters with a written 24-hour eviction notice.

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Landlords: What To Do When ICE Arrives At Your Rental

Landlord Ordered to Pay $80,000 Over Threat to Call ICE On Tenants

Oregon Would Ban Landlords Asking About Immigration Status

photo credit mrdoomits via istockimages

Rethinking Pet Fees: Finding Fairness for Renters And Housing Providers

By
By The Editors
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Pet fees have evolved in rental housing from cost recovery to a burden for many pet owners see how this works in this article.

Pet fees have evolved in rental housing from cost recovery to a burden for many pet owners see how this works in this article.

By Judy Bellack
Chief Consultant, Judith Lawrence Associates

For many renters, pets are family. Yet in the rental housing industry, pet fees, deposits, and pet rent have become standard costs for pet owners.

While these charges often are justified as necessary to cover potential damages, the reality is that many housing providers have turned pet fees into a significant revenue stream.

This raises an important question: Are pet fees truly about cost recovery, or have they evolved into an unfair financial burden, particularly for lower-income renters?

Breaking Down the Math: Pet Fees as a Revenue Stream 

Revenue from Pet Fees

To illustrate the financial impact, let’s consider a hypothetical property management company overseeing 10,000 rental units. If the company charges a $300 non-refundable pet fee per pet and collects $50 per month in pet rent, here’s what the annual revenue could look like:

  • One-time pet fees: Assuming 30% of the units (3,000) house a pet, the company collects $900,000 in non-refundable pet fees upfront ($300 x 3,000 = $900,000).
  • Monthly pet rent: If 3,000 renters pay $50 per month in pet rent, that’s $150,000 per month or $1.8 million per year.
  • Total annual revenue from pet fees and rent: $2.7 million

Pet fees have evolved in rental housing from cost recovery to a burden for many pet owners see how this works in this article.

Pet-Related Costs

Now, let’s compare this to the actual costs associated with pet-related damages and basic pet amenities:

  • Industry data suggests that pet-related damages average between $210-$600 per unit per lease term, with many pet-owning residents leaving apartments in similar condition to non-pet owners. If we estimate an average pet-related damage cost of $400 per unit for 50% turnover of those same 3,000 units, that results in a total expense of $600,000. And this is estimating on the high side, as not every unit will experience pet damage.
  • Assuming a deep clean is performed on a vacated pet unit to remove allergens, this would average an additional $150 per unit for 50% of 3000 units, or $225,000 over the course of a year.
  • Pet waste stations, including dispensers and biodegradable bags, typically cost around $75 per unit per year, totaling approximately $225,000 annually.
  • Maintaining a small on-site dog park with artificial turf can require ongoing upkeep costs of $5,000 per year for sanitation and turf repairs. Let’s assume 12 parks covering 3000 units (average 250-unit properties), for a total of $60,000 per year. Let’s round that up to $100,000 to be generous.
  • Total annual costs of having pets on site: $1.15 million

The result?

Even after accounting for damages, the company nets $1.55 million in excess revenue from pet fees. This discrepancy underscores the fact that pet fees have far outpaced actual expenses, turning them into a profit center in addition to a cost-recovery mechanism.

The Impact on Renters and Equity Concerns

For many renters, particularly those in lower-income brackets, these additional fees present a significant financial hurdle. A pet owner in a $1,500/month apartment could be paying upwards of $900 per year in pet-related fees—on top of the deposit and regular rent. This cost burden disproportionately affects renters who may already struggle to afford housing. It could potentially force them to choose between keeping a beloved pet and securing a home.

Moreover, these fees may discourage engaged pet ownership or push renters toward housing options that are less secure or even pet-restrictive. Given that many pet owners view their animals as family, the financial penalties imposed by pet fees could be seen as punitive rather than protective.

Transparency is Critical

If rental housing operators continue to charge pet fees, transparency is key. Instead of presenting pet fees as a catchall cost, property managers should clearly communicate how these fees benefit both the community and pet owners. Possible benefits include:

  • Pet-friendly amenities: If a community offers pet-waste stations, dog parks, or pet-washing stations, pet fees may contribute to these enhancements.
  • Cleaning and maintenance: If fees are used to address additional cleaning or repair needs, operators should highlight these measures.
  • Insurance or liability coverage: Some fees contribute to insurance costs related to pet ownership within rental properties.

By providing transparency and ensuring fees are aligned with actual costs, housing providers can build goodwill with pet owners while maintaining fair revenue practices. Also, consider renter attitudes toward the type of pet fees charged. For example, research indicates that renters at all income levels find monthly pet rent the most problematic.

Conclusion

Pet fees in rental housing have evolved beyond simple cost recovery, becoming a revenue source – and burdensome for many pet owners. While it’s reasonable for property managers to mitigate risk and cover actual damages, the current fee structures often far exceed these costs. Ensuring that any pet-related fees are fair, transparent, and aligned with actual expenses can create a more equitable landscape for renters and their pets alike. After all, a truly pet-inclusive community should welcome engaged pet owners, not financially penalize them.

Rethinking pet fees and finding fairness for renters and housing providers is possible. Visit petsandhousing.org to learn more.

For more resources on achieving your ideal pet-inclusive community, visit the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative.

About the author:

Pet fees have evolved in rental housing from cost recovery to a burden for many pet owners see how this works in this article.
Judy Bellack

Judy Bellack is the multifamily housing industry principal for Michelson Found Animals, a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of pets and their owners. A 30-year veteran of multifamily, she is utilizing her expertise to spearhead Michelson’s Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative to provide data and resources to create more pet-inclusive communities in ways that make good business sense for owners and operators.

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Sharp Drop in Multifamily Production Brings Housing Starts Down

By
John Triplett
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A sharp decline in multifamily production pushed overall housing starts down in May while single-family output was essentially flat

A sharp decline in multifamily production pushed overall housing starts down in May while single-family output was essentially flat due to economic and tariff uncertainty along with elevated interest rates, according to a release.

Overall housing starts decreased 9.8% in May to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 1.26 million units, according to a report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau.

The May reading of 1.26 million starts is the number of housing units builders would begin if development kept this pace for the next 12 months. Within this overall number, single-family starts increased 0.4% to a 924,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate and are down 7.3% compared to May 2024. The multifamily sector, which includes apartment buildings and condos, decreased 29.7% to an annualized 332,000 pace.

Tariffs, interest rates flatten single-family units

On a year-to-date basis, single-family starts are down 7.1%. In contrast, multifamily 5-plus unit starts are up 14.5% as more prospective home buyers remain on the sidelines.

“Our latest builder survey shows that development and market conditions remain a major concern for builders, with consumer confidence lower and elevated interest rates for buyers and builders,” said Buddy Hughes, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder and developer from Lexington, N.C, in the release.

“Almost 40% of home builders reduced sales prices in the last month in order to offset difficult housing-affordability conditions.”

“Single-family permits and construction starts are down on a year-to-date basis for 2025 for what has been a disappointing spring housing market, given ongoing elevated mortgage interest rates, challenging housing affordability conditions led by higher construction costs, and macroeconomic uncertainty,” said NAHB Chief Economist Robert Dietz in the release. “NAHB is forecasting that 2025 will end with a decline for single-family housing starts.”

On a regional and year-to-date basis, combined single-family and multifamily starts were 21.1% higher in the Northeast, 10.8% higher in the Midwest, 6.8% lower in the South and 1.6% lower in the West.

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Hoarding in Housing: What Every New Team Member Should Know

By
By The Editors
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Hoarding in housing may first present as a lease violation but hoarding is more than a housekeeping issue and can be a fair housing issue.

Hoarding in housing may first present as a lease violation but hoarding is more than a housekeeping issue and can be a fair housing issue.

By The Fair Housing Institute

Introducing new staff to the realities of property management goes beyond reviewing lease terms and daily operations. It includes preparing them to handle complex resident situations that require sound judgment, legal understanding, and compassion. One of these situations is hoarding—a condition that presents both health and safety risks and the need for careful compliance with fair-housing laws.

Recognizing Hoarding as a Potential Disability

In the property-management setting, hoarding may first present as a lease violation.

A unit might become excessively cluttered, blocking exits, attracting pests, or generating odors that affect neighboring units. However, while the visible concerns are real, hoarding is more than a housekeeping issue. It is a recognized mental health disorder, often tied to trauma or anxiety, and is legally considered a disability.

This classification carries serious implications for how housing professionals must respond. Team members need to be trained to look beyond the immediate violation and consider whether a fair-housing obligation exists. When hoarding behavior clearly interferes with the use of the premises and appears linked to a disability, the law may require a different response than standard enforcement.

Knowing When and How to Initiate the Accommodation Process

A common question new hires face is whether they must wait for a resident to request an accommodation before responding.

In situations where a disability is apparent and the behavior results in a lease violation, property managers may have a responsibility to open the conversation. This proactive approach demonstrates a solid understanding of the Fair Housing Act and shows a commitment to working with the resident rather than simply issuing warnings or notices.

Training should emphasize the importance of conducting these conversations privately, respectfully, and with a focus on cooperation. The objective is not to excuse lease violations indefinitely, but to explore reasonable ways to help the resident come into compliance while acknowledging their disability.

Restoring the Unit Without Compromising Fair-Housing Protections

When working with residents who have a hoarding disorder, it’s essential to approach resolution as a shared goal. The expectation remains that the unit must be brought back into compliance with safety and habitability standards. However, the process to get there may require flexibility, such as allowing additional time, setting incremental goals, or connecting the resident with outside support systems.

New staff should be trained to view these accommodations not as exceptions to policy, but as tools to help meet legal obligations while preserving the resident’s dignity. Encouraging progress and maintaining clear communication are often more effective than issuing ultimatums. This kind of approach supports both legal compliance and positive resident relations.

The Role of Documentation in Supporting Fair and Consistent Action

In every hoarding-related case, thorough documentation is critical.

From the initial observations to follow-up communications, every step should be recorded in detail. This documentation serves multiple purposes. It provides a clear timeline of the property’s efforts, supports the reasonableness of accommodations offered, and protects the property from liability if enforcement action ultimately becomes necessary.

New hires should be taught that documentation is not just a defensive measure. It’s a best practice that ensures consistency, accountability, and transparency in how sensitive cases are handled. Proper records reflect a thoughtful, fair approach that can stand up to scrutiny if challenged.

Building a Team Prepared to Handle Complex Resident Needs

Hoarding cases are not everyday occurrences, but they are powerful training examples for new property-management staff.

These situations highlight the importance of balancing enforcement with accommodation and how strong fair-housing knowledge directly informs daily responsibilities. Teams that are trained to identify potential disabilities, respond appropriately, and uphold community standards are better prepared to protect both residents and the property.

By embedding fair-housing principles into new-hire training, companies build a team that can navigate complex challenges with confidence. The result is a property-management operation that not only meets legal standards but also reinforces a culture of respect, safety, and professionalism for everyone involved.

About the author:

In 2005, The Fair Housing Institute was founded as a company with one goal: to provide educational and entertaining fair-housing compliance training at an affordable price at the click of a button.

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Who Should Replace the Smoke Detector in My Rental?

By
Hank Rossi
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Questions about smoke detectors in rentals come up often so for a non-functioning smoke detector, who is responsible for replacing it

Questions about smoke detectors come up often so this week the question is about a non-functioning smoke detector in a rental and who is responsible for replacing it is the question this week for Ask Landlord Hank. Remember Hank is not an attorney and he is not offering legal advice. If you have a question for him please fill out the form below.

Dear Landlord Hank,

We rent, and the smoke detectors are not working. It looks like entire unit needs new detectors. Who should replace them, us or the landlord?

– Rita

Dear Rita,

Normally the lease will require you to replace smoke-detector batteries when they die, but the owner should be responsible for replacing the actual smoke detector.

I’d try to replace the battery, and then contact the landlord or property manager ASAP.

The owner will also want you and the property to have maximum protection and warning in case of fire.

Sincerely,

Hank Rossi

Editor’s note: Check your local and state regulations on issues such as this as it varies across the country.

As a child, Hank Rossi sometimes helped his father take care of the family rental-maintenance business.  In the mid-’90s he got into the rental business for himself. After he retired, he started a real-estate brokerage business with his sister that focuses on property management and leasing. Visit his website: https://rentsrq.com.

 

Ask Landlord Hank Your Question

Ask veteran landlord and property manager Hank Rossi your questions from tenant screening to leases to pets and more! He provides answers each week to landlords.

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Questions about smoke detectors in rentals come up often so for a non-functioning smoke detector, who is responsible for replacing it
Landlord Hank Rossi says, “Normally the lease will require you to replace smoke-detector batteries when they die, but the owner should be responsible for replacing the actual smoke detector.”

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5 Best Maintenance Practices to Keep Tenants Happy

By
By The Editors
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5 best maintenance practices to keep tenants satisfied and keep the property owner and management out of legal trouble.

5 best maintenance practices to keep tenants satisfied and keep the property owner and management out of legal trouble.

By Nancy Abrams

It is a landlord’s legal responsibility to keep their properties habitable. If they do not do so, their tenants will not be happy and the property owner can end up in court.

What does the landlord need to do to prevent this? Below are five areas where good maintenance practices will keep tenants satisfied and the property owner out of legal trouble.

Routine maintenance and proactive actions are the first steps to preventing problems before they pop up and create disgruntled tenants so here are 5 best maintenance practices.

1. Prioritize Maintenance Requests

  • Determine whether the need is urgent or an emergency.
    • Such issues as a power loss, burst pipe, a fire or HVAC failure are issues of habitability for your tenants and cost potentially thousands of dollars in damage if not immediately rectified.
  • Take care of high-priority maintenance requests.
    • If ignored, high-priority issues could pose a significant financial risk or will negatively affect a tenant’s ability to live safely in the unit.
    • Leaking roofs or pipes, a bedbug infestation, or most broken in-unit appliances qualify as high-priority problems.
  • Medium-priority requests are preventative maintenance.
    • Examples of medium-priority issues can include seasonal maintenance tasks such as debris and bush removal for fire prevention, slip prevention in the fall and winter and other issues that could pose a risk to tenants in the near future.
  • How to assess low-priority maintenance requests
    • Tasks such as replacing the oven’s light bulb, cosmetic wall repairs, etc. do not pose a safety risk or cause damage to the property. However, they are important to the tenant and must be addressed in a timely manner.

2. Preemptive HVAC Service

Regular HVAC tune-ups and monthly air filter replacements ensure that heating and air-conditioning systems run efficiently, preventing breakdowns and tenant discomfort in extreme weather.

3. Prevent Plumbing Issues

Plumbing problems are some of the most common tenant complaints and must be attended to immediately to prevent further damage. A burst pipe suddenly flooding a kitchen is an issue of habitability for your tenants and will cost thousands of dollars in damage if not immediately repaired. Landlords should respond immediately to plumbing leaks, which could also lead to mold issues.

4, Faulty Electrical Systems Are Fire Hazards

Regularly testing smoke detectors, upgrading outdated systems and ensuring that all electrical outlets are operating properly can prevent emergencies and demonstrate to tenants that they are being protected by management.

5. Outdoor Maintenance

A leaking roof can make plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems vulnerable and tenants unhappy. A certified roofing professional should inspect the roof and make any necessary repairs.

Happy Tenants Equal Renewals

Tenants want to feel secure knowing their landlord takes maintenance seriously. These 5 best maintenance practices and quick responses to repair requests, such as fixing a leaking faucet or a broken heater, show that their comfort and well-being are a priority. A well-maintained home makes tenants more likely to renew their leases, while delayed repairs can create frustration and drive them to look for housing elsewhere.

About the author:

Nancy Abrams currently serves as content editor for the American Apartment Owners Association (AAOA), which assists landlords, property managers, real estate owners and brokers across the country with managing their properties, including tenant credit checks and tenant background screening as well as state-specific landlord forms, such as a rental application or rental agreement.  The association also offers resources from educational webinars and landlord tenant law to approved providers for insurance and financing. Contact us today to learn more.

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