Drafting a watertight lease agreement is one of the most important steps you need to take if you are a landlord. Done right, a lease contract can protect your investment and legal rights. Which leads to the question: what should you include in the lease agreement? A...
Property Law
When can a landlord legally evict a residential tenant?
Evicting a tenant from a residential property is the right of a landlord, but only on valid grounds. Every landlord has rights and obligations under the lease contract, and these responsibilities are meant to promote a harmonious relationship with the tenant. While...
What measures are landlords forbidden to take against tenants?
As a landlord, you strive for good relationships with your tenants. You always try to be forthright, consistent and responsive to their needs and complaints. But some tenants are really tough to deal with. They may frequently annoy you to no end. Even though tenants...
2 signs you can make a claim over a defect in a home you bought
Every home that has previously had tenants will have some wear and tear or mild deterioration. The carpet may show signs of heavy traffic or fading around windows with southern exposure. The appliances may not be as efficient and cutting-edge as they were when someone...
Dallas City Council moves closer to short-term rental regulations
Dallas homeowners could see stricter regulations on short-term rentals this fall. The Dallas City Council is scheduled to vote on new regulations for these rentals in September. Many property owners with vacation or other second homes list them on vacation rental...
2 tips for addressing residential tenant complaints
As a landlord, you have certain duties to your residential tenants. Some are set by law, and others are covered in the lease agreement. Your tenants also have a duty to comply with the terms of the lease. Many tenancies exist without any issues ever coming up, but...
Tips to protect yourself when signing a commercial lease
Signing a commercial lease may seem like a simple, straightforward process. However, if you aren’t careful, you may lock yourself into terms that don’t work well for you or your business. The best way to avoid this situation is to know what to do to protect yourself...
5 Texas property violations that owners can remedy
Texas state law and local Dallas ordinances dictate what property owners can do with their property and impose some maintenance obligations. Code enforcement has recently become a bigger priority in the Dallas area, with the city adding more workers to the department...
The force majeure clause and your construction contract
Sometimes, events beyond the control of the parties to a contract may prevent them from fulfilling their contractual obligations. Such events excuse the affected parties from performing the contract permanently or temporarily without legal consequences. For instance,...
The top 5 property law issues that arise between neighbors
Your neighbors play a large role in the culture of your community. Having a positive relationship with neighbors can make your life easier, but a contentious relationship can make every day a little more stressful. Identifying common sources of neighborly disputes can...