CreditLink Secure: Blog

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Dealing with Early Lease Terminations

All landlords strive for stable, long-term tenancies. But unfortunately, life happens sometimes, and tenants need to break their lease early. While t...

Cost-Effective Roof Maintenance Strategies for Landlords

A roof is a rental property's first line of defense against the elements, protecting your investment from rain, snow, and sun. Much like a car requir...

A couple sits on the floor of an apartment and toasts with two beer bottles. An open pizza box is on the floor between them.

Dealing with Holdover Tenants: A Landlord's Guide

At the end of a lease term, tenants typically either vacate a rental property or renew their lease for another year. However, sometimes tenants may c...

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Preventing Fire in your Rental Property

Cooking is the leading cause of apartment fires, accounting for nearly half of all home fires and resulting in 10% of residential fire deaths in the ...

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Accepting Rent in Advance: The Pros and Cons

As a landlord, you may encounter a situation where your tenant wishes to pay their rent in advance. While the idea of receiving rent a few months or ...

Cash for Keys: Avoiding the Eviction Process

The majority of landlords aim to avoid spending money unnecessarily, unless doing so will give their return on investment (ROI) a nice boost. However...

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How to Build an Emergency Rental Fund

Whether you're a homeowner or a landlord, having an emergency fund is essential to cover unexpected expenses. Financial experts often recommend savin...

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How to Sell Your Rental Home with a Tenant in Place

Selling an occupied rental property presents unique challenges for sellers. It's essential to navigate the complexities of tenant rights, lease agree...

How to Write a Landlord Reference Letter for a Tenant

What is a landlord reference letter?A landlord reference letter is a document written by a tenant's previous landlord or property manager to recommen...

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How to Convert Your Airbnb Into a Long-Term Rental

The short-term rental market has seen a significant shift in recent years. While it once seemed like a lucrative investment opportunity, factors like...

What is a Guarantor?

What is a Guarantor?A guarantor is a person who has agreed to co-sign a rental lease agreement with the tenant who is moving in, as such guarantees t...

How to Calculate the Rental Rate for Your Property

If you're ready to relocate but you're not ready to sell your home yet, it might be worth it to consider renting out your house. Renting your home ou...

How much does it cost to evict someone?

The concept of evictions is a big taboo in the rental industry. No one likes to think or talk about them, but sometimes a problem tenant leaves you n...

How to Send the Perfect 30 Day Notice to Your Landlord

If you've found a new place to live and are preparing to move out of your current apartment, one of the first steps you want to take is making sure y...

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Requesting Proof of Income from Rental Applicants

Experienced landlords have seen enough to require proof of income from their rental applicants. To the uninitiated, requesting proof of income may fe...

Landlord Lessons: Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Being a landlord sounds simple on paper; you buy a home, make some repairs and improvements, and rent it out for more than your monthly mortgage paym...

What to Include in a Tenant Pet Agreement

For many landlords, the question of allowing pets in their rentals is a complex one with no clear answer. While some worry about potential property d...

How to Improve Communication with Challenging Tenants

Effective communication is a cornerstone of successful property management. But even the most skilled communicator can struggle when dealing with pro...

How is Rental Income Taxed?

What is Rental Income?Rental income is the revenue you receive as a landlord in exchange for allowing tenants to occupy your property. This can inclu...

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How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in California in 2024?

What is Rent Control?Rent control is a government policy that regulates the rental market by placing limitations on how much landlords can charge for...

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What To Do When A Tenant Files For Bankruptcy

Owning rental properties can be a rewarding investment, but it also comes with its share of challenges. Responsible tenants who pay rent on time are ...

A woman in a red blazer and black slacks stands in an empty kitchen next to another woman in jeans and a flannel shirt. They are looking at paper in a portfolio in the first woman's hands. here are moving boxes on the ground.

How To Break A Lease Without Penalty: A Guide

If you need to break the lease on your apartment or home before the end of the lease term, it's easy to get stressed out over potential fees and lega...

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Rent-to-Own Agreements: A Step-by-Step Guide

A rent-to-own agreement, also known as a lease-to-own option, is the perfect solution for anyone who dreams of owning their own home, but may be worr...

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How to Turn your Best Tenants into Long-Term Tenants

Every experienced landlord is well aware of the importance of a thorough screening process to find reliable tenants. But securing a responsible tenan...

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What to do When Your Tenant Leaves Their Items Behind

It's more common than not for tenants to leave a few belongings behind after moving out. As a landlord, it's wise to understand the proper procedure ...

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Understanding Lead-Based Paint Disclosures

Landlords have a legal obligation to go beyond simply maintaining a habitable property. They are also responsible for disclosing any potential health...

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Squatters, Trespassers, and Holdover Tenants

Squatters vs. Trespassers vs. Holdover TenantsDistinguishing between squatters, trespassers, and holdover tenants is crucial for landlords to underst...

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How to Handle Emergency Maintenance

As a property manager, you know that emergency maintenance demands a lightning-fast response. Delays can damage your relationships with both tenants ...

A young woman with short, curly black hair sits cross-legged on a wooden floor. She is holding a light blue mug filled with packing peanuts, and is surrounded by stacks of moving boxes.

Month-to-Month Leases: The Pros and Cons

Landlords are faced with a multitude of important decisions when renting their properties, including figuring out the duration of the lease. Although...

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How to Recognize Fake Pay Stubs

Unfortunately, even the most vigilant landlord or property manager can face the unpleasant reality of application forgery. While it's impossible to c...

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Is there a Time Limit to Sue a Tenant for Property Damage?

Many landlords conduct thorough inspections using checklists after tenant move-out to identify and deduct repair costs from the security deposit. But...

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Essential Summer Checklist: Keep Your Rental Thriving

Summer is just around the corner! As the days get longer and the weather warms, savvy landlords know it's prime time to get their rentals ready for t...

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How to Determine the Price of Rent

Finding the sweet spot between attracting qualified tenants and maximizing your income is crucial. Price too high, and your units sit vacant. Price t...

A photo of a tan brick two story house at the end of a long paved driveway.It is surrounded by lush green trees and a yard.

Beginner's Guide to Investing in Residential Real Estate

Residential real estate can be a lucrative career, but success hinges on a well-defined strategy. Experimenting too much early on can be risky. If yo...

A woman in a red sweater smiles at the camera. She wears glasses and her blonde hair is in a ponytail. The woman is sitting at a desk in an office. Behind her along the wall are rows of binders.

How to Write a Lease Addendum

While leases are essential for outlining rental agreements, situations can arise where the terms need to be adjusted. This is where lease addendums c...

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Preventing Pesky Pests in Summertime

Summer sun brings more than just barbecues and beach days - it can also invite unwanted guests: insects. These pests go beyond annoyance, causing dis...

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What is Subletting? What Every Landlord Needs To Know

Life often throws us curveballs, and sometimes those curves have a major impact on your living situation. As a landlord, you know this can lead to un...

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5 Benefits of having Renters Insurance

As a landlord, you strive to create a positive and secure environment for your tenants. One way to achieve this is by requiring renters insurance in...

A clean home office. There is a wooden desk with a laptop and desk decorations in front of a black leather chair. A potted plant and cozy chair decorate the room. A window provides sufficient lighting to the desk with a view of foliage outside of the window.

How to Attract Work From Home Tenants to Your Rentals

The remote work revolution is here to stay, and the landlords who adapt will thrive. By catering to the needs of work-from-home (WFH) tenants, you ca...

A security camera hangs on the corner of a home above a window. Behind it are two motion activated lights pointing away toward the yard.

Can My Landlord Install Security Cameras?

As a tenant, security is important, but so is privacy. You might wonder if your landlord can install security cameras, and where the line is drawn. H...

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Tenant Red Flags to Watch Out For

Everyone wants a tenant who pays their rent on time and is respectful of the rental property - but sometimes you might need to go through several app...

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The Best Amenities to Offer Your Potential Tenants

The amenities your property offers are important to highlight in your online rental listing for several reasons. Amenities are a key focus for tenant...

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The Secret Answers to Rental Application Questions

There are a lot of tips and tricks that a landlord knows that only come with time and experience. Knowing how and when to read between the lines of a...

A woman in a plaid patterned grey blazer stands in front of a home. In one hand she holds a red sign that states home for sale. The other hand holds a clipboard with a real estate form to her chest.

Should I Sell My House or Rent it Out?

Moving truck at the ready and boxes packed? As you prepare to move into your new house, a crucial decision looms: should you sell your current home o...

A woman in a black business casual suit stands across a desk from a man in a red and black plaid shirt. The man is seated and has his hands up reaching for a piece of paper that the woman extends out to him.

How to Write a Lease Violation Notice

In an ideal world, your tenants adhere strictly to the lease agreement, and you'll never have the need for a lease violation notice. However, it's wi...

An older woman and a teenage girl sit in a clean, white kitchen. The teenager has a cookie in her mouth and is reaching for something unseen on the counter. The older woman holds her hands up as if in conversation with the younger girl.

How Landlords can Handle Long-Term Guests

We all know the importance of a clear lease agreement. It sets expectations and provides a shared reference point for both landlord and tenant. Howev...

A woman with very short salt and pepper hair wearing a dusty pink blazer and holding a black portfolio stands in the foreground, smiling at the camera. In the background is a family of 5 happily embracing in a warmly lit room.

The Benefits Of Property Management Vs. Self-Managing

Many property owners come to realize, either instinctively or after a few failed attempts with tenants, that being a hands-on landlord isn't for them...

A young woman in a white T-shirt sits at a white glass desk. She holds a phone to her ear in one hand, and uses a stylus in her other hand to use a tablet resting on the desk. In front of her on the desk are also a laptop and a half full glass of water.

How to Check Employment References for Tenants

Checking employment references is an important part of the screening process for potential tenants. After all, you want to ensure that your tenants c...

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How often does TransUnion update your credit report?

TransUnion is recognized as one of the three major national credit reporting agencies. These agencies collect information about your borrowing habits...

Two people standing in living room with gloomy lighting. There are two octagonal frames on the wall, moving boxes, and yellow checked curtains pulled closed over a bright window. A man is mostly silhouetted and turned to look at a woman in focus. The woman wears a muddy green sweatshirt and has wavy light brown hair that is loosely tied back. She holds a stack of papers in one hand and the other hand is raised in a questioning manner. She has an expression of bewilderment and upset.

What to do When You Get a Rent Increase Notice

Everyone wants their monthly rent payments to stay the same or decrease when their lease is up for renewal, but sometimes landlords must increase you...

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F.C.R.A. and Fair Housing Credibility

F.C.R.A. Compliance and Fair Housing CredibilityThe Fair Credit Reporting Act (F.C.R.A.) is a federal law regulating consumer credit information coll...

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Do Landlords Have the Right to Prohibit Guns?

Gun ownership has become a particularly heated topic over the past decade, which prompts the question for many landlords: can you add a clause into y...

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Pet Deposits, Pet Fees and Pet Rent

As a landlord, allowing pets into your property is a major decision. Knowing how to go about it in the smartest way possible means looking into all o...

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Flooded Apartment? Know Your Rights

Heavy rains, burst pipes, or overflowing rivers - floods can wreak havoc on homes and leave tenants feeling lost and confused. But what happens when...

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The Biggest Reasons Your Rental Application Was Denied

Finding the perfect rental is exciting, but sometimes applications get denied without further communication, leaving you confused and frustrated. Whi...

A couple sits at a table in a kitchen, overlooking some documents. There are papers, a calculator, laptop, and notepad on the table. The woman points to a section of a document, while the man holds up a mug and looks down with a pensive expression.

How to Help Tenants who Fall Behind on their Rent Payments

For a landlord, there are few things worse than a good tenant falling behind on rent. Unfortunately, that scenario happens more often than is comfort...

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Don't Rent in the Dark

Finding the perfect tenant for your rental property can feel like searching for a hanging light bulb in a vast, dark room. But what if you had a tool...

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What to do When it's Time to Change Property Managers

Once you get into the habit of doing things a certain way, it feels simpler to just keep doing that same thing. We're all creatures of habit, and the...

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How to Remove Bad Smells from Former Tenants

Our sense of smell is linked closely with memories and emotions, so unsurprisingly, the way your rental smells is important. Former tenants can leave...

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Headache Remedies For Landlords

Headache Remedies for LandlordsAll Landlords Share These Problems!Reliable TenantsVacanciesTenant ScreeningRent PaymentsProperty MaintenanceLegal Com...

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Using Security Deposits to Cover Unpaid Rent

The last thing any landlord wants to deal with is losing money due to the actions of a bad tenant. Despite this, sometimes it can be difficult for la...

A view of a lush backyard from inside of a living room. Two chairs face a wall of three large windows. Beyond the windows are decorative paving and assorted shrubbery and plants. Another building can be seen beyond the green yard.

10 Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Home

Landlords want to create a rental property that tenants will love, which means understanding what today's renters want. Many people believe it is imp...

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A Short Guide to Denying Rental Applicants

When looking through rental applications, sometimes you have no choice but to reject an applicant, whether it be because of their credit score, evict...

A man with glasses and a high and tight haircut smiles as he browses on his laptop while seated at a desk. There is a small lamp on the desk, as well as notekeeping tools. Behind the man is a bookcase with knickknacks and books. A large potted plant is next to the bookcase.

How To Manage Property Remotely As A Long Distance Landlord

Being a landlord means being in a career that everybody and their grandmother has a strong opinion about. While these opinionated and well-meaning fo...

A person is crouched in a corner, detailing a paint job. The walls are a deep cerulean blue and need a few more coats. There is paper placed on the floor to protect the deep grey charcoal tile from errant paint splatter.

Should you Allow your Tenants to Paint your Rental Property?

Tenants often ask if they can make improvements or changes to the home or apartment they are renting. Painting interior walls is one of the most comm...

A past due bill and a form to file bankruptcy lie on a wooden desk.

Dismissed vs Discharged Bankruptcy: Learn the Difference

Thorough tenant screening is an essential part of your process as a landlord, but just going through the motions isn't enough. You need to dig deep i...

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How to Find and Hire Good Handymen for your Rental Property

When you're going down the checklist for everything you need to have a successful rental property, a reliable handyman is pretty high on the list. In...

CreditLink Secure SaaS

CreditLink Secure Property Management SoftwareIf you manage rental property, you've probably heard of CreditLink. We invented tenant screening softwa...

Tenants in Conflict - What's the Best Approach?

TENANTS IN CONFLICTWhen tenants living in different apartments within the same property are in a dispute, the landlord or property manager can take ...

A realtor in a mustard yellow cardigan holding a clipboard shows a family of four around a home. The realtor is gesturing to the walls. The family is a mother, father, and two young daughters. The youngest is on the father's shoulders and reaches up playfully toward the ceiling as the mother watches and smiles. The other daughter inspects the opposite wall.

How to Host Successful Open Houses for your Rental Property

In the rental game, image is everything. If you want to attract fantastic tenants and prevent costly vacancies, then your property needs to look poli...

A small two story cottage style home sits between several trees. It is fall, and the leaves of the trees are yellow. The lawn has a light coating of yellow leaves.

How to get Great Tenants to Renew their Lease

Good tenants make your job as a landlord or property manager much easier. These tenants pay their rent on time, they're respectful of your property, ...

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What factors are considered in a FICO Score?

What Factors matter in a FICO score?FICO Score: a credit score developed by the Fair Isaac Corporation is determined based on several factors. These ...

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How Tenant Screening Can Increase a Landlord's Income

As a landlord, how thoroughly you screen your tenants has the potential to make a big impact on your finances. The ideal tenant pays you on time, cau...

A woman rides a bike along a road. Along the road are three shops with apartments above them. A large metal fence separates the road and the shops.

Rental Property Is Destined to Remain a Solid Investment.

Why is real estate investing destined to remain a solid investment for the foreseeable future? Real estate investing is considered a solid investment...

A group of four people sit around a wooden table. A bald man in a white henley shirt wearing glasses sits at the head of the table. There are potted plants behind him. On the right side of the table sits a person with short curly hair, glasses, and a long sleeve brown shirt. Across from them are two young men. One in a blue button down shirt and the other in a maroon long sleeve polo shirt. They appear to be discussing business as there is a laptop, notebooks, cups, mugs, and tablets on the table.

How to Rent to Tenants Who Speak a Different Language

One of the most important things that you need to be able to do as a landlord is to find and secure great tenants for your properties. Another import...

A family of three sit around a small kitchen table. The mother holds a young girl in her lap as the two giggle and smile at one another, faces close. A young boy holds a whisk and plays with baking supplies on the table. There are white tulips in a clear vase.

What to do When You Inherit Tenants

Buying new investment properties can do wonders to push your rental business to new heights, but properties are not always vacant when sold. Sometime...

A photo of a lease agreement document on a wooden desk. Two black pens rest on top of the document.

The Basics of Writing Your Own Lease

Many landlords rely on sample leases they find online instead of taking the time to write one themselves. Using a sample lease can certainly save you...

A man in a brown sweater vest, maroon dress shirt, and gray blazer sits on a white couch. He is also wearing glasses, and has short messy brown hair. He looks down at a loose stack of papers in his lap, holding one page in each hand.

How to Spot Applicant Fraud

Protecting Your Real Estate InvestmentThe rental industry is rapidly shifting toward an entirely remote rental experience. While virtual tours and on...

A wide view of an open room with white and light blue walls. Four young people sit in various poses of recline in different areas of the open room. One rests in a bunk bed while looking at a laptop. Others drink tea or read from magazines.

Understanding Normal Wear and Tear vs. Tenant Damage: A Landlord's Guide

As a landlord, understanding the difference between normal wear and tear and tenant damage is crucial. When tenants move out, your property will natu...

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Cap Rates vs. Lease Rates

Cap Rates vs. Lease Rates Why capitalization always impacts competitive lease rates. Capitalization rates, often called cap rates, are a key metric...

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How to Rent a Home When you have Poor Credit

When you have a poor credit score, certain things such as renting a home may feel out of reach. However, it is possible to rent a house or apartment ...

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Is My Rent a Fair Price?

IS MY RENT FAIR? How do you know if you're paying market rate for your rent? Ensuring you pay a fair rent involves researching and understanding the...

And adult dog with shaggy brown and grey hair lays next to a younger dog of the same breed with black and grey hair. They are resting at the edge of a pool, on copper colored bricks. A home can be seen in the distant background.

Pet Problem Prevention

PET PROBLEM PREVENTION How do I ensure my apartment lease allows my pet to stay for a reasonable deposit? When discussing pets with your landlord, it...

A man and woman sitting on the floor, packing books into open cardboard boxes. A half empty shelf sits against the wall behind them, with a medium sized house plant on the floor beside it. The people are wearing jeans and earth tone tee shirts. Both people have shaggy brown curly hair.

How to Remove a Tenant Without Serving an Eviction Notice

When you are renting out a property, your tenant legally has a right to be in control of the property during their lease period. While this enables y...

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How Has Technology Changed Realtor Roles?

How has technology changed Realtor roles in today's market? The real estate industry has undergone significant changes driven by technological advan...