As an operator of rental properties, you likely understand the importance of screening potential tenants in order to avoid unfavorable situations and liability risks. Since leasing your unit is one of your primary concerns as a landlord, it’s important to have a solid strategy for vetting prospective occupants. Working with a tenant attorney from the beginning can help ensure that your lease agreement clearly outlines all terms, conditions, and expectations for both you and your prospective tenant. But what should you look for when hiring a tenant attorney to assist with leasing your units? There are many potential factors to consider depending on the specifics of your case and local laws. Here are some helpful tips on finding the best tenant attorney for your business needs.
Ask for References
A good tenant attorney will understand that a happy client is a loyal one. When you ask for references, you can get a good sense of how satisfied a potential attorney’s clients are with the service they provide. You can also learn more about the types of clients the attorney has worked with in the past and the kinds of landlord-tenant problems they’ve encountered. You may want to ask the attorney to provide references from previous landlords who used the attorney while renting out their units. You may also want to ask for references from previous clients who were renting at the time they worked with the attorney.
Check the Attorney’s Track Record
You can get a sense of how effective a tenant attorney is by checking his or her track record. You can do this by looking at the attorney’s website for testimonials from past clients, or you can ask for a list of references from previous landlords who used the attorney while renting out their units. You can also look for reviews and ratings from other organizations, like the American Bar Association. Conducting a thorough investigation of the attorney’s track record can help you get a better idea of how likely the attorney is to help you reach a favorable outcome in your situation.
Determine Fees and Know What’s Included
Before hiring a tenant attorney, you should get a clear idea of what the attorney’s fees will be and what those funds will cover. You should also be clear on what the attorney’s role will be in the process. Fees for tenant lawyers can vary depending on location, the attorney’s experience, and the specifics of each case. Fees can also depend on whether the attorney is working on a retainer or on an hourly basis. Before hiring an attorney to help with leasing, you should have a good idea of what the attorney’s fees will be and what those funds will cover. You should also have a clear understanding of the attorney’s role in the process.
Ask Questions Before Signing Off
Before signing off on any agreement with a tenant attorney, you should make sure you have all of your questions answered. You may want to bring a trusted colleague along who can provide additional insight and perspective on the situation. With any legal matter, it’s essential to ask as many questions as you can to ensure you fully understand your situation and the process that will follow. An attorney should be happy to answer all of your questions and address any concerns you have about the situation.
Summing up
A reliable tenant attorney can help you avoid costly legal disputes and protect your rental income. By finding a tenant attorney who is knowledgeable about landlord-tenant laws in your area, you can avoid many common problems that can come up when leasing property. Finding the best tenant attorney for your business can be challenging, but with the tips outlined above, you can make the process much easier. With the right tenant attorney on your side, you can feel confident in your ability to effectively screen tenants and navigate legal challenges that come up along the way.
