The Rentmark Blog

Smarter renting, one guide at a time.

Practical, no-fluff advice on tenant screening, security deposits, rent collection, and everything else that comes with being a landlord in the United States.

Compliance

How to Handle Security Deposit Disputes Without Going to Court

A practical playbook for US landlords: how to document damage, write a defensible deductions letter, negotiate, and settle security deposit disputes before small claims court.

August 9, 20268 min read
Screening
How to Screen a Co-Signer or Guarantor (and Make the Guarantee Actually Enforceable)

A practical guide for US landlords on screening co-signers and guarantors, setting income standards, and writing a guaranty agreement that actually holds up.

August 8, 20269 min read
Guides
Rental Turnover Guide: How to Prepare a Property Between Tenants in 7 Days

A day-by-day rental turnover checklist for US landlords: what to inspect, repair, clean, and document between tenants so you re-rent fast without losing money.

August 7, 20268 min read
Compliance
How to Legally Evict a Tenant (and How to Avoid Getting There)

A step-by-step guide to the legal eviction process for US landlords: notices, filings, court, costs, common mistakes — and the cheaper alternatives that work.

August 6, 20269 min read
Compliance
Renters Insurance vs Landlord Insurance: What Every US Landlord Actually Needs

Landlord insurance covers your building and liability; renters insurance covers your tenant's stuff. Here's what each policy pays for, and how to require it in your lease.

August 5, 20268 min read
Leasing
Month-to-Month vs Fixed-Term Leases: Which Is Better for Landlords?

A practical comparison of month-to-month and fixed-term leases for US landlords, including rent pricing, notice rules, turnover costs, and when to switch.

August 4, 20268 min read
Compliance
How to Raise the Rent the Right Way (and Stay Legal)

A practical guide to raising rent legally: notice periods, rent control rules, how much to increase, and scripts that keep good tenants from leaving.

August 3, 20268 min read
Guides
Move-In and Move-Out Inspections: A Step-by-Step Checklist for Landlords

A room-by-room move-in and move-out inspection checklist for US landlords, plus documentation rules that protect your security deposit deductions from disputes.

August 2, 20268 min read
Guides
How to Set the Right Rent Price for Your Property (Without Guessing)

Learn how to price your rental accurately using comps, the 1% rule, and vacancy math—so you maximize income without scaring off good tenants.

August 1, 20268 min read
Guides
How to Handle Abandoned Property Left by a Tenant: A Landlord's Legal Guide

When a tenant leaves belongings behind, you can't just toss them. Here's how US landlords legally store, notify, and dispose of abandoned property without getting sued.

July 31, 20268 min read
Leasing
How to Write a Rock-Solid Residential Lease Agreement

Learn how to write a residential lease agreement that protects your rental property, holds up in court, and prevents disputes. Clauses, mistakes, and a free checklist for US landlords.

July 30, 20268 min read
Leasing
The Pros and Cons of Allowing Pets in a Rental (and How to Do It Profitably)

Should you allow pets in your rental? Here's a data-driven look at the pros, cons, pet fees vs. deposits, legal rules, and how to build a pet policy that protects your property.

July 29, 20268 min read
Payments
How to Handle a Tenant Who Pays Rent Late: A Landlord's Playbook

A practical playbook for US landlords on late rent: grace periods, late fees, legal notices, and communication scripts that get you paid without escalation.

July 28, 20268 min read
Compliance
Understanding Fair Housing Laws: A Compliance Guide for Small Landlords

A plain-English guide to federal Fair Housing laws for US landlords—protected classes, what you can and can't say, and how to avoid costly discrimination claims.

July 27, 20268 min read
Guides
How to Reduce Tenant Turnover and Keep Good Renters Longer

Tenant turnover quietly drains your rental profits. Learn proven, specific strategies to keep good renters happy, renew leases, and cut vacancy costs.

July 26, 20268 min read
Maintenance
Building a Rental Property Maintenance Schedule That Prevents Costly Repairs

A practical seasonal maintenance schedule for landlords that prevents expensive repairs, protects your property value, and keeps tenants happy year-round.

July 25, 20268 min read
Taxes
Landlord Tax Deductions Every Rental Owner Should Know in 2026

A practical guide to the rental property tax deductions US landlords can claim in 2026, from depreciation and repairs to mileage, and how to document each one.

July 25, 20269 min read
Screening
How to Screen a Tenant the Right Way (Without Getting Sued)

A credit score isn't enough. Here's the complete, step-by-step tenant screening process US landlords use to find reliable renters — income verification, credit and background checks, eviction history, and reference calls — while staying compliant with the FCRA and fair housing law.

July 24, 20269 min read
Compliance
Security Deposits by State: What US Landlords Must Know in 2026

Return deadlines, allowable deductions, interest rules, itemized statements, and the mistakes that cost landlords the deposit — plus statutory penalties. A plain-English guide to security deposit law in the United States, and how to protect yourself with proper documentation.

July 22, 20268 min read
Payments
How to Collect Rent Online: A 2026 Guide for Small Landlords

Checks and cash are slow, risky, and hard to track. Here's how independent US landlords collect rent online in 2026 — comparing ACH, Zelle, cards, and autopay — plus how to enforce late fees, keep clean records for taxes, and get paid on time, every time.

July 20, 20268 min read