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Landlord paperwork basics: leases, ledgers and notices

Small landlords win or lose disputes on their paperwork. A signed lease, a clean rent ledger and dated notices make every conversation easier.

Property4 min readCorvane Ashmoor & Co.

Whether you rent one unit or several, good records protect you and treat tenants fairly. Most landlord headaches trace back to a missing document.

The lease

A written, signed lease with the rent, due date, deposit, late fees, who pays utilities and the rules of the property. Keep the signed original and give the tenant a copy.

The rent ledger

A running record of every charge and every payment, with dates, amounts and how it was paid. Give receipts. A ledger that matches the bank statements is hard to argue with. Our rent ledger keeps one for you.

Move-in and move-out

A dated checklist and photos of the unit at move-in and move-out, signed by the tenant, settle most deposit disputes before they start.

Notices

Notices for late rent, entry, lease violations or non-renewal must follow the law in content, timing and delivery. Keep a copy of every notice with proof of how and when it was delivered, and talk to an attorney before starting any eviction.

General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant law sets the rules for notices and deposits; an attorney can advise on your situation.

This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.

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