ArticlesWe will be offering articles from various sources and on various subjects regarding items of interest to Landlords and investors. Landlord Insurance - The CLUE ReportClue Report 10 Most Common Mistakes Made By Landlords10 mistakes Why People RentWhy People Rent How Is Rent Determined?Who Dtermines Rent Transition From Apartment Living To House LivingHere is a bulletin that you may want to give to your Residents that are moving from an apartment to a home rental. The change can be quite dramatic & disturbing. It will require many adjustments. As a suggestion this article may help in educating your new Resident and avoid some of the shocks of the accommodation changes.Transitions Your Kitchen DisposerThis is great insert for your move-in packageKitchen Disposer BASIC CARPET MAINTENANCEThis is good information that should be given to your tenants as part of the move-in package. So many of us assume that tenants know how to care for carpet. Most don't and the life of the carpet is shortened. Mary Townshend provided this article and we have used her company for years after trying other many other carpet cleaners.CARPET CARE What Happens To Evicted Tenants?CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE Trespassing ExploredTrespassing ExploredIn today's world, we are faced with dealing with trespassers. However, trespassers come in many different forms. They could be criminals who are intent on doing damage to the property, for no other reason than something to do. They could also be homeless people who have no other place to go. Then, there is another kind of trespasser, a homeowner whose home has just been foreclosed.In other words, trespassing can be divided into two different groups, civil or criminal trespass. Criminal trespass is generally when damage has been done to the home, this is generally when the authorities come into play. However, with civil trespass, this is the act of taking the person to civil court and getting an order that prevents them from trespassing again, without the possibility of receiving possible jail time. This requires an eviction process. CRIMINAL TRESPASS This may be difficult to prove in some cases, because damage has been done to the property. However, you have to be able to prove who did it. This is why many trespassers get away with it, because it is difficult to prove who did the damage unless you have photographs or other types of solid proof. CIVIL When you know who is doing it, but cannot prove it in the eyes of law, you must take the trespasser to eviction court. In some cases, whether there is damage or not, you can even be awarded damages. However, you will still have to prove that trespass took place. WHY IT DIFFICULT TO PROVE TRESPASS? Well, in the eyes of the law, it is only trespass when, as a home owner; you actually tell the person that they are forbidden from entering the property. It is further added, that trespass only exists when the "trespasser" refuses to vacate after being asked to by the homeowner. Some owners have claimed trespass to evict a tenant rather than go through the time consuming eviction court. This is the reason most officers will tell you that it is a civil matter. Perhaps, a veteran officer may know you and trust you or they may know the trespasser. In those cases the officer will escort the trespasser out of the property.Now, in many areas, a fence or a no trespassing sign is all you need for this. It is telling people, that unless you invite them, they are not to be on your property. However, more problems exist when the person claims to have permission, but you claim that they do not. This is a he-said, she-said type of thing that is often difficult to prove. IS MY HOME A TARGET FOR TRESPASSING? Certain homes are more of a target for trespassing than others. For example, a foreclosed home could be the target for two different types. It could be the target for the previous owner, the one whom the foreclosure was taken against. They may want their possessions, they may want their home, and may not go quietly. In these cases if the bank holding the mortgage is the new owner, they will offer a "CASH FOR KEYS" proposition. This means if the occupant moves within a short period of time they will give them cash for the keys. The second group is the criminal group and there are things that make a home more susceptible to trespass than others. For instance, a home that has been foreclosed on is on the verge of being sold. There are telltale signs that give away the fact that no one lives there. This group will trespass and wait for the bank to offer them the "CASH FOR KEYS" program. SIGNS OF VACANCY 1.Lawns overgrowing - Keep the yard mowed, even if no one lives there. 2. Landscape dying - A bad landscape can be a sign as well. 3. For Sale Signs - For sale signs, combined with other signs of vacancy give away the fact that the home is vacant, which leaves it open for trespassers. 4. Porch or outside lights on all day. What to Look for When Buying Real EstateClick here
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