One day, people might remember the 2020s as a revolutionary period when people discovered they could protect and exercise their rights. More Americans than ever are seeking to hold those responsible for wrongdoing to account in a legal setting.
This determination to stand against wrongdoing can affect business owners and operators, including residential landlords. Tenants in the 21st century may even know more about landlord-tenant laws than some property owners.
How Do Sound Rental Contracts Protect Landlords?
It is safe to assume that most landlords use boilerplate rental agreements, perhaps making small changes to accommodate their needs. In the past, cookie-cutter legal documents may have worked reasonably well.
In a world filled with legally savvy consumers and tenants, landlords need better protection against legal hardships. Advantages of professionally written agreements include the following:
- They help ensure compliance with California landlord-tenant laws.
- They remove possible contract loopholes tenants could use against you.
- They establish strategies that mitigate your legal risks as a landlord
- They help ensure that language in the contract is clear and easy-to-understand.
- They inform tenants of your policies on things like evictions, rent due dates and maintenance responsibilities.
- They help prevent misunderstandings that could escalate into full-blown disputes.
There is another benefit to having your rental agreements drafted or reviewed by a legal professional. You will already have a representative familiar with your business operations in your corner if a tenant seeks legal action against you.
The rental agreement is the first line of defense against costly legal hardships for landlords. Ensuring these documents contain only lawful and equitable provisions sets the foundation for a successful landlord-tenant relationship.