Ink pen with agreement between landlord and tenant

Right of Entry in the State of Texas

Texas has no statute that governs when landlords can enter occupied rental units. So theoretically, that means you could enter residences any time you wish. But if you’re concerned about maintaining good relationships with your tenants, that’s not a good idea.

The smart way to go is to take into account what statutes in other states guarantee renters. What this ultimately means is that you offer your tenants reasonable privacy rights against intrusions.

In practice, you should try to give at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a rented apartment to make (or assess for) repairs or show the unit to prospective new tenants. The more time you are able to give your current renters, the better. You might also consider entering only at specified times, such as normal business hours during the workweek.

In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, burst water pipe, or gas leak, you have the right to enter without notice. You may also enter the premises if a tenant has moved out without notifying you or if you have a court order to do so. Under no circumstances should you enter just to “check up” on your tenant – that is a true invasion of privacy.

On occasion, a tenant will refuse you access. If a tenant does this repeatedly, then you can assert your right to enter, provided you do so in a peaceful manner. If the tenant still bars access and you suspect something is seriously amiss, you may need to take legal action.

Even though Texas has no set legal guidelines regarding right of entry, you may want to establish your own and put them in writing. That way, you protect your interests as well as those of your tenants.

Nobody said being a landlord was easy. And it doesn’t help that Texas law is sometimes unclear about the extent of your rights with respect to your tenants. The experts at Herman Boswell can help by creating a tenant management plan that you – and your renters – can live with. Contact us today!

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Family home in a north American suburb.

REMOTE LANDLORD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Do you own investment property in North Texas and live outside that area – or even in another state?  It’s a challenge for sure!  But sometimes that challenge can be overwhelming, even for the most organized individuals.

Following are four tips to help you succeed as a remote landlord.

1.  Automate as many of your services as possible

Some common problems that can cause friction between tenants and remote landlords are lost keys and lighting and/or watering systems that don’t turn on (or get shut off) at the proper time.

To avoid dealing with these hassles, you may consider investing in digital and/or automated systems.  For example, you could purchase a keyless entry service that allows for lock management from a smartphone.  And you could install automatic lights and/or sprinkler systems.

2.  Prepare a list of recommended services

Gathering a list of local services will ensure that your tenants have everything they need for almost any situation.  For example, you could provide information on all the local hospitals, police stations, and repair services.

You could also make a list for entertainment purposes, like parks, shopping areas, and restaurants.  Many tenants will appreciate this amenity, especially if they happen to be new to the area where your rental property is located.

3.  Hire a permanent cleaning/maintenance service

When a tenant vacates a property, you will need to make sure the premises are presentable for the next renter.  The best, most cost-effective way to handle this is to look for a service that is (1) on call and (2) offers a discount for long-term services.  Remember: one-time cleaning and maintenance services are much more expensive than hiring a person or company for the long term.

4.  Find a trustworthy property management team

Probably the single best thing you can do as a remote landlord is invest in the services of a property management company.  No matter where you call home, Herman Boswell can assist you with tenant placement/management, rent collection and maintenance.  Our experts are here to give you the freedom, flexibility and peace of mind you deserve: contact us today!

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