Popular Articles

How to Get Out of a Lease Early Without Penalties & Legal Issues

How to Get Out of a Lease Early Without Penalties & Legal Issues

If you need to figure out how to get out of a residential lease early, you are not alone. While a lease is a legally binding contract, exiting early while minimizing financial and legal consequences is often possible when you understand your rights and fo

Apr 11, 2025
3x Rent Rule: How to Calculate Income Requirements

3x Rent Rule: How to Calculate Income Requirements

The 3x rent rule is a widely used rental screening guideline, not a universal law. In most cases, it means a landlord expects a tenant’s gross monthly income (before taxes) to be at least three times the monthly rent. The 3x rent rule helps landlords es

Jun 25, 2025
What Can a Landlord Look at During an Inspection? 2026 State Guide

What Can a Landlord Look at During an Inspection? 2026 State Guide

Routine inspections are a key part of managing rental property, but even experienced landlords pause to ask: What can a landlord look at during an inspection? The 2026 rules offer clearer boundaries, helping you protect your property without infringing on

Jul 30, 2025
What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent Apartment? (600–700+ Guide)

What Credit Score Do You Need to Rent Apartment? (600–700+ Guide)

Most renters looking up what credit score is needed to rent an apartment expect a single answer. There isn't one. According to Apartment List, approval rates peak around 650 nationally, but landlords in San Francisco and Boston routinely start at 700 or a

Apr 08, 2025
Can I Deduct Remodeling Expenses for Rental Property?

Can I Deduct Remodeling Expenses for Rental Property?

Can I deduct remodeling expenses for a rental property? Yes, but it depends on the type of expense. A patched wall and a full kitchen remodel sit in completely different tax categories, and misclassifying them can cost you real money.  This guide breaks

Aug 06, 2025
How to Write a 30-Day Notice to Vacate [Free Template 2026]

How to Write a 30-Day Notice to Vacate [Free Template 2026]

Knowing how to write a 30-day notice to vacate is vital for both tenants and landlords. If you want a smooth move, this skill will save you from extra rent or disputes over deposits. For example, tenants must write a clear 30-day notice letter to the land

Sep 16, 2025
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Latest Blogs

When is the Best Time to Rent an Apartment? Full Insights & Timeline

When is the Best Time to Rent an Apartment? Full Insights & Timeline

The best time to rent an apartment is during late fall and winter, typically from November through February, when seasonal demand drops, vacancy rate rises, and landlords offer concessions.  Tenants who prioritize lower monthly rent should focus on the winter off-season, while tenants who prioritize more choices should search during late spring and summer. Key takeaways: Winter usually offers the lowest rent prices, while summer provides the most apartment selection. Timing depends on whether you prioritize cost or inventory. Vacancy rates determine negotiation power. Higher vacancy gives tenants leverage for discounts, incentives, or flexible lease terms. Dynamic pricing causes daily rent changes in large multifamily buildings, especially in urban high-rise markets. Local market con

Apr 03, 2026

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Self-Employed Proof of Income: Key Documents and Tips for Verification

Self-Employed Proof of Income: Key Documents and Tips for Verification

Self employed proof of income refers to the official financial records that demonstrate how much a self employed, freelance worker, independent contractor, business owner, or sole proprietor earns over a consistent period of time. Landlords require reliab

Mar 31, 2026
What Is a Look-and-Lease Special? Benefits and Risks

What Is a Look-and-Lease Special? Benefits and Risks

What is look-and-lease special exactly? This popular lease incentive is a clever tactic used by property owners to turn a casual tour into a signed contract on the same day. For a private landlord or manager, long lead times are the enemy of a healthy ren

Mar 31, 2026
What Are Income-Restricted Apartments? How They Work, Who Qualifies, and Rent Rules Explained

What Are Income-Restricted Apartments? How They Work, Who Qualifies, and Rent Rules Explained

A two-bedroom lists at $1,150 in a city where nothing else starts under $1,900. That price comes from a rule, not a discount — income-restricted apartments cap what you can earn to qualify and what the owner can charge. Most listings screen for earning

Mar 31, 2026
What Is on a Rental History Report? How to Check As a Landlord?

What Is on a Rental History Report? How to Check As a Landlord?

​​What is on a rental history report is the most vital piece of data for a modern landlord or property manager. Choosing a tenant can feel like a gamble, but a rental history check removes the mystery. At LeaseRunner, we help you find a qualified tena

Mar 31, 2026
Can a Landlord Legally Refuse Rent Payment? When Refusal is Illegal?

Can a Landlord Legally Refuse Rent Payment? When Refusal is Illegal?

A landlord may legally refuse rent only when such refusal is permitted by the lease and state law, and refusal becomes illegal when it interferes with lawful possession, eviction safeguards, or protected tenant status. Courts evaluate rent refusal by exam

Mar 31, 2026
How Much Does Tenant Screening Cost? Manage Package Effectively

How Much Does Tenant Screening Cost? Manage Package Effectively

Finding the right person for a rental unit starts with one key question: how much does tenant screening cost in today's housing market? For a landlord or a property manager, the answer is not a single flat rate. It is a spectrum based on data depth and le

Mar 18, 2026
Can You Pay Rent With a Credit Card? What to Know Before You Do

Can You Pay Rent With a Credit Card? What to Know Before You Do

Yes, tenants can pay rent using a credit card either directly through a landlord's online portal or via third party rent payment services. However, paying rent by card often involves a processing fee ranging from 2.5% to 3.5% of the total transaction and

Mar 18, 2026
How to Rent Out Your House in 2026: First-Time Landlord Guide

How to Rent Out Your House in 2026: First-Time Landlord Guide

Figuring out how to rent out your house doesn't have to be overwhelming if you follow a clear plan. A first-time landlord should focus on understanding landlord-tenant laws, setting a competitive price based on Fair Market Rent (FMR), and choosing the rig

Mar 18, 2026
Highest Property Tax States: Rankings, Rates, and What Homeowners Really Pay

Highest Property Tax States: Rankings, Rates, and What Homeowners Really Pay

For a landlord, few costs erode rental income faster than a high tax bill; even cheap properties in the highest property tax states can crush cash flow. Property taxes are recurring levies on assessed value that fund local services, directly increasing ow

Mar 17, 2026
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