Los Angeles Area Landlords a word of caution!


Seven common mistakes landlords make:

1) Not properly screening your tenant by verifying references and reviewing a current credit report
2) Failing to ask for a security deposit and pet deposit if applicable
3) Failing to charge a reasonable (typically 5%) late fee when rent is past due (usually 5 day grace period is reasonable)
4) Failing to modestly raise the rent every year and a half or so (unless rent control)
5) Not driving by the property and checking the condition of the exterior
6) Failing to make reasonable repairs and addressing realistic maintenance issues
7) Failing to contact an eviction attorney as soon as the tenant becomes a problem

We have a client who had a problem tenant, here is a timeline of this client's eviction process (he used an attorney)

May 2nd, 3 day notice and 60 day Notice
May 14th, Unlawful detainer
July 3rd, sheriff Lockout
July 26th,  Money Judgment
To date: waiting for the money judgment - wish our client luck!