Tenant Screening Launched on RentLaw.com

March 31, 2009: RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guides announced a new online Tenant Screening - Credit Reporting service.

If you're a large or small landlord, you're challenged with finding the "right" tenant. You want one that pays on time and keeps the rented unit clean and causes no problem. Sounds like a simple request. You can ask for previous landlord's references and work references and hope for the best. What about a tenant's credit history, eviction data or bankruptcies? You can ask many questions on a credit application and hope they are answered truthfully. Many landlords and real estate agents aren't sure how to go about obtaining a credit report or obtaining it legally.

Here's a solution we like. The industry's first web-based rental screening solution Unlike traditional screening methods, RentLaw.mysmartmove is all online, for you and the tenant. Once you create an account, all you need to get started is your potential tenant's e-mail address.

TransUnion RentLaw.mysmartmove is designed specifically for independent rental owners and smaller property management groups. A comprehensive database of credit and criminal background information offers you the same technology used by the largest property management firms in an easy-to-use, cost-effective solution. This also provides renters with data privacy because they provide their identifying information directly to TransUnion in a secure, online environment.

Simple and transparent For the standard price of $20.00 the landlord receives:

• Credit-based Leasing Recommendation/Security Deposit Recommendation
• National criminal report (including 50 state sex offender and OFAC/Terrorist searches)Renter Fraud Warnings
• Automated Renter Identity Verification
• 
  
  
  For an additional $5.00, the landlord may also receive:
• Immediate access to a credit report (a complete report formatted for readability while still keeping the renter's personal data private)
• Viewable Credit Score
• Renter Fraud Warnings
• Detailed Rental Address History

For more details, please see RentLaw.com or

Create a RentLaw.com.mysmartmove.com Tenant Credit Verification:

Apartment Search on RentLaw.com

March 28, 2009 - RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide introduces an Apartment Search tool at http://www.rentlaw.com/apartments/search.htm .

With the new tool, a user can simply type in the city or state they are searching for an apartment and the tool returns information on the corresponding Landlord Tenant Law , various listings and ads from Google and listings from RentLaw.com, including MyNewPlace.com , Apartments.com and local partners.

In introducing this feature, David Dorfman, Publisher of RentLaw.com, noted the goal is to further enhance and simplify a users experience by combining the apartment search results within RentLaw.com along with the corresponding Landlord Tenant Laws for that city and state.

RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide was founded in 1998 and today is one of the largest Landlord Tenant Guides on the Internet.

Contact:

David Dorfman, Publisher
rentlaw@gmail.com

RentLaw.com Launches Tenant Screening Services

February 2, 2009 - RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide announced today they have launched a Tenant Screening Service powered by Advantage Tenant.

Designed for landlords of all sizes, the service is available online 24 hours a day / 7 days a week. In addition, customer service hours are from 8 am to 6 pm to answer questions related to the tenant credit reporting services.

To obtain a tenant credit report, go to the partner site : http://www.advantagetenant.com/rentlaw-tenant-screening.html and begin.

For more information on using tenant credit reports, visit RentLaw.com Tenant Credit Reporting Center.

David Dorfman, publisher of RentLaw.com, said today "this marks another milestone in the continued growth of RentLaw.com as this service, powered by Advantage Tenant, provides another opportunity for landlords, large and small, access to an easy to use and affordable service for tenant verification".

About RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guides - Founded in 1998 by David Dorfman, RentLaw.com today has over 40,000 members including landlords, tenants, lawyers and more.

Abour AdvantageTenant.com - Founded in 1991, Advantage Tenant is a subsidary of Advantage Credit International, is one of the largest providers of credit reporting services in the country.

Contact:
David Dorfman
Publisher
RentLaw.com
dorfman.david@gmail.com
732-539-2914

Landlord and Santa Claus

Are you like me a landlord who when it comes Christmas time, start to believe you are Santa?

For me, it typically begins with the November rent.

Then by December when you go looking for rent "I'm sorry, but it's Christmas and I had to go shopping - can you wait til next week...".

Next week comes around and it's still not Christmas - the house or apartment is getting decorated and the presents get as big as the promises.

Read the complete "The Landlord as Santa" on RentLaw.com and become a better landlord today.

Tenants and Foreclosure

RentLaw.com October 28, 2008 - Tenants Evicted Due To Foreclosure

Tenants are getting evicted by the courts when a lender forecloses on a property. The unsuspecting tenant pays their rent, but the landlord never pays the lender.

Are tenants being notified by the lender? Tenants must pay attention to their mail.

Read more about tenant's rights in foreclosure proceedings.

Laws vary by state and some judges, lenders and who ever else is involved in the eviction and foreclosure processes are proceeding with caution. Read more on Foreclosure and the The Tenant on RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guides.

McCain's Mortgage Bailout Plan....

Before you read the summary of McCain's "American Homeownership Resurgence Plan" think of what others have gone through the past several years and maybe yourself if you had pruchased a home and struggled with high rates when you first pruchased some years ago - with 12% or 16% rates and had to refi a few times to get a "good" rate.

Many people were lead to make bad decisions. Partly because they were misled, some because they beleived that "the real estate market always goes up..." others simply did not understand the complexity of owning a home. Owning and running a household is a major business.

The brokers, lenders and other leaders are at fault for allowing easy credit terms to many buyers who really were not qualified - even if they "qualify for a mortgage". You might qualify for a mortgage, but NOT qualify to own a home and manage it.

When I went for a new loan, I experienced all kinds of craziness - and I'm experienced.

One of the biggest unexplained tactics was the "NO DOC" loan. That means more or less no documentation of your W2 or income verification REGARDLESS of the fact that I could document my self employed income, rental income and MY WIFE's income.

Also banks were using "credit scores" not to disqualify you, but to qualify you at a higher rate - for the "risk" you present based on your score.

You can sit bank and take a look at the entire appraisal process - a simple method of comparing like homes in a neighborhood that have been sold within the past year or less and a brief look at the inventory in the same area. How reliable an estimate is this and did banks fail to discount an aprraisal instead of "making the loan" or "making the numbers work" for the loan to grow through?

There are many flaws in the system.

Owning a home takes work. Lots of work.

Can you clean up people's credit card debts as well - just erase them?

Following is a summary of McCain's proposal.

John McCain unveiled a dramatic proposal Tuesday to bail out homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages.

In the second presidential debate, the Republican nominee -- who has railed against excessive government spending and once questioned whether federal money should be spent to help homeowners -- outlined a new $300-billion federal program.

McCain promised to buy failing mortgages directly from homeowners and mortgage providers and replace them with government-backed fixed-rate mortgages. "Is it expensive?" McCain asked. "Yes. But we all know, my friends, until we stabilize home values in America, we're never going to start turning around and creating jobs and fixing the economy.

"McCain's campaign issued a 1½-page fact sheet to explain his call for the massive federal intervention, which it called the American Homeownership Resurgence Plan. The campaign noted that the $700-billion financial rescue package approved by Congress last week gives the Treasury Department authority to directly buy mortgages, but added, "It may be necessary for Congress to raise the overall borrowing limit."

Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson has given no sign that he would spend any of the money to bail out individual lenders and borrowers. Rather, he has made it clear that he considers it the government's responsibility to assure the stability of the credit markets.

Bill Burton, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, said the idea was not a new one and noted that the Illinois senator had raised it. On Oct. 1, in a news release, Obama said he intended to "encourage Treasury to study the option of buying individual mortgages like we did successfully in the 1930s."

McCain has based his presidential bid in part on frequent calls for cuts in government spending and regulation. His housing bailout proposal was a surprise in a debate that could prove a crucial pivot as the race enters its final month.

When the mortgage crisis first ballooned, Obama offered a plan that included aggressive regulation of financial institutions, relief for homeowners and a $30-billion economic stimulus package. McCain criticized it as a "multibillion-dollar bailout for big banks and speculators" and said, "There is a tendency for liberals to seek big government programs that sock it to American taxpayers while failing to solve the very real problems we face."

fter he was criticized for downplaying the government's role in responding to the crisis, he changed course.

He proposed spending up to $10 billion for government-backed mortgages for "well-meaning, deserving homeowners" facing foreclosure.

According to the outline of McCain's newest proposal, the federal government would pay borrowers and lenders in full, regardless of how wise or fair the original transaction was. Lenders would be able to remove the bad mortgages from their balance sheets, and borrowers would be able to refinance into government-guaranteed loans.

Mortgage holders would have to prove they lived in the home and had good credit at the time of the original loan. This approach has been largely rejected by both Democrats and Republicans because it would be likely to reward the kind of bad lending and borrowing practices that caused the housing crisis while doing little to help stretched but conscientious homeowners.

By contrast, the housing bill passed by Congress over the summer, and which went into effect Oct. 1, required lenders to take a loss by writing down the principal on troubled mortgages to 85% of the house's current value. Borrowers with adequate incomes and credit records would then qualify for refinanced mortgages from new lenders.

Government funds were used only to help finance mortgage insurance for the new loans; cost estimate for taxpayers was roughly $20 billion.

Will Ferrell in THE LANDLORD

The Landlord is a short hilarious video clip (Running Time: 2 minutes 20 seconds ) starring Will Ferrell and Pearl, the daughter of his SNL pal and Adam McKay.

Will Ferrell appears as the tenant from hell who is accosted for his rent by a drunk, angry and crazy bad mouthed landlord – who happens to be 2 years old.

The clip has been viewed millions of times since being originally posted on Funnordie.com. It was the brainchild of Ferrell and his longtime collaborator Adam McKay, director and co-writer of Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby.

It's funny if you either a landlord or tenant.

I guess I should say funny if you're not the landlord, as I am and publisher of RentLaw.com. I should know better and have been tougher with my tenants. I think I could use this kid to collect my rent.

The Landlord HAS to be tough and not nice like me. That's why I have two tenants that owe me over $10k each - about 6 months of rent. Landlords - remember - 90% of the time - tomorrow tomorrow.....

Take a lesson from this video. But be nice.

Send your tenants a letter and contact them when the rent is due.

To reinforce your position, charge late fees as permitted by your state law and begin eviction proceedings if needed - immediately.

See the clip from The Landlord on RentLaw.com.

Be a good landlord and a good tenant.

Breaking the Lease Agreement

There are many different reasons why a tenant may have to break a lease.

These include job transfers, change in martial or family status, health issues or they either want to upsize or downsize for one reason or another.

There is NO law that says that the tenant cannot break their lease. HOWEVER, by law and by the lease contact, the tenant may be financially obligated to the landlord for rent and other charges to rerent.

READ YOUR LEASE BEFORE you sign it AND UNDERSTAND what you are signing. BEFORE you decide to move out and break the lease, READ YOUR LEASE and see what you may be responsible for.

TYPICALLY, once you notify the landlord you intend to move before your lease is due to expire, BOTH you and the landlord must make good faith efforts to find a new tenant. This is called mitigating damages (lessen the amount the tenant owes). The landlord must make an honest (good faith) attempt to rerent your unit using such things as a sign on the property, ads in local paper, contacting one or more real estate agents etc.

The Landlord should document everything they do in their attempt to rerent the unit - typically at the RENT THE CURRENT TENANT IS PAYING.

Read the complete article on BREAKING A LEASE on RentLaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guide.

Subletting an Apartment

New York - July 28, 2008 RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide announced today they have published a guide to SUBLETTING an APARTMENT .

The RentLaw.com Guide to Apartment Sublets provides information for both Tenants and Landlords on the Sublet process.

The guide coverages what to look out for when arranging the sublet and how protect yourself as the the tenant, landlord and sublet.

David Dorfman, Publisher of RentLaw.com said "Tenants have different reasons for subletting such as a temporary business assignment, caring for a sick relative out of town or the tenant who figures they can make money off their favorable lease." Whatever the reason, the tenant should always get advanced agreement in writing from the landlord.

Some states have specific laws regarding subletting. Be aware of these laws and note illegally subletting your apartment may result in evictions of the original tenant and the sublet. For example, see New York State Law on Subletting.

Learn more about Landlord Tenant Issues and Subletting on RentLaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides.

See the RentLaw.com Guide to Subletting for more information on this important topic.

Pet Deposit Laws and Pet Friendly Housing

New York City, May 8, 2008: RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide announced today a Guide to PETS in Rental Housing and Laws.

RentLaw.com's Guide to Pets in Rental Housing provides information for landlords and pet-owning tenants.

Topics covered include: finding a pet-friendly rental, "PET" Security Deposits, security deposits in general, how to be a good pet-owning tenant, how to search for a pet friendly apartment and more.

The guide also discusses moving with your pet, The Humane Society, ASPCA and many other animal friendly organizations. David Dorfman, Publisher of RentLaw.com said "There is a large group of people who own pets and need to rent. Many landlords simply do not want to have a tenant with a pet for a number of reason." The site indicates several reasons - loud animals, smells might impact other tenants, damages caused by pets.

Dorfman noted there are an increasing number of complexes that advertise themselves as "pet-friendly" That includes hotels and motels that cater to pet owners.

What about "pet-security deposits"? Dorfman said that many states have regulating "pet deposits". The deposits range from zero (landlord has to use regular security deposit) to unlimited. (One additional month security could be considered standard in many states. See your state law list on RentLaw.com.


Learn more about Landlord Tenant Issues and Pet Laws and Pet Deposits on RentLaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides.

Foreclosure Guides

New York City, January 4, 2007: RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide announced today an expanded version of their Guide to Foreclosure.

RentLaw.com Guide to Foreclosure provides general information on the Foreclosure process and tips on how to Avoid Foreclosure. The guide also covers Foreclosure Scams where a borrower may end up in even further trouble.

David Dorfman, Publisher of RentLaw.com said "The number of homeowners and landlords that are in trouble continues to grow - impacting renters as well." Dorfman noted that tenants often receive eviction notices from a mortgage company or other lender. It is never clear what a tenant is supposed to do. Often times a tenant may had received a "great" rent - only to find out that the owner never paid his mortgage or taxes on the property. Many times, these homes were rented out as a last resort by an investor who thought they would close on the purchase and flip the property or flip the contract. In most areas, said Dorfman, those times are gone.

Learn more about Landlord Tenant Issues and Real Estate Investing on RentLaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides.
See the RentLaw.com Guide to Foreclosure for more information.


For further information, see RentLaw.com http://www.rentlaw.com

Foreclosure Guides

RentLaw.com en Espanol

New York City, November 7, 2007: RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide announced today a Spanish version of the leading landlord tenant web site.

RentLaw.com En Espanol will provide information for landlords and tenants in Spanish. Most major cities and towns already produce forms and guides in Spanish. RentLaw.com will provide an easy access point as well as contain additional guides in Spanish.

David Dorfman, Publisher of RentLaw.com said "There is a strong demand in the Spanish speaking market for legal information, especially on housing issues. RentLaw.com will serve that market."

For further information, see RentLaw.com http://www.rentlaw.com

RentLaw.com to Track Housing Stocks

RentLaw.com The National Landlord Tenant Guide said today, September 27, 2007 that they will be tracking stocks in US Home Builders.

"In addition to the typical law related questions, we have always discussed investments in single family and multi-family housing", said David Dorfman, publisher. "This is just another way of looking at investing in Real Estate, by investing in the companies that build the housing."

Other areas of note on RentLaw.com are good for investors as well, their guide to 1031 Exchange, Tax Deductions for Landlords and Real Estate Agents and more - all on RentLaw.com.

The stock market in general is very interesting. When these stocks in these companies trade at less then 60-70% of their 52 week high or all time highs, it's time for us to take a closer look.

For more information on Real Estate Stocks see our new feature with much more to come.

Countrywide Mortgage Corp

August 21, 2007 - So countrywide had to call an $11 BILLION credit line.

Surprised?

Not really. After attempting to refinance my house over the past few months, it seems every smaller bank and mortgage broker, when asked where are you sending my mortgage application, they all replied, "Countrywide". The backup, as they referred to it, was Wells Fargo.

I felt like calling up these brokers and aksing them today, who they are sending these apps to?

Countrywide, when I called them directly (I figured why pay a mortgage broker), and applied offered me a loan. However, when I declined the 7.25 offer as being HIGH, the rude person repsonded "WHAT WITH YOUR CREDIT SCORE, YOU'LL NEVER GET A LOAN...".

All I can say is I hope this person in their Houston call center has lost their job.

And I did get my loan. Locally.

So to all those banks and mortage brokers that jammed people through at Countrywide....

Good Luck.

NJM Insurance - Getting Cancelled

August 14, 2007 - This is somewhat off topic for RentLaw.com, but here it goes.

My auto insurance policy has been cancelled by New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance Company (NJM). Yes, I bounced a check, but I also assumed my automatic payment would be accepted.

I have been a GOOD customer of NJM since 1994. Time flies. So for 13 years they loved me. I paid, never had a claim - until 2005. That year, my licence plate hit the rear of a new Rav4. $536 in damage. Not bad.

Also in 2005, my wife decided to rear end another car in her s500. NO damage to the other car. Not even a claim filed by the other driver. However. that 5 MPH hit in a $95,000 car cost over $8,000 to repair.

Lastly, in 2005, I went 12 miles over the speed limit - 37 in a 25.

Shoot me.

I paid late. I pay late.

I was 4 days past my cancellation date notice before I remembered to call.

So I call NJM to get reinstated or find out why they didn't take my automatic payment.

I asked to get reinstated.

They made it sound like I was the worst person in the world.

We sent you letters.

You should be responsible.

You do not qualify for NJM.

BUT, they will let me go into NJM Reinsurance - at 3 times the rate (10,700 yr vs $3400 per yr). Funny.

For 13 years I WAS good.

I also added my daughter to my policy at age 17.

Now, after 13 years of paying them (3 times late), I am a BIG risk.

I was told to go find a broker to handle my needs.

I did.

Back over to ALLSTATE, the new ALLSTATE where I began driving some 30 years ago.

My next step is to take my homeowners policy from NJM and place it with ALLSTATE.

The moral is to be responsible. Don't ignore late notices, pay your bills on time (auto debit) and always shop for rates and, more importantly, SERVICE.

Customer Service.

That goes along way.

Not, hey, we have 700,000 policyholders, you think we have to call?

I'd would of been happy with a call from overseas telling me my policy is past due.

Mortgage Center at RentLaw.com

August 9, 2007. RentLaw.com, The National Landlord Tenant Guide today announced an updated Guide to Mortgages.

In making the announcement, RentLaw.com publisher David Dorfman said "we want to inform our readers about mortgages in a clear and concise manner". Dorfman continued, " I am just about done with a refinance on my home and I can't tell you what I went through. I thought it would be a simple process and I relied on "friends" who were mortgage brokers. I finally wound up at a larger, but local, bank who quickly took the app and processed it, in person. There was intelligence in making the loan decision."

Dorfman said the on-going goal at RentLaw.com is to simplify the Real Estate transaction. "There are just many, many chances for errors or misunderstanding" said Dorfman. "It's an ugly process with all the forms, the tensions, and fear of buying or selling a home". On Mortgages and Credit, Dorfman said "today, with the mortgage market the way it is due to the lax lending practices, lenders have once again gotten tougher. In his opinion and experience, Dorfman believes this has enabled the lenders or brokers to abuse people based on their credit score. Abuse by way of charging a higher rate for questionable credit scores. "

For more information on Mortgages, Home Equity and Credit, please visit Rentlaw.com at these sites:

Mortgages
Home Equity
Credit

Learn more today at Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides.

Rent Control

New York, New York - August 2007: Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides. Guide to Rent Control introduced by Rentlaw.com

Rent control refers to laws or ordinances that set price controls on the renting of residential housing. It functions as a rental price ceiling on residential rental property.

The Purpose of Rent Control - It is necessary to prevent landlords from imposing rent increases that force key-workers or vulnerable people to leave an area. Maintaining a supply of affordable housing is essential to sustaining an economy. Homeowners who support rent control point to the neighborhood instability caused by high or frequent rent increases and the effect on schools, youth groups, and community organizations when tenants move more frequently. To build a community, there must be stability.

Landlords - No Rent Control! - Rent control is criticized for creating a shortage of housing, reducing its quality, deterring investment and raising the price of unaffected rental units. If a price is artificially kept low, there will be higher demand for the low price housing, assuming it is habitable. When demand outpaces supply, there is a shortage.......

Read the complete guide to Rent Control on Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides

About Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guide. Rentlaw.com is a National Landlord Tenant Guide whose guides are utilized by Attorneys, Landlords, Tenants, Real Estate Agents, Investors and anyone involved in Real Estate. Founded in 1998 by Real Estate Investor David Dorfman, Rentlaw.com today is a top destination for Landlord Tenant Law and additional services in the United States. Rentlaw.com continues it growth by adding more information while enhancing the overall web experience for users.Rentlaw.com is headquartered in Neptune, New Jersey.
For more information, visit www.rentlaw.com.

Security Deposits

August 2007: Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides.

It's coming that time of year again when there are many, many people moving. Summer is coming to an end and so are those summer rentals, families are moving, and there is a whole new group of college bound students.

Rentlaw.com publisher David Dorfman stated "this time of year we see a higher nunmber of complaints from tenants that their summer landlords are not returning their security deposits or holding an excessive amount. At Rentlaw.com we receive a number of inquires from college bound students whose off-campus housing landlord's may be requesting an excessive deposit". Dorfman continued, "The purpose of Rentlaw.com is to ensure all rental issues are known between landlord and tenant".

Most, if not all states have limits and what can be held for a security deposits and how soon a landlord must return the deposit or notice of damages.

If the Landlord Won't Return the Security Deposit?
Did your landlord not send you your security deposit or a list of deductions within the number of days required by your state law?

Do you believe your landlord wrongfully kept all or part of your deposit?
Do you want to get all or part of your deposit back? If so you can write a demand letter seeking return of the deposit. You should also be able to sue the landlord in Small Claims Court (see state guides for details on proper court for your filing.

Preventative Steps to Take to Ensure a Deposit Return: A tenant must meet all of the above conditions to ensure a refund of the deposit, but meeting those conditions is not all the tenant should do.

The chances of receiving return of the deposit will be increased if the following suggestions are also followed:
Move-in Inventory Inspection. When you move in your home or apartment, make a list and take photos of the apartment and any damage. Typically, you should do a walk through with the owner or manager prior to moving in. Get them to sign an acknowledgement of the damage and note what (if anything) will be done. This will help you when you move out.Move-Out Notice. A lease may require that the tenant give the landlord 30 days written notice prior to move-out in order to get the security deposit back. Even if the lease does not require it, notify the landlord prior to moving.Move-out Inventory Inspection. When the tenant prepares to move, the apartment or home should be cleaned and the landlord asked to appear for a move out inspection. The tenant should fill out another inventory form, similar to the move-in inventory. Ideally, you should have a copy of the original move in form - for both your use and the landlord.Turn in the Keys. The keys should be turned in on the exact day the tenant vacates the premises. If the keys are turned in later, the landlord may be able to charge the tenant additional rent or other charges under the lease. A tenant's actual move out date is often considered to be when the keys are turned in.

What Can the Landlord Deduct from the Security Deposit? A landlord cannot legally deduct for normal wear and tear. This refers to deterioration which occurs during regular, daily, intended use of the rental unit, for example nail holes in the walls from pictures or paintings. See our guide.

Deductions from the Security Deposit: If the landlord makes any deductions from the deposit, a written, itemized accounting of how much is being charged for each item must be sent to the tenant. If the landlord fails to provide such an accounting within 30 days after the tenant moves out, the landlord may forfeit the right to withhold any part of the deposit. Furthermore, the deductions taken from the deposit must be for actual damages suffered by the landlord.

How to Dispute Deposit Deductions: If a tenant receives a list of deductions, it is possible to dispute items on that list. The deductions should be addressed by the tenant in a letter sent to the landlord. The demand letter should include a response to each of the deductions, explaining which charges are being disputed and why. The tenant should keep a copy of the letter and send the original by certified mail, return receipt requested.If the tenant receives a partial refund along with the list of deductions and wants to dispute some or all of the deductions, the tenant may want to refrain from cashing the check. If the tenant must cash the check then the tenant should tell the landlord in the letter that even though the check has been cashed, it does not mean the tenant agrees with the amount of the check.


Normal Wear and Tear and Damage: The landlord can use the security deposit to repair damage for which the tenant is responsible. But the landlord cannot apply the security deposit to normal wear and tear.

For more on your state's security deposit law, visit the Security Deposit guide at Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guides.

Mold Guide introduced by Rentlaw.com - National Landlord Tenant Guide

Rentlaw.com introduces Mold Guide
Guide to Mold Basics and Mold Cleanup

New York, New York., August 3, 2007 - Rentlaw.com the National Landlord Tenant Guide announced today that it has introduced a free online Guide to Mold.

The new guide enables the reader to get a good understanding of what mold is and methods to handle it once discovered.

"The RentLaw.com team has added another feature that complements Rentlaw.com's mission to organize useful information for landlord and tenants and make it universally accessible and useful," said David Dorfman, Publisher of Rentlaw.com. "Our membership of over 100,000 constantly asks us to add more and more information, so we must continue to grow beyond just Real Estate Law. We always put our users first and are committed to innovating to improve their experience. Many, many tenants and homeowners are impacted by mold and it often is an issue in landlord - tenant disputes. This guide is a first step"

About Rentlaw.com - The National Landlord Tenant Guide. Rentlaw.com is a National Landlord Tenant Guide whose guides are utilized by Attorneys, Landlords, Tenants, Real Estate Agents, Investors and anyone involved in Real Estate. Founded in 1998 by Real Estate Investor David Dorfman, Rentlaw.com today is a top destination for Landlord Tenant Law and additional services in the United States. Rentlaw.com continues it growth by adding more information while enhancing the overall web experience for users.

Rentlaw.com is headquartered in Neptune, New Jersey.

For more information, visit www.rentlaw.com.