In Boston, MA, widespread tenant protection services exist to help people avoid homelessness due to unfair evictions. There aren't as many measures available to assist landlords with evictions.
An eviction can cost as much as $11,500, taking legal fees and lost income into account. Fortunately, there are some eviction protection measures available for Boston landlords.
Read on to find out more about how you can shield yourself from bad tenants as well as some of the hazards associated with evictions.
Perform Tenant Screening
Non-payment of rent is by far the most common reason for evicting tenants in Massachusetts. Other legal grounds for eviction include:
- Lease violations
- Criminal activity
- Property damage
- Overstaying the lease term
Routine property inspections can help reveal whether your tenants are guilty of any of these infringements, so you can take action to preserve the value and appeal of your property.
It's best to avoid these situations from arising though, and thorough tenant screening is the best way to do this. Tenant screening usually includes checking the tenant's background concerning the following:
- Credit history
- Identity
- Criminal records
- Employment details
Asking for landlord references and eviction records are also effective ways to place good tenants in your Boston property.
Sign up for an Eviction Protection Plan
Many property management companies offer a type of landlord insurance to help mitigate the costs and effort associated with evictions. In most cases, you must sign up for this protection as part of your initial contract with the company.
Most eviction protection plans cover all tenants placed by the property management firm, but they may also include existing tenants after a stipulated waiting period. These plans usually include a fixed financial benefit as well as guidance with the eviction process.
They do not include:
- Payment of legal fees
- Loss of earnings due to vacancy
- Payment of court-ordered fines and penalties
- Moving costs
Hire a Rental Property Management Company
Hiring a property manager is by far the best way to avoid the unpleasant eviction process, attract good tenants, and keep your rental properties profitable.
Professional property managers assist Boston landlords with every aspect of keeping their rental units occupied and profitable. Their services include tenant screening, property inspections, and eviction protection measures.
Their legal knowledge is invaluable when facing the stress and challenges associated with evictions.
Reduce Stress and Avoid Evictions in Boston, MA
Evictions are one of the most unpleasant occurrences associated with owning an investment property in Boston. They're costly and time-consuming and can cause a lot of stress for landlords.
Tenant screening, property inspections, and landlord insurance can reduce some of these risks, but hiring a property manager is your best defense against tenant evictions.
PMI Bay State is your go-to for Boston property management services. Our experienced, qualified, and licensed team has an excellent record when it comes to placing good tenants in our managed properties and encouraging lease renewals.
We also offer an attractive eviction protection plan for all our landlords to help alleviate the worries associated with having tenants in your investment property.
Discover an easier way to maximize your profits and enjoy ongoing success as a Boston landlord.
