This week’s Q&A column, sponsored and written by McEnearney Associates Realtors®, the leading real estate firm in Alexandria, is a bit of a departure from our usual format. To learn more about this article and relevant Alexandria market news, contact us at 703-549-9292. You may also submit your questions to McEnearney Associates via email for response in future columns.
Question: As a landlord, what are the most important issues I need to know about the renting process?
Answer: In our recent column, What do I need to know before renting a home?, we shared suggestions from the Realtor® perspective for tenants about the rental process. These tips were part of a lively discussion at a McEnearney Associates “Masterclass” featuring several of our top agents who have made a name for themselves as rental experts — both for tenants and landlords — as well as staff from our Property Management team.
This week we follow up with some important recommendations for Landlords.
For Landlords
DO: Follow all Fair Housing requirements. Your Realtor® is bound by a professional code of ethics and will ensure that the public is treated fairly during the leasing process of your property. Fair Housing violations can be reported to the local Realtor® association and may result in fines. Learn about your Fair Housing requirements and explore resources for Virginia, D.C. and Maryland, and ask your agent for clarification on anything you have questions about.
DO: Understand the difference between pets, emotional support animals and service animals. Tenants with registered support animals and service animals do not fall under “no pets” provisions. Virginia has a helpful brochure that outlines what qualifies for what and how tenants with service animals must be accommodated, and you can see D.C. and Maryland guidelines here.
DO: Consider accepting Housing Vouchers. The lack of affordable housing is a growing problem throughout the country and is felt by many in our region. Housing vouchers — awarded to eligible tenants after a complex and thorough screening by government and housing officials — ensure that low-income, elderly, disabled and other housing-insecure people have access to a decent, safe, and sanitary place to live. Landlords who participate in voucher programs will receive government subsidies for a portion of the rent and tenants will pay the difference based on their voucher award. This ensures consistent payment with tenants who have already passed federal and local screening processes.
Because of the lack of landlords who participate in subsidized housing programs, there are some voucher recipients who have been waiting several years to find an affordable home match. We encourage landlords to speak with their agent to find out how they can be part of helping many deserving tenants find a place to call home.
DO: Work with a Realtor®! It may seem like a landlord could put a “For Rent” sign in the yard and wait for qualified applicants to roll in without any help from an agent. But good Realtors® know that the right presentation, careful application screening processes, and a professional approach to onboarding a tenant can make all the difference between a smooth move between tenants and a logistical leasing nightmare. Count on the expertise and market knowledge that a seasoned agent brings to assist in the successful renting of your valuable investment!
If you would like a question answered in our weekly column or to set up an appointment with one of our Associates, please email: [email protected] or call 703.5499292.
McEnearney Associates Realtors®, 109 S. Pitt Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. www.McEnearney.com Equal Housing Opportunity. #WeAreAlexandria
Recent Stories
(Updated at 4 p.m.) Alexandria succeeded in its bid today to dismiss a case filed by residents furious with a citywide zoning overhaul that allows developers to build homes with…
Alexandria’s history with racially restrictive covenants was a major topic during the Zoning for Housing/Housing for All debate last year, and a new interactive map shows the location of those…
This weekend Evelyn Chumbow, the director of the Human Trafficking Legal Center and a survivor of child labor trafficking, will lead a discussion at the Alexandria library on the ongoing…
Thinking of selling yourself? Ask McEnearney discusses the benefits of using a Realtor when selling a home.
Finding a gift for moms can be difficult. Google “Mother’s Day gifts,” and you’ll scroll through endless lists of beauty products, candles and fuzzy robes. Sure, those are sweet, but sometimes it’s fun to surprise loved ones with something a little more, well, practical!
Here’s one idea: Give her a gift certificate for a home cleaning from Well-Paid Maids. It’s the perfect “thank you,” “I love you” or “you’ve got this” for any mom. She can schedule the home cleaning at her convenience and breathe easy knowing she has one less thing to do.
Our cleaners will take care of everything, including vacuuming and mopping as well as cleaning and dusting countertops, tables, mirrors, appliances and more. Sinks, toilets, showers and appliance exteriors also get a good scrub.
Plus, when you buy a gift certificate from Well-Paid Maids, you’re supporting a living-wage cleaning company. That means cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour and get access to benefits, like 24 days of PTO and health insurance.
Good news, D.C. area. You can save money on your next home cleaning with Well-Paid Maids. It’s easy!
We offer a discount when you set up recurring cleans — and the discounts just increased this week!
For weekly cleans, get $30 off each cleaning.
Alexandria NAACP, Shiloh Baptist Church, DPC to hold City Council…
The Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, Shiloh Baptist Church, and The Departmental Progressive Club to hold the City Council Candidate Forum for ALL Candidates in the City of Alexandria Virginia. The event is Free of Charge and Open to The
