Blog

Key Takeaways Before pursuing an eviction in Durham, landlords should document the lease agreement violation, review the lease terms, and confirm that the circumstances support moving forward under North Carolina law. Proper eviction notice and court procedures matter, so owners should avoid self-help measures such as changing locks or removing a tenant’s belongings. A summary ejectment case requires the landlord to present the appropriate evidence and follow the court process rather than attempting to regain possession independently. Working …

Key Takeaways North Carolina rental property owners should use consistent, documented policies for advertising, applicant screening, leasing, and property management to reduce fair housing risk. The North Carolina Fair Housing Act applies to residential rental transactions and protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, and familial status. Fair housing compliance should be treated as an ongoing part of rental operations rather than a one-time consideration when filling a vacancy. Working w…

Key Takeaways Establish a documented tenant screening process that evaluates credit, criminal history, employment and rental references consistently to reduce problem tenants and defend against Fair Housing claims. Use a written lease that specifies rent due dates, late fees, maintenance responsibilities and move-out procedures, and execute it with DocuSign or another dated method that creates an audit trail. Follow North Carolina's notice requirements precisely, including the timing and method for late-rent notices, lease violations and lease…

Key Takeaways Any renovation decision should start with a payback period calculation: divide the upgrade cost by the monthly rent increase it's likely to produce. Durham's current rental market, with average rents near $1,527 and concessions common on more than a quarter of listed units, favors targeted, lower-cost upgrades over full renovations for most owners. Cosmetic work like paint, flooring, and fixture updates typically pays back faster than a full kitchen or bath remodel. A property's condition, your target tenant, and how long you pla…

Key Takeaways Set the security deposit based on the lease term and stay within North Carolina’s statutory limits. Keep security deposits in a compliant trust account or use a qualifying bond, and notify the tenant as required. Document the property’s condition carefully so you have support for any lawful deductions when the tenancy ends. Return the remaining deposit and provide an itemized accounting within the required timeframe, extending to a final accounting when necessary. Review your lease and deposit procedures regularly to reduce compl…