If you have some real estate properties on rent, you may not need a staff lawyer, but it would be best to consult a lawyer constantly. Just like any other business owner, landlords aim to ensure their profit and avoid liabilities. There are certain scenarios when a landlord needs to hire an attorney to avoid paying extra costs for any liabilities.
Evicting tenants
Even though eviction lawsuits seem easy, judges set the bar extremely high in favour of the tenants, because it is their home that is at stake in this case. You can evict your tenants on your won, but if it is your first time evicting a tenant, it would be best to hire a lawyer. You should also hire a lawyer if the tenant has a lawyer to fight the eviction case and if the tenant files for bankruptcy. You should not fail to follow the housing program rules or rent control laws for eviction.
Illegal Discrimination
Even if you follow the rules, there will still be tenants that will file for illegal discrimination when you evict them. Even though you can fight off an illegal discrimination law on your own, it would be best to hire a lawyer, especially if a fair housing agency resolves to investigate the case.
Personal Injury Cases
When a tenant or a guest decides to sue you for injury or illness due to your negligence in taking care of your property, then it would be best to hire a lawyer because these are high stake cases. If you have liability insurance, then these claims will be paid off.
Property Damage
Besides being sued for injury or illness, the tenants can also sue you if they believe that your neglect for your property caused damage to their property.
IRS or State Audit
You don’t necessarily need a lawyer when your state or the IRS audits your rental property business. But if you have committed some mistake in your taxes, it would be best to hire a lawyer.
