Let's follow the case of a landlord who rented out their property for the first time in Columbus. They found a tenant through a friend's introduction and used a contract template downloaded from the internet. A few months later, when the plumbing broke, there was a dispute over who was responsible for repairs because the contract did not clearly state this. Ultimately, it went to small claims court, and the time and costs were much higher than expected. Most troubles faced by beginner landlords start from being careless with the contract.

Starting with rent pricing, the average rent in Columbus is $1,214 per month according to RentCafe. Zumper reported it as $1,100 in August of the same year, which is over 15 percent lower than the previous year. While lower rent is advantageous for finding tenants, it can be a burden when calculating profitability. It's safer to consider both factors along with actual maintenance costs.

After setting the rent, the next step is to find a tenant. It's standard to post ads on Zillow or Apartments.com, but it's important not to rush into a contract as soon as inquiries come in. Here are the items to check when screening applicants:

• Credit score and payment history
• Proof of income
• Previous rental history and verification from former landlords
• Consent for background checks

Skipping this process just because it's a friend can lead to difficulties later, as seen in the earlier example. The more you know someone, the more thorough you should be with documentation to maintain the relationship.

The quality of photos in your ad significantly affects the number of inquiries. Disclosing plumbing repair history in advance can actually build trust. If you charge an application fee, it's reasonable to set it at the cost of credit and background checks.

The lease agreement should specify the rent amount, payment dates, security deposit, and the scope of repair and maintenance responsibilities. Clearly stating who handles plumbing or appliance issues and within what timeframe can greatly reduce disputes. In Georgia, the maximum security deposit is two months' rent according to the Safe at Home Act, and it must be returned or a written notice of deductions provided within 30 days after the tenant moves out. Missing this deadline results in losing the right to deductions, and if it's determined that the landlord wrongfully withheld the deposit, they could face triple damages.

In case of rent arrears, you must first send a notice within three business days, and if unresolved, follow the procedure to apply for dispossessory in the magistrate court. Even after applying for dispossessory, you cannot immediately evict the tenant. The tenant has seven days to respond to the court after receiving the notice, and once the response is filed, a hearing typically occurs within 10 to 30 days. If the contract is poorly written, as seen in the plumbing dispute, the landlord may be at a disadvantage during this process.

Before the tenant moves in, it's a good habit to document the condition of the house with photos and videos during a walkthrough, checking items with the tenant. Distinguishing between normal wear and actual damage in advance is the most reliable way to prevent disputes like the ones previously experienced.

Don't forget about landlord insurance. Homeowner's insurance for owner-occupied properties and rental insurance often have different coverage, so it's safe to inform the insurance company about the rental before the tenant moves in and change the policy if necessary. As the lease term approaches its end, discussing renewal with the tenant in advance can help reduce the effort needed to find the next tenant.

Many landlords require tenants to obtain renter's insurance as a condition of the lease. Since landlord insurance typically does not cover damage to tenants' personal belongings from fire or theft, including this clause in the contract can reduce disputes over liability later.

Taking the time to write a thorough contract may seem cumbersome at first, but it will be much more beneficial if disputes arise later. This article is intended to provide general information, and it is advisable to consult a real estate professional or attorney before finalizing any contracts.