In this episode of Uncontested Investing, we continue our deep dive on laws and regulations that every real estate investor needs to understand. In Part 1, we focused on what to know before you buy. In this Part 2, we move into post-purchase responsibilities: landlord–tenant laws, disclosures, security deposits, habitability standards, fair housing, pets and service animals, ongoing compliance, taxes, and insurance.
We unpack why your lease can’t waive tenant rights, why you must disclose things like lead-based paint, how security deposits are supposed to be held and returned, and what “habitable” really means when it comes to heat, hot water, alarms, and repairs. We also dig into entry-notice rules, the Federal Fair Housing Act, how to handle pets and service animals without getting yourself in trouble, and why compliance is not a one-time box to check but an ongoing part of your job as an investor.
If you want to keep your assets protected, avoid nasty surprises, and build a reputation as a pro in your market, this episode will give you a practical framework to stay on the right side of the law after you own the property.
Key Talking Points of the Episode
00:00 Introduction
00:33 Landlord–tenant laws and base-level lease requirements
01:03 Lead-based paint disclosure and due diligence
02:13 Security deposits: how much, where, and when
03:20 Habitability and required repairs
04:17 Hot-water safety and plumbing examples
05:10 Entry-notice requirements for landlords
06:02 Fair housing and anti-discrimination basics
07:40 Compliance reminders for investors
08:37 Service animals, pets, and insurance
09:01 Staying compliant is an ongoing job
10:44 Property taxes, assessments, and penalties on rentals
11:30 Insurance and liability coverage for investors
Quotables
“Leases can’t waive tenant rights, and they must disclose lead-based paint if pre-1978.”
“You can’t just come in and do check-ups just because you want to. You really need to reach out to the tenant ahead of time, and it has to be for something that you want to check on the property.”
“The thing about compliance, understanding laws and regulations, is it’s something that’s ongoing. It’s a fluid situation.”
Links
RCN Capital
https://www.rcncapital.com/podcast
https://www.instagram.com/rcn_capital
REI INK