Do not forget a lease. And make it month to month, it will be easier to get them out if there are issues. You need a signed document with rules to live by.
Also the recommendation about first and last months rent is wording that will catch you. Always call any monies collected to cover any future costs, damages, unpaid rent, etc…. “The security deposit”. If these monies are referred to as first and last months rent that is the only place they can be used.
My last line of defense has always been to sign the lease at the tennants current residence, that way you get to see how they live, be nosy ask to use the bathroom before any signing, and keys are not provided until all funds clear.
Just a few things I learned the hard way.
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