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FREEPORT — For the first time in his life, Jason Murray has a job that he loves. A Workforce Development Institute Graduate and Freeport resident, Murray currently works for Berner Foods. At today’s Housing Authority of the City of Freeport annual scholarship luncheon, Murray was recognized by Housing Authority CEO Larry Williams as a “true […]

Part of the tenant screening process is to speak with a prospect’s employer. It is more than just a verification reference to find out employment status and salary. Landlords can ask several questions of a prospect’s employer to determine if that individual’s background is able to meet the standards required to become a tenant. The […]

You invest time and energy into your new rental property, and you want to protect your investment. Handing over the property keys to your new tenants can be nerve-racking, as you are trusting them to respect and maintain that investment. To protect yourself and your rental property, you need to acquire several legal documents. These […]

FREEPORT — The Stephenson County Board will consider a resolution supporting Gov. Bruce Rauner’s sweeping Turnaround Agenda on Thursday, after the County Board’s Finance Committee narrowly supported it Monday. Stephenson County Board Chairman Bill Hadley said a Rauner representative indicated Rauner wasn’t interested in Winnebago County’s version that removed some anti-union provisions, so committee members […]

Landlords have certain essential obligations that they must meet if they are in a leasing agreement with a tenant. Most of these obligations are derived from the local landlord/tenant laws that govern the lease. Obligations can also be specifically put into the lease itself. Every jurisdiction is a little different when it comes to a […]

Some tenants are just problematic. Others are great people, but there comes a time when change becomes necessary, and even the best tenants need to be asked to move out. This can be a tricky process, especially if the rental arrangement has been a multi-year relationship. The easiest way to start this process is to […]

Landlords have certain essential obligations that they must meet if they are in a leasing agreement with a tenant. Most of these obligations are derived from the local landlord/tenant laws that govern the lease. Obligations can also be specifically put into the lease itself. Every jurisdiction is a little different when it comes to a […]

There are certain actions a landlord can take against a tenant in order to enforce a lease. There are other actions that are legally considered to be landlord harassment. In general terms, a tenant is allowed to enjoy the home that they are renting without too much interference. Tenants are also afforded certain rights even […]

Property managers who haven’t been in the industry long may think that their task is as simple as renting out a property and handling problems as they arise. In reality, networking plays just as big of a roll for novice property managers as it does for their more experienced counterparts. Understanding this simple fact is […]

Tenant turnover is inevitable. As a result, flipping your unit from one tenant to the next is an important part of the property management process. Having a detailed checklist ensures that you successfully complete all essential steps when your tenant moves out. End the landlord-tenant relationship with ease by completing these important tasks. Proper Notification […]