The Tenby Blog
Practical guides, honest comparisons, and expert advice for independent landlords managing rental properties.
Best Property Management Apps for Small Landlords (2026)
A comprehensive comparison of the best property management apps for landlords with 1-50 units in 2026, including pricing, features, and honest pros and cons.
DC Landlord-Tenant Law: What You Need to Know (2026)
Washington DC landlord-tenant law guide — rent control, security deposits, eviction process, tenant protections, required disclosures, and compliance requirements for District landlords.
First-Time Landlord Checklist: Everything You Need (2026)
The complete checklist for first-time landlords — from setting up your property to finding tenants, signing leases, and collecting rent. Everything you need before your first tenant moves in.
How to Collect Rent Online: ACH, Cards, and Apps Compared (2026)
The complete guide to collecting rent online — ACH vs credit card vs Zelle vs Venmo, transaction fees, pros and cons, and which apps landlords actually use in 2026.
How to Raise Rent on Existing Tenants: State-by-State Guide (2026)
How to legally raise rent — notice requirements, rent control limits, timing, and letter templates. With a state-by-state breakdown of notice periods and caps.
How to Screen Tenants: A Complete Landlord's Guide (2026)
Step-by-step guide to tenant screening for landlords — credit checks, background reports, income verification, reference calls, and FCRA compliance. What to look for and what's illegal to ask.
Rental Property Tax Deductions: Complete Schedule E Guide (2026)
Every tax deduction landlords can claim on Schedule E — mortgage interest, depreciation, repairs, insurance, travel, and more. With line-by-line instructions and common mistakes to avoid.
Late Fee Laws by State: What Landlords Need to Know (2026)
Every state's late fee rules — grace periods, maximum fees, percentage caps, and compliance requirements. Plus a free late fee calculator.
How to Handle a Maintenance Emergency at 2AM
What counts as a rental property emergency, what doesn't, how to respond, and how to build a system so you're never unprepared. With a 24/7 emergency action plan.
How to Manage Rental Property From Your Phone (2026)
A practical guide to managing rental properties entirely from your phone — the apps, workflows, and systems that let you self-manage from anywhere.
Maryland Landlord-Tenant Law: Complete 2026 Guide
Maryland rental law guide for landlords — security deposits, eviction process, lead paint requirements, rent escrow, maintenance obligations, and local rent stabilization rules.
Normal Wear and Tear vs Damage: The Landlord's Guide (2026)
How to tell the difference between normal wear and tear and tenant damage when returning security deposits. With examples, photo documentation tips, and deduction guidelines.
Security Deposit Laws by State: Complete 2026 Guide
Every state's security deposit rules in one place — maximum amounts, return deadlines, escrow requirements, interest rules, and itemized deduction requirements for all 50 states plus DC.
Tennessee Landlord-Tenant Law: Complete 2026 Guide
Tennessee rental law for landlords — security deposits, eviction process, late fees, maintenance obligations, and the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (URLTA).
Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: Complete 2026 Guide
Everything Virginia landlords need to know — security deposits, eviction process, lease requirements, maintenance obligations, rent increase rules, and required disclosures under the VRLTA.