{"version":"https://jsonfeed.org/version/1.1","title":"BareBones PM Blog","home_page_url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog","feed_url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/feed.json","items":[{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/buying-house-25k-salary-renting-abroad","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/buying-house-25k-salary-renting-abroad","title":"Can a £25k Salary and £60k Savings Get You a Rental Property at 23? Here's What I'd Tell My Younger Self","summary":"A retired property manager breaks down the real affordability of buying and renting out a home at 23 on a £25k salary with £60k savings—and why it's almost never the right move.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/29998475/pexels-photo-29998475.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-08-02T22:15:45.256Z","tags":["first time buyer","buy to let","affordability","rental property","young landlord","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/cash-for-keys-witness-requirement","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/cash-for-keys-witness-requirement","title":"Is a Witness Signature Required for a Cash for Keys Agreement?","summary":"Wondering if cash for keys needs a witness? As a retired property manager, I explain why most agreements don’t require one, when a witness might still help, and how to protect yourself without overcomplicating things.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7937691/pexels-photo-7937691.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-08-02T16:16:01.058Z","tags":["cash for keys","witness signature","enforceability","landlord tenant","diy landlord","contracts"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/prorated-rent-early-vacate-landlord-request","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/prorated-rent-early-vacate-landlord-request","title":"Can You Pay Less Rent If Your Landlord Asks You to Move Out Early?","summary":"When a landlord requests an early move-out, tenants often wonder if they can prorate rent. Learn why a verbal agreement isn't enough and how to protect your security deposit.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/8815930/pexels-photo-8815930.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-08-01T22:16:44.043Z","tags":["lease break","early move out","prorated rent","landlord tenant agreement","verbal lease modification","security deposit"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/landlord-utility-transfer-curtains","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/landlord-utility-transfer-curtains","title":"My Simple System for Utility Transfers and Why I Always Leave Curtains","summary":"Learn how to smoothly transfer utility accounts to tenants and why leaving curtains in an unfurnished rental can save you headaches and money.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/6588593/pexels-photo-6588593.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-08-01T16:16:07.501Z","tags":["utility transfer","rental curtains","landlord tips","tenant move-in","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/condo-rental-down-payment","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/condo-rental-down-payment","title":"The Truth About Condo Down Payments When You Want to Rent It Out","summary":"Learn the real rules about down payments on a condo you plan to rent out. Can you put less than 20% down and live in it first? Here’s what I’ve seen work—and what can go wrong.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/4907182/pexels-photo-4907182.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-31T22:15:49.384Z","tags":["down payment","condo","rental property","owner-occupied","PMI","mortgage fraud"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/setting-maintenance-reserve-unknown-history","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/setting-maintenance-reserve-unknown-history","title":"How to Set a Maintenance Reserve for a Property with No Maintenance History","summary":"Learn how to estimate a maintenance reserve for a rental property with no maintenance history, using simple rule-of-thumb methods and proactive planning.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/33866935/pexels-photo-33866935.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-31T16:15:44.887Z","tags":["maintenance reserve","DIY landlord","property management","budgeting","new landlord"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/reactive-maintenance-tipping-point","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/reactive-maintenance-tipping-point","title":"When Reactive Maintenance Fails: The Tipping Point for Landlords","summary":"A retired property manager explains when a fix-it-when-it-breaks approach backfires, and how to shift to proactive maintenance before it costs you a fortune.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/4968621/pexels-photo-4968621.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-30T22:15:48.480Z","tags":["reactive maintenance","preventive maintenance","property management","landlord tips","maintenance planning"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/german-landlord-rent-reduction-rights","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/german-landlord-rent-reduction-rights","title":"German Landlord Rights: Handling Rent Reductions and Non-Payment","summary":"Learn your rights as a German landlord when a tenant unilaterally reduces rent. I share my experience with legal steps, termination rules, and eviction.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/18587807/pexels-photo-18587807.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-30T16:16:56.813Z","tags":["german landlord rights","rent reduction germany","tenant not paying","mietminderung","eviction germany","landlord legal"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/raise-rent-after-applications","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/raise-rent-after-applications","title":"Can You Raise Rent After Getting Flooded with Applications? Here’s What I’d Do","summary":"You underpriced your rental and now qualified tenants are lining up. Ditch the temptation to raise the price mid-stream—here’s the honest, landlord-friendly fix that protects your investment and your reputation.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/29998475/pexels-photo-29998475.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-29T22:15:45.923Z","tags":["rent pricing","bait and switch","landlord mistakes","rental applications","market rent"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/cash-for-keys-tenant-selling-lease","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/cash-for-keys-tenant-selling-lease","title":"Cash for Keys: When Your Tenant Wants to Sell You Their Lease","summary":"Ever had a tenant ask you to buy their leasehold interest? It’s called cash for keys, and it might be a good deal for both of you. Here’s what I’ve learned from decades in property management.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7841424/pexels-photo-7841424.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-29T16:15:56.693Z","tags":["cash for keys","lease buyout","tenant negotiation","early termination","property management","landlord tips"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-caused-toilet-damage-repair","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-caused-toilet-damage-repair","title":"When a Tenant Flushes a Toy Down the Toilet: Who Fixes It and Who Pays?","summary":"A retired property manager explains the right way to handle tenant-caused toilet clogs—who should do the repair, who pays, and whether it can lead to a rent hike.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/6903210/pexels-photo-6903210.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-28T22:15:56.362Z","tags":["tenant responsibility","toilet damage","landlord tips","DIY repair risks","property maintenance","rental repair policy"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/unauthorized-occupant-refuses-leave","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/unauthorized-occupant-refuses-leave","title":"What Landlords Can Do When a Non-Tenant Refuses to Leave After Move-Out","summary":"A squatter overstays after your tenant moves out. Learn what steps to take (and how to prevent it) without breaking the law. Practical tips from a retired property manager.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/30402432/pexels-photo-30402432.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-28T16:15:57.308Z","tags":["unauthorized occupant","squatter eviction","tenant move out","property management","landlord tips"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/landlord-occupying-rental-tenant-paying-rent","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/landlord-occupying-rental-tenant-paying-rent","title":"Can a Landlord Move Into a Unit While the Tenant Still Pays Rent?","summary":"A retired property manager explains the tricky legality of a landlord living in a rental unit that a tenant still pays for, covering abandonment, constructive eviction, and the duty to mitigate damages.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/4246205/pexels-photo-4246205.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-27T22:15:56.565Z","tags":["landlord rights","tenant abandonment","lease termination","rental law","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/electric-heat-landlord-tenant-dispute","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/electric-heat-landlord-tenant-dispute","title":"When the Lease Says Heat is Included but It's Electric: Who Pays the Bill?","summary":"A tenant’s lease says heat is included, but the heating system runs on electricity they pay for. Here’s what a retired property manager would do to resolve this sticky utility dispute.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/33075263/pexels-photo-33075263.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-27T16:16:25.823Z","tags":["utilities","electric heat","lease terms","landlord-tenant communication","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-hvac-filter-responsibility-nm","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-hvac-filter-responsibility-nm","title":"Can New Mexico Landlords Require Tenants to Replace HVAC Filters?","summary":"A retired property manager breaks down NM law: yes, you can require filter changes as routine maintenance, but you’re still on the hook for repairs. Learn how to write it in your lease and avoid costly mistakes.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/11538226/pexels-photo-11538226.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-26T22:16:04.398Z","tags":["hvac maintenance","tenant responsibilities","new mexico","filter replacement","landlord tips","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-cannot-evict-roommate","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-cannot-evict-roommate","title":"Can a Tenant Evict Another Tenant? Here's What I'd Tell a Frustrated Landlord","summary":"A tenant cannot evict another tenant — only the landlord has that legal standing. I'm sharing what I've learned from decades in property management about handling roommate disputes without overstepping.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/15315086/pexels-photo-15315086.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-26T16:16:07.813Z","tags":["eviction","tenant rights","roommate disputes","landlord responsibilities","DIY landlord"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-refuse-gutter-cleaning-lease-act-1985","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/tenant-refuse-gutter-cleaning-lease-act-1985","title":"When Your Lease Says the Tenant Cleans Gutters—But the Law Says Otherwise","summary":"A retired property manager explains why a tenant might legally refuse gutter cleaning duties even if the lease assigns them, thanks to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/33658077/pexels-photo-33658077.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-25T22:15:35.919Z","tags":["gutter cleaning","tenant responsibilities","landlord tenant act 1985","maintenance","lease clauses","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/texas-landlord-tenant-garbage-disposal-repair","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/texas-landlord-tenant-garbage-disposal-repair","title":"Can a Texas Landlord Ask a Tenant to Troubleshoot a Garbage Disposal?","summary":"A retired Texas property manager shares when you can ask tenants to fix a jammed disposal—and when you definitely shouldn’t. Avoid liability and costly repairs with this lease-first approach.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7512975/pexels-photo-7512975.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-25T18:33:28.223Z","tags":["texas landlord","garbage disposal","tenant maintenance","landlord liability","property management"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/renovation-savings-target-landlords","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/renovation-savings-target-landlords","title":"My Renovation Savings Plan: How to Save for Each Property","summary":"How I determine renovation savings targets for each rental property using a simple capital reserve study approach. Learn to budget for big-ticket repairs without guessing.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7937706/pexels-photo-7937706.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-25T16:16:07.241Z","tags":["renovation savings","capital reserve study","rental property maintenance","budgeting","landlord tips"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/landlord-tenant-dispute-moveout-charges","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/landlord-tenant-dispute-moveout-charges","title":"How I’d Handle Tenants Disputing Made-Up Move-Out Charges as a DIY Landlord","summary":"A retired property manager’s guide to handling tenant disputes over unfair post-move-out charges — without involving lawyers or burning bridges.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/37003191/pexels-photo-37003191.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-25T02:26:12.993Z","tags":["security deposits","move-out charges","wear and tear","carpet damage","landlord-tenant disputes","early key return"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/when-your-letting-agent-proposes-their-relative-as-a-tenant-here-s-how-i-d-handl","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/when-your-letting-agent-proposes-their-relative-as-a-tenant-here-s-how-i-d-handl","title":"When Your Letting Agent Proposes Their Relative as a Tenant: Here’s How I’d Handle the Conflict of Interest","summary":"My letting agent disclosed their relative wants to rent my property. After years of managing rentals, here’s the straightforward conflict-of-interest strategy I developed.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/12496893/pexels-photo-12496893.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-25T00:49:08.865Z","tags":["conflict of interest","property management","letting agent","tenant screening","landlord tips"]},{"id":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/should-you-give-a-bad-reference-when-the-deposit-covered-the-damage","url":"https://barebonespm.com/blog/should-you-give-a-bad-reference-when-the-deposit-covered-the-damage","title":"Should You Give a Bad Reference When the Deposit Covered the Damage?","summary":"A retired property manager shares what to do when a tenant's pet caused damage but the security deposit covered it. Learn how to handle references without risking defamation or unfairness.","image":"https://images.pexels.com/photos/7149461/pexels-photo-7149461.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=650&w=940","date_published":"2026-07-25T00:45:21.374Z","tags":["tenant reference","security deposit","pet damage","landlord tips","defamation","rental management"]}]}