If your tenants turn nasty and decide to sue you for counter-claims, you will definitely want have an experienced lawyer by side to defend against any counter-claims, no matter how baseless those claims may have.

Choosing the Right Landlord Tenant Lawyer for Your Rental Property

Now that you what a landlord tenant lawyer can do for you, just how do you go about choosing one? Fortunately there are several resources that can point you in the right direction.

First contact your real estate agent or mortgage professional for their recommendation. These professionals can often provide a reference to an experienced attorney. You can also contact the lawyer association in your county or state for a referral. Make sure there is no past or pending disciplinary action on the lawyer's record.

If you have a family or general practice attorney, chances are he or she can provide a referral as well. If all else fails, you can look in the yellow pages, but this is a bit like a stab in the dark so leave it as a last resort.

Even if you find a big name firm, this does not guarantee that the lawyer is competent, though it will probably guarantee you will end up paying high fees!

Once you have a referral, call around for a quick phone screening. Find out how many years of experience the attorney has, and choose someone who's been practicing real estate law for a minimum of 3 to 5 years. Find out about his fee structure and billing rates; also ask what tasks are billed hourly and which ones are billed on flat rate.

Finally make sure the landlord tenant lawyer you choose is attentive and willing to work with you. An experienced lawyer knows how to tailor their services to meet your needs. Think of your lawyer as an assistant in your rental business. Choose wisely and the advice you receive will be well worth the money you spend. Teo Zhenjie