The RentalSlate Blog

Practical guides for independent landlords on tenant management, rental finances, tax strategies, and growing your portfolio.

34 articles

Finances·4 min read

Rental Property Depreciation: The Tax Benefit Most Landlords Miss

How depreciation works for rental properties, how to calculate it, and why it's the most powerful tax deduction available to real estate investors.

March 20, 2026Read more
Getting Started·4 min read

7 Biggest Mistakes First-Time Landlords Make (And How to Avoid Them)

New to being a landlord? Avoid these common costly mistakes that trip up first-time rental property owners — from skipping screening to underestimating expenses.

March 19, 2026Read more
Screening·3 min read

Tenant Screening: What Landlords Can and Can't Check (FCRA Guide)

Understand the legal rules around tenant background checks, credit reports, and criminal history screening under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

March 18, 2026Read more
Getting Started·4 min read

LLC vs Personal Name: How to Hold Your Rental Properties

Should you put your rental properties in an LLC? The pros, cons, costs, and practical considerations for independent landlords making this decision.

March 16, 2026Read more
Operations·3 min read

How to Handle Late Rent Payments: A Step-by-Step Guide for Landlords

What to do when a tenant pays rent late, from grace periods and late fees to payment plans and legal options. A practical guide for independent landlords.

March 15, 2026Read more
Markets·3 min read

Dallas-Fort Worth Rental Market 2026: Best Areas for Landlords

DFW rent trends, top neighborhoods for rental investment, and why the Metroplex remains one of the best markets for independent landlords in 2026.

March 14, 2026Read more
Getting Started·4 min read

Property Management Software vs Spreadsheets: When to Make the Switch

Still managing rental properties with Excel or Google Sheets? Here's how to know when it's time to switch to purpose-built software and what to look for.

March 12, 2026Read more
Finances·3 min read

How to Calculate ROI on Rental Property (With Real Examples)

Learn the three ways to measure rental property returns — cash-on-cash, cap rate, and total ROI. Includes formulas, real examples, and common mistakes landlords make.

March 10, 2026Read more
Operations·3 min read

Security Deposit Laws by State: What Every Landlord Must Know

Security deposit limits, return deadlines, and allowable deductions vary by state. Here's a practical guide to staying compliant and avoiding costly mistakes.

March 8, 2026Read more
Markets·3 min read

Indianapolis Rental Market: High Cash Flow in the Heart of the Midwest

Indianapolis offers some of the best cash-flow rental returns in the US. Neighborhoods to target, rent levels, and what landlords need to know about Indy.

March 6, 2026Read more
Previous123

Ready to simplify your rental management?

Join landlords who switched from spreadsheets to RentalSlate.

Create Free Account