Navigating Virginia Squatter Laws: A Landlord’s Legal Guide

By Kelly Coffman Monday, July 21, 2025

If you own property or invest in real estate in Virginia, it's essential to understand the laws regarding squatters and how to protect your rental property. Squatters can occupy your private property without permission, sometimes claiming legal ownership under Virginia’...

Comprehensive Tenant Screening in Richmond: Best Practices for Landlords

By Kelly Coffman Monday, July 7, 2025

One of the best things a landlord in Richmond can do to preserve their rental property and investment is to find good tenants. You may avoid expensive blunders like late payments, property damage, or even legal trouble by using the right tenant screening method.We at Relevat...

Overcoming the Challenges of Being an Accidental Landlord in Richmond

By Kelly Coffman Saturday, June 21, 2025

Finding yourself suddenly managing a rental property wasn’t in your life plan, but here you are. Maybe you inherited a family home, relocated for a job, or faced a sluggish market that made selling unappealing. Welcome to the world of being an accidental landlord in Ri...

Eviction Protection Plans for Richmond, VA Landlords: Safeguard Your Rental Properties Today

By Kelly Coffman Saturday, June 7, 2025

Eviction is never easy for tenants or landlords. As a landlord in Richmond, VA, your investment and peace of mind can be jeopardized when tenants fall behind on rent. While eviction might seem the only route, it's not always the best solution. Many landlords consider eviction...

How to Handle Tenant Move-Out Professionally: 6 Essential Steps for Landlords

By Kelly Coffman Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Tenant move-outs are part of the rental business, but that doesn’t make them any less complex. Whether you're a seasoned property owner or managing your first rental unit, handling a tenant move-out professionally is essential to protecting your investment and preparing...

Renting an Illegal Unit in Richmond: Here’s What It Could Cost You

By Kelly Coffman Wednesday, May 7, 2025

As a Virginia residential landlord, it can be tempting to turn a storage shed, basement, or even a garage into a rental unit to bring in some extra income. In a market like Richmond, where rental property demand is high, finding creative ways to maximize income seems like smart b...

Mixed Use Developments in Richmond: Are They the Future of Urban Living?

By Kelly Coffman Monday, April 21, 2025

Richmond, Virginia, has experienced significant growth in recent years. With a rising population and increasing demand for modern, convenient living, this transformation has sparked a growing interest in mixed-use developments, a concept that blends residential, commercial, and r...

Investing in Richmond: What Areas Are Poised for Growth This Year?

By Kelly Coffman Monday, April 7, 2025

Richmond, VA, has become a hot spot for real estate investors looking to capitalize on the city's steady growth, vibrant neighborhoods, and strong rental market. With a growing population, rising rents, and new developments transforming many parts of the Richmond metropolitan...

Custom Lease Agreements: Why a One-Size-Fits-All Lease Won’t Work

By Kelly Coffman Friday, March 21, 2025

If you’re a real estate investor or property owner, you know that leasing a property to a tenant involves more than just collecting monthly rent. A rental lease agreement is a legally binding lease that outlines the rental terms, setting clear expectations for both the land...

NARPM Greater Richmond Chapter: Return on Relationships

By Kelly Coffman Monday, March 10, 2025

The following was an article for the September 2024 issue of Residential Resource Magazine published by the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM). You can read the full magazine issue here. I’ve had the privilege to serve in leadership positions...