Every Landlord's Legal Guide - 9th Ed - By Marcia Steward & Attorneys Ralph Warner & Janet Portman

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If you are a landlord, I wholeheartedly recommend owning and reading Nolo's "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" (9th Edition) by Marcia Steward and Attorneys Ralph Warner & Janet Portman. I've read and looked at a lot of books dealing with real estate and landlord issues, and this is one of the best around.

This book is not about buying property. Look elsewhere for that topic. This book focuses on running a profitable business when you own rental property. It will also help you protect your investment and avoid or at least minimize legal hassles. The book contains almost 500 pages of practical advice for the landlord and also includes a CD-Rom with over 30 forms, including leases and rental agreements. This really is a valuable book for landlords.

Chapter One focuses on screening tenants, which the book points out can be one of your most important decisions. Next, Chapter Two assists you with preparing leases and rental agreements. Chapter Three discusses basic rent rules such as how much you can charge, rent control, when rent is due, late charges, returned check charges, raising the rent, and related matters.

Chapter Four instructs the reader on everything you need to know about security deposits. From there, Chapter Five provides legal information regarding discrimination. For those that don't want to do everything themselves, Chapter Six focuses on property managers and how to hire, manage, and fire a manager for your property.

Chapter Seven relates to moving a tenant in. This chapter provides tips on inspecting the property, move in letters, organizing tenant records and organizing income and expenses for your Schedule E. Cotenants, Sublets, and Assignments are discussed in Chapter Eight.

A topic no landlord likes, but must deal with is the duty to repair and maintain the premises. Chapter Nine provides what you need to know regarding this duty. From there, Chapter Ten discusses the landlord's liability for tenant injuries from dangerous conditions. Next, Chapter Eleven covers liability for environmental health hazards. Continuing with liability issues, Chapter Twelve covers liability for criminal acts and activities.

The landlord's right of entry and tenants' privacy and then ending a tenancy are the topics covered in Chapters Thirteen and Fourteen. Chapter Fifteen then covers how to return security deposits and other move-out issues.

Not ever tenant is going to be the perfect one, regardless of how well you screen. Chapter Sixteen is an important chapter dealing with problems with tenants and how to resolve disputes without a lawyer. Some disputes end up with terminations and evictions and that is what Chapter Seventeen provides information on.

It is a good idea for a landlord to have an attorney to help with certain matters. Chapter Eighteen provides information on lawyers and legal research, including tips on finding a lawyer, types of fee agreements with lawyers, saving on legal fees, and other related issues.

There are two appendixes, one that contains state landlord-tenant law charts and then one that focuses on how to sue the landlord forms library on the included CD-ROM. Regarding state laws, it is always prudent to check with your own state's laws and keep current with them. This is a good reason to have an attorney that you can work with. The forms on the CD-ROM are a great addition to this book. These include forms, letters, notices, checklists, and agreements. They are all easily adapted to fit your particular needs.

This book and CD-ROM belong on every landlord's bookshelf. It should be read, and the forms used. It contains the advice to help you manage your rentals as a profitable business with as little hassle as possible. This is an excellent how to book for landlords that will save you time and money if you manage properties.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He teaches people to live with the warrior's edge through his writing and speaking on a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional dvds, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websites http://www.burrese.com/ and http://bennettlawofficepc.com/

All In Against the IRS: Every Gambler's Tax Guide by Attorney and Tax Professional Stephen Fishman

I am not really a gambler, and while I provided basic tax information to clients that I helped with business matters, I'm not a tax attorney, and therefore referred my clients to tax professionals for their tax needs. With that said, I enjoyed reading "All In Against the IRS: Every Gambler's Tax Guide" by attorney and tax professional Stephen Fishman, J.D. The book is short, very readable, and believe it or not, very interesting, even though the subject is one that most people would consider boring - taxes.

One of the things that made it interesting, as well as readable for anyone, not just those of us with J.D. or CPA behind our names, is the fact that Fishman wrote the book in plain, easy-to-understand, language, and with a more conversational tone, rather than a boring tax guide. He starts the book with a short chapter on the rules of the game, and his first rule states that gamblers are not treated fairly by the IRS, he suggest that it is perhaps because gambling is viewed as sinful, but regardless of why, gamblers are treated very harshly by the tax laws. If you are a gambler, however if you assist gamblers with their taxes, this is a very valuable book. (Then you might just be strange like me and find reading about the way the IRS treats some categories as interesting.)

After his ten short rules of the game, chapter two discusses what the IRS knows and when it knows it. This chapter covers things such as Forms W2 - G, 1099-MISC, and Form 5754. What you need to know is that some winnings are reported to the IRS. Fishman explains what they are. In the third chapter he explains how and when taxes are withheld from your winnings.

Chapter four is where the book became more interesting in how the IRS wants you to determine your annual wins and losses. You can't just come to tax time and say, "Well, I won about 10,000 last year, but I lost more than that, so I don't have to do anything." That's not how the IRS makes you report things, and if you get caught not reporting the correct way, it can cost you.

Fishman shows you how to document your wins and losses in chapter five, and then how to report them on your tax return in chapter six. He then address state income taxes in chapter seven. Up to this point, everything was aimed at casual or recreational gamblers. In chapter eight, the author shows what it takes to qualify as a professional gambler, and how the tax laws are different if you actually qualify per IRS guidelines for this status. The book concludes with a sample log gambling in an Appendix.

After reading this book, I bet (pun intended) that most people who gamble are not reporting as required by the IRS. Reading this book will enlighten you on what the IRS wants and requires to keep you out of hot water if they ever come looking. Fishman also points out when they look more and when they don't. I also like that he included that the IRS wants you to report illegal gambling winnings and they won't turn you over to law enforcement authorities for illegal gambling, they just want their cut. Hmm, I'd still want to think that one over, but remember how Al Capone was finally put in prison.

As with any legal book, laws change, and that goes for tax laws too. The laws in this book are current and accurate right now, because Fishman wrote it, however, they could just change. So I always encourage people to use books like this as guides, but check to make sure the laws are still accurate, or work with a tax professional who keeps up with the changes. The book does provide places to go check laws, and the author also recommends working with a professional tax for certain circumstances. If you are a gambler, or assist gamblers with taxes, this is a very good guide, that is simple to read, outlining what the IRS wants and requires when doing your taxes. It provides the information the author says it will, and it really is every gambler's tax guide.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a writer, speaker, and mediator who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. He is an expert on conflict and mediates and teaches conflict resolution and negotiation. Alain combined his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results, as well as resolve conflict and negotiate. You can read more articles and reviews at http://www.burrese.com/

The Volunteers' Guide To Fundraising By Ilona Bray

"The Volunteers' Guide to Fundraising: Raise Money for Your School, Team, Library or Community Group" by Ilona Bray is a very good book for those that are looking for ideas to help with fundraising efforts for various causes or community groups. It is published by Nolo, a publisher that pride parades itself on making the law accessible to everyone through quality books and resources. And Ilona Bray has authored a number of books for Nolo, including "Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits."

The book starts out with some basics on what your group can and can't do when raising money. Very good to consider to keep yourself and your group out of trouble. The second chapter focuses on volunteers and how to recruit, train, and keep volunteers with your organization or cause.

The third chapter will help you plan your group's fundraising strategy, which is a very good idea. A good plan will help you reach your goals. The next few chapters focus on various ways to raise money. These include: Sponsorships and other support from businesses, selling goods and services (new or used), requesting donations from individual members, event planning strategies, dinners and other food events, actions (live, silent, and online), fairs and festivals, benefit concerts and lectures, home and garden tours, and walkathons, contests, games, and sporting events.

All of these chapters contain tips, sureties, examples, and sample forms to assist you with your fundraising efforts. This guide really will make it easier for you and your group. The book is written in easy to understand language, and in a practical way. The book is meant to be used as you help your organization or group.

In addition to the text, the book has a CD-ROM included in the back with more resources. One resource is a bonus chapter "Applying for Grants From Foundations, Corporations, or Government." Also included on the CD-ROM are forms, spreadsheets, charts, overviews, and audio files to provide even more assistance to achieve your fundraising goals.

Bray has included insights and stories from a team of nonprofit experts that includes event planners, dedicated school parents, accountants, librarians, lawyers, and group leaders. If you are involved with any fundraising, this will be a handy reference to keep nearby. Combine it with "Effective Fundraising for Nonprofits" and you will have many ideas, strategies, and tips to raise money. All you'll need to do then is get out and implement them. Recommended for anyone who needs a guide on raising money legally and effectively.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a writer, speaker, and mediator who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. He is working toward getting his first novel, "Lost Conscious" published. More at http://www.alainburrese.com/

Ramaiya - Guide to the Companies Act (With a Thorough Discussion of SEBI Guidelines)

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There are few books that have made history in their respective fields and have developed an unusual crave for them amongst their patrons. This encyclopedic work of RAMAIYA'S is undoubtedly one in the Company Law field.

Every edition of this book has sold like proverbial hot cakes, pointing clearly to its scholastic wealth on the subject, its deft handling by the authors its usefulness, utility and eventually the popularity of the book in the field. It has stood the test of time and has triumphantly met the strictest scrutiny from its discerning and discriminating readers and reviewing critics. The book in its every edition is quite eagerly awaited and widely welcomed by the people in the Company Law field.

The present edition is now released with the pride and glory of the previous editions.The present Reprint Edition of BOX 1 2006 is as Amended by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006 (23 of 2006) assented on 29th May, 2006 and the Companies (Central Govt's.) General Rules & Forms (Amendment) Rules, 2006 relating to e-filling of e-forms and text of SEBI Guidelines updated till May, 2006, incorporating all such statutory changes under appropriate sections of the book. Along with Stop Press running into 800 odd pages containing text of latest Amendment Acts, Rules, Regulations, Guidelines, Schemes, Departmental Circulars, Clarifications, Press Notes, Notifications etc. ETC.! The present new edition is being offered packed into 2 Boxes sold separately. Box 1 Reprint 2006 (Statutorily Updated till May, 2006 at appropriate places) contains 3 Parts of Treatise and 1 Part of Appendices (Appendix 1 to 150) running into 9500 plus pages. Box 2 Original Print 2004 (Optional purchase) contains 2 Parts of Appendices (Appendix 151 to 326) together running into 4000 plus pages. The present new edition encompasses within its extensive bounds all amendments made by the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2002 (1 of 2003), the Companies (Second Amendment) Act, 2002 (11 of 2003), the Companies (Amendment) Act, 2006 (23 of 2006) along with e-filling of e-forms incorporating them at appropriate places of the book. In its attempt to keep abreast of the latest developments, the new edition has taken due stock of FEMA, 1999, NBFC Directions, 1998, SEBI Act, 1992 with thorough coverage of case law references, SEBI Guidelines 2000 for Disclosure and Investor

Protection and other various Guidelines, Rules and Regulations issued in respect of securities market, delegation of various powers and functions to SEBI under the Companies Act, 1956 and Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956, etc.The new edition has been thoroughly revised, even re-written at places, adding further useful notes and comments in respect of several matters of Company Law Procedures and Practice and brought completely up-to-date. In this NEW EDITION the editors have considered in detail all current topics, equal stress has been laid to make the book more practical, more authoritative, more exhaustive by adding more than 125,000 lines and discussing more than 3,500 additional cases (Indian & Foreign) decided by the Supreme Court of India, various High Courts and Foreign Courts adding nearly 4000 additional pages together in both the Boxes to the new edition.Almost all Departmental Circulars, Clarifications, Notifications, Press Notes issued till date have been discussed with original extracts along with thought-provoking interpretations and comments under the sections. A very special feature of this edition is a thorough coverage of of Compliance Certificate Rules with the help of the ICSI Guidance Note on Compliance Certificate, and up-to-date revised Secretarial Action Points, Practice Notes, Check-list, list of Documents involved and petitions to be filed with Company Law Board. Yet another important feature of this edition is the discussions of various pronouncements and guidelines of the ICAI in the shape of Accounting and Auditing Practices, Statements and Standards, Guidance Notes and Opinions in brief but in exhaustive manner under appropriate sections of the book relating to Accounts and Audit. New edition carries nearly 326 useful Appendices duly cross referenced under appropriate sections bound in 3 separate handy Parts. Appendix Part 1 contains Appendix 1 to 150 sold with Box 1. Appendices Part 2 containing Appendix 151 to 255 and Appendices Part 3 containing Appendix 256 to 326 packed in Box 2 is sold separately and is optional for the buyers.

This edition, in nut-shell, is the most authoritative, exhaustive, radically revised, enlarged and most up-to-date on the subject and there is little doubt that for its tried and proven utility, the book in its present edition will have its Biblical place on the shelf of every Lawyer, Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Company Administrator, Company Executive, and all such individuals who are in anyway concerned with the Company Law. Needless to say that the fine print and the fascinating get-up of this new edition will only add to the spell of the book on our patrons."

Saving the Family Cottage - A Guide to Succession Planning

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AppId is over the quota

I first learned of "Saving the Family Cottage: A Guide to Succession Planning for Your Cottage, Cabin, Camp or Vacation Home" by Stuart J. Hollander, Rose Hollander, & David S. Fry a couple of years ago from a fellow attorney who recommended it. This is a very good book if you plan on passing on a cottage or vacation home to your children, if you have inherited a cabin with siblings or other relatives, or you just want to know how to keep property in the family and reduce or avoid the squabbles over it.

It's a short book of 188 pages, with a glossary and bibliography that push it over 200. It is easy to read and answers the questions you need answered regarding the topic, and provides guidance on how to best find solutions for families who want to preserve vacation homes for generations to come, especially when family members have different interests and financial situations. It also lets you know how to best use a lawyer to assist you with the process.

Part One: Cottages at Risk contains three chapters that focus on why you need a plan and what the first step should be, avoiding the worst, and planning for the best. These chapters get you thinking of objectives and possible concerns.

Part Two: Choosing the Right Path is divided into four chapters that deal with how plans help, what happens when you don't have a plan, legal types of ownership such as Tenancy in Common, Joint Tenancy, Community Property, and a few others. There is also a short chapter on using life estates and ownership agreements.

Part Three: Cottage Plans in Action discusses the legal entities available for your cottage such as partnerships, corporations, and Limited Liability Companies. The book recommends LLCs, and provides guidance as to why and how to go about forming one for the purpose of owning the vacation home. Chapters also cover topics like scheduling and use, and renting the cottage.

Part Four: Creating a Cottage Legacy contains two chapters that provide some basic information related to taxes and endowments.

If you own a cottage, cabin, vacation home, or whatever you want to call it, this book is a valuable read regarding the issues that arise when wanting to keep the property in the family. Use this guide along with your attorney to make the best possible succession plan to eliminate headaches and troubles for you and those you are leaving the property to.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a performance and personal development expert who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. Alain combines his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles, over 100 reviews, and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com/

Nolo's Essential Guide to Divorce by Attorney Emily Doskow

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I was speaking with a client this week regarding a business related matter that I am helping him with and he mentioned the expense of his divorce that he had a different attorney handling. He commented that only the attorneys win and they were the ones making money. I mention this, because I really like the message throughout this book that it is to everyone's benefit, and especially that of children, to make the divorce process as civil as possible. If you don't, you may find yourself in a battle such as Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in "The War of the Roses."

To help save money, emotional turmoil, and a lot of time, Nolo's "Essential Guide to Divorce" by Attorney Emily Doskow is a great resource for those facing or going through divorce. The book is full of practical advice regarding the legal side of divorce but does not forget that there is an emotional side to divorce as well. Divorces can be very costly, the small amount paid for this book could save one a lot of time and money.

The book starts out with a discussion on the differences between separation, divorce, annulments, etc. It is a good overview and introduction to the topic. Chapter two then delves into the first steps after you decide to divorce. There is a lot to do and this book helps you sort through what needs to be done when.

Chapter three focuses on Uncontested Divorces, or when you can agree on how you want to divide things and part amicably. If only all divorces could be this easy.

Chapter four is on mediation, or how you can work things out with the help of a mediator. In many states you have to go to a mediation as part of the court process. People can save a lot of money by seeking out a mediator at the onset and working toward resolution early rather than committing to long drawn out fights.

Chapter five covers when you can't agree on things and you have a contested divorce and trial. Chapter six then covers custody decisions and parenting. Chapter seven continues by addressing custody disputes. From there, chapter eight goes into child support.

Chapters nine and ten cover the division of marital property. Chapters eleven covers spousal support and health insurance, while chapter twelve covers special issues with military divorces.

Chapter thirteen focuses on getting it in writing and covers the basics of preparing a marital settlement agreement. Chapter fourteen is an ugly chapter, but a necessary one, that covers issues regarding when things to wrong. Topics such as domestic violence, child abuse, kidnapping, and bankruptcy are discussed here.

Chapter fifteen has a lot of information related to after the divorce while chapter sixteen provides a lot of great resources to find additional information and where to get help.

The appendix provides some additional information and some worksheets to assist you with things such as financial inventories, net worth, income and expenses and budgeting.

Being an attorney, I really liked that this book did not tell you to just do everything yourself, but also provided good information on how to find and work with an attorney. Yes, some divorces can be handled by the parties without any assistance, but sometimes having an attorney can really be beneficial. This book will help make those decisions. I will point out that even though this 2nd edition has updated state laws, it is always prudent to research your own state laws and/or discuss with an attorney licensed in your state to ensure laws have not changed.

Rather than spending money on a "Do it Yourself " divorce book, I think anyone considering divorce would benefit from reading this guide and following the excellent advice provided by Emily Doskow. It is well organized and easy to understand. I really wish so many people didn't need this book, but because the divorce rate is so high, it is a good thing Doskow wrote this guide, because it will help a lot of people.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a mediator/attorney with Bennett Law Office P.C. and an author/speaker through his own company Burrese Enterprises Inc. He teaches people to live with the warrior's edge through his writing and speaking on a variety of topics focusing on the business areas of negotiation and success principles as well as self-defense and safety topics. He is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From the School of Hard Knocks, several instructional dvds, and numerous articles. You can find out more about Alain Burrese at his websites http://www.burrese.com/ and http://bennettlawofficepc.com/.

Every Landlord's Guide to Finding Great Tenants by Janet Portman

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I just read the 2nd Edition of "Every Landlord's Guide to Finding Great Tenants" by Janet Portman, the author of "Every Landlord's Legal Guide." This book is a great resource for the new landlord who will do everything him or herself.

The book contains chapters on the following topics:

One: Choosing Good Tenants Makes Good Business Sense
Two: Complying With Discrimination Laws
Three: How to Deal with Current Tenants - Before You Look for New Ones
Four: How to Advertise Effectively
Five: How Should You Show Your Rental?
Six: Preparing Your Rental Application and Screening Materials
Seven: Fielding Initial Questions and Phone Screening
Eight: Prepare Your Rental for an Open House or Showing
Nine: Face to Face: Showing the Rental and negotiating with Prospective Tenants
Ten: Evaluating Rental Applications
Eleven: Checking Applicants' Credit Reports
Twelve: Checking Landlord, Employer, and Personal References
Thirteen: checking Applicants' Criminal Backgrounds
Fourteen: How to Choose and Work With a Tenant-Screening Agency
Fifteen: Choosing Your New Tenant
Sixteen: How to Reject - What to Say, What to Write

Again, this book is good for the landlords who choose to do most of the work themselves while owing a few rentals. It is also very good for the novice or beginning landlord. If you are just getting started, this book and "Every Landlord's Legal Guide" can be very useful.

Some of the information may seem to basic for some, or just common sense. Well, when you are just starting a business, and being a landlord is a business, there are many things to take care of, and it is nice to have even the simple stuff outlined in a text so you don't overlook it. This is especially true for those that are trying to be landlords on the side.

The book with index runs 465 pages and is easy to read. Nolo really does a good job of providing legal information in an easy format for everyone to understand. Portman is the author of several Nolo books, and this is the second one of hers that I've read and I like the information she provides. There are ample side-bars, sample documents, highlighted points, and graphs. It is laid out well and reader friendly. There is also a CD-ROM included with the book that contains forms and checklists as well as audio files that have sample dialogs to conduct interviews and such.

This book contains a lot of useful information. If you are in business, you need to have the information to succeed. This book would go well on any landlord's shelf. It would be part of a collection of books and resources to assist with a property owning business and how to be a landlord. If you are a landlord, especially a beginning landlord, I'd suggest getting this book and use Portman's advice on Finding Great Tenants.

Alain Burrese, J.D. is a performance and personal development expert who teaches how to live, take action, and get things done through the Warrior's Edge. Alain combines his military, martial art, and Asian experiences with his business, law, and conflict resolution education into a powerful way of living with balance, honor, and integrity. He teaches how to use the Warrior's Edge to Take Action and Achieve Remarkable Results. Alain is the author of Hard-Won Wisdom From The School Of Hard Knocks, the DVDs Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, the Lock On Joint Locking series, and numerous articles and reviews. You can read more articles, over 100 reviews, and see clips of his DVDs as well as much more at http://www.burrese.com/