Janet Portman

Contributor

Janet Portman, author, attorney, and nationally recognized specialist in landlord/tenant law, is managing editor at Nolo, the nation’s recognized leader in providing legal information for consumers and small businesses. Portman oversees editorial work on all Nolo books and software. She is the author or co-author of Every Landlord's Legal Guide, Every Tenant's Legal Guide, and LeaseWriter Plus software, plus six other books, all published by Nolo. As an expert in legal issues related to landlords and tenants, Portman has appeared on national television and radio and has been quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Kiplinger’s, Smart Money the Los Angeles Times and other publications. She has also spoken on related topics such as disputes involving neighbors and pets. Before joining Nolo in 1994, Portman was a public defender for the California State Public Defender’s office, representing clients at the trial, appellate, and state Supreme Court levels. Portman received undergraduate and graduate degrees from Stanford University and a law degree from Santa Clara University. Robert Bruss, one of the most trusted real estate experts in the country, offered Portman high praise for her first book, Every Landlord’s Legal Guide: "On my scale of one to 10, this outstanding book rates an off-the-chart 12," and on her latest, Every Landlord's Guide to Finding Great Tenants: "At last, the long-needed, ultra-complete guidebook every residential landlord should have to find and select quality tenants."

Technicality lets tenant assign lease to friend

Rent it Right

Mar 28

Do's and don'ts when using Internet to screen tenants

Rent it Right

Mar 21

Breaking lease over disruptive property showings

Rent it Right

Mar 15

Requiring SSN of rental applicants may be asking for trouble

Rent it Right

Mar 7