Episode 150: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for the Territory of Guam
Summary
Today’s location-specific episode features the US Territory of Guam. We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Guam's Landlord and Tenant Rental Act of 2018.
Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions:
1) What are the basics of the Guam's Landlord and Tenant Rental Act of 2018
2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?
3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in the US Territory of Guam
4) Where to get help in your local area in the US Territory of Guam.
This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!
This episode includes resources for the US Territory of Guam including:
Guam's Landlord and Tenant Rental Act of 2018 Title 21 - Ch. 48 Guam Landlord and Tenant Rental Act of 2018
GUAM HOUSING AND URBAN | GUAM HOUSING AND URBAN<br>RENEWAL AUTHORITY
Listen to the full episode :
This Week’s Blog Post:
A Small Territory with a Big Responsibility
Hi friends! I’m Dr. Jen, and in this episode of My Life as a Landlord, we’re diving into the location-specific tenancy laws of Guam. It’s a smaller U.S. territory, but landlords there still need to understand and follow local regulations. Just like every episode in this series, I walk through four things: the basics of the local tenancy laws, the unique quirks that make this location stand out, what to do about abandoned items, and where landlords can turn for help. Guam doesn’t have a ton of documentation, but the Landlord and Tenant Rental Act of 2018 gives us a solid place to start.
Key Landlord-Tenant Basics in Guam
Guam’s rental law is only 12 pages long, but it outlines several important legal requirements. Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent, with pet deposits allowed up to $500 per pet. A landlord may only collect first month’s rent and security deposit (including any pet deposit) at lease start. Deposits can’t be used as last month’s rent unless agreed in writing. If deductions are made, itemized statements and receipts are required, and landlords must mail this information within 14 days—with proof of mailing. Tenants and landlords share responsibilities for maintaining the property, and 24-hour notice must be given before entry.
Weather Damage and Unique Clauses
Because of its climate, Guam includes requirements around windstorm damage—specifically, landlords must respond to weatherhead damage caused by winds over 40 mph. There are also rules around fire and casualty damage and what happens when landlords can’t deliver possession due to unforeseen circumstances. One thing I found interesting: if a landlord withholds a security deposit without justification, courts may award the tenant up to three times the withheld amount. Landlords—don’t mess this one up.
Abandonment Procedures and Tenant Property
If tenants leave items behind, Guam allows landlords to sell or donate the belongings—but only after following specific steps. The landlord must first notify the tenant, itemize the property, and wait at least 15 days after the notice is mailed. Any proceeds after costs must be held in trust for 30 days before the landlord can keep them. These guidelines mirror other U.S. locations, but they must be followed carefully to avoid legal issues.
Where to Get Help in Guam
Guam has fewer resources than most places, but three key websites can help: the Guam Real Estate Commission, the government legal code at guamcourts.org, and the Guam Housing Authority (guamha.org). The latter includes landlord forms, FAQs, and listings—even though it’s primarily for public housing, it’s a great starting point. If you need more guidance, reach out directly—they’re used to handling inquiries in such a small jurisdiction. I recorded this episode in Maui, Hawaii. Why? Because real estate takes you places. Where do you want real estate to take you?
Join me next time in Episode 151, where I sit down with fellow Toastmasters for a roundtable on awkward rental conversations. I’ll see you there!