Skip to Content

Landlord Lessons: Tackling 5 Common Obstacles for Beginners

Frustrated Mature Man Working on ComputerInvesting in Burleson rental properties is an excellent method to amass wealth. However, even if this is your first experience as a landlord, you likely already know that rental property owners frequently face challenges. It’s certain that there will be unexpected repairs, property damage, and late rent payments. Tenant screening and careful planning can help prevent some difficulties, but they can still arise. You can be better equipped to deal with problems by being aware of the five most typical ones a new landlord encounters.

Rent Collection Challenges

Your tenants may pay their rent late or sometimes not at all. Your lease documents must include information about late fines, but charging and collecting those penalties can be difficult. Your rental property may soon become a major cash drain due to the loss of income caused by late or missed rent payments. This is especially true because, if necessary, the eviction process can take between one and three months.

An extensive tenant screening procedure is the best method to prevent such issues. Verify each applicant’s references, credit history, and background. Establishing an online payment option is an additional strategy for encouraging on-time rental payments. Online bill payment is convenient for tenants, and you can frequently get your money sooner.

Managing Property Vacancies

Your income as a property owner depends on usage. This can rapidly become an expensive issue if your rental property sits vacant for months. In order to balance your cash flows, you may even make poor decisions or rent to tenants who do not qualify. If finding tenants has become difficult, it is essential to double-check everything, from the rental rate to the advertising.

The rental rate should be based on a thorough analysis of the local market. If your rates are too excessive, you may experience longer vacancies. Similarly, you must ensure that your advertising reaches the demographic of renters that you wish to attract. Today, you must advertise your rental property online and on social media, as well as in other suitable locations.

Minimizing Tenant Departures

a high turnover can also be a costly issue. Every time you need to identify and vet a new tenant, you’re losing money rather than making it. If you are a new proprietor and your tenants continue to leave, you should conduct an investigation. While a high turnover rate may be a result of external factors like the neighborhood market or economy, in some circumstances, your tenants may move for reasons that are a touch closer to home. If you haven’t already, make sure your rental property is in good shape and that you consistently perform the required upkeep and repairs. Another smart move is to increase communication with your tenants. Positive contacts with tenants on a regular basis can have a big impact on tenant retention and make them more likely to disclose their reasons for leaving. At that point, you may deal with the problem head-on.

Legal Obligations for Landlords

You must abide by both state and local rules when running a rental property as a landlord. Inadvertently breaking tenant-landlord laws can make this a difficult task, though.

To avoid legal trouble, it is necessary to have a comprehensive understanding of the federal Fair Housing Act and local regulations. With the right information and experience, a mistake may have been prevented from becoming a costly legal snafu.

Mastering Property Upkeep

It might take a lot of time and effort to manage keeping up with property maintenance. This is due to the fact that property maintenance involves both routine and individualized repairs. In order to avoid losing your tenant, you must have a strategy in place if you intend to handle all property upkeep yourself. Spend some time creating a timetable for annual property upkeep if you’re just starting off. If necessary, get more information on how to complete each property maintenance work as completely as feasible.

A property management business could be able to help you out if you’re feeling overburdened. A professional management company can frequently execute routine upkeep and repairs for much less than you can because of their connections with neighborhood service providers. In either case, excellent property maintenance can help you avoid the need for more significant and costly repairs.

Real Property Management Trailhead is prepared to help you generate passive income and achieve financial independence through real estate investments in Burleson and the surrounding area. Our experts can provide knowledgeable and approachable guidance on property management and real estate investment issues. Contact us online or call us at 817-930-1160.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.

The Neighborly Done Right Promise

The Neighborly Done Right Promise ® delivered by Real Property Management, a proud Neighborly company

When it comes to finding the right property manager for your investment property, you want to know that they stand behind their work and get the job done right – the first time. At Real Property Management we have the expertise, technology, and systems to manage your property the right way. We work hard to optimize your return on investment while preserving your asset and giving you peace of mind. Our highly trained and skilled team works hard so you can be sure your property's management will be Done Right.

Canada excluded. Services performed by independently owned and operated franchises.

See Full Details