Are you a landlord looking to self-manage your long-term or short-term rental (STR) property? Self-management may sound intimidating, but with the right knowledge and strategies, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
This blog post will reveal the 10 must-have steps needed to self-manage your rental property like an expert. From understanding your responsibilities as a landlord to maintaining records of all self-managed transactions, we’ll cover all you need to know for successful self-management.
1. Understand Your Responsibilities as a Landlord
As a landlord, your responsibilities go beyond just collecting rent. You must ensure your property meets safety standards and complies with building codes. You must also properly handle tenant complaints and maintain regular repairs to keep your property in good condition.
2. Research Local Rental Laws and Best Practices
Rental laws vary from state to state, so it’s important to understand the local regulations regarding renting out property. Researching local laws and best practices can help avoid legal disputes with tenants.
If a landlord is found to violate state or federal landlord-tenant laws, they can face stiff penalties, including large fines and even jail time. A tenant may also bring a civil lawsuit against their landlord if they feel their rights are violated.
3. Secure Landlord Insurance
Homeowners insurance and landlord insurance are two different types of insurance policies that provide coverage for different types of properties. Homeowners insurance is designed to protect the homeowner’s primary residence from damages caused by natural disasters like fire, theft, vandalism, and other unexpected events that may cause damage to the property.
Meanwhile, landlord insurance protects rental properties owned by landlords, such as apartments or rental homes, from damages caused by tenants or natural disasters. This insurance policy generally covers damage to the structure itself and personal property belonging to the landlord that is kept on the property. Also, landlord insurance may provide coverage for lost rental income if the property becomes uninhabitable due to a covered loss.
4. Create an Effective Marketing Plan to Find Tenants
A solid marketing strategy can help you find reliable renters quickly. Use strategies like targeted advertising, high-quality photos, and well-crafted property descriptions to attract potential tenants.
Popular websites for rental property listings include Zillow, Trulia, HotPads, Craigslist, and Rent.com. You can also advertise on Facebook Marketplace, in local newspapers and magazines, or through word-of-mouth. Consider investing in pay-per-click advertising to get your listing out there quickly.
5. Determine Appropriate Rents for your Location
Accurately pricing your rental property is crucial for finding tenants and maintaining a steady revenue stream. Do some research in your area to understand the pricing trends for properties similar to yours to ensure you aren’t over or underpricing your property. The Zillow Rent Estimate Calculator can be a good tool for landlords.
6. Draft a Comprehensive Lease Agreement
A well-written lease agreement can help prevent misunderstandings and disputes between you and your tenants. Your lease agreement should outline the lease terms, detailing items like rent due dates, security deposit requirements, and rules related to the property’s condition.
7. Screen Prospective Tenants Thoroughly
Due diligence in the tenant-screening process can ensure that you rent to reliable tenants with a solid rental history. Conduct a comprehensive background check, verify credit history and employment status, and check references to protect yourself from potential problems down the line.
8. Manage Rent Collection Efficiently
Rent collection is a critical part of self-managing your property. Establishing clear procedures for rent payments, following up immediately on missed payments, and having a system in place for late fees can help streamline this process and ensure regular payments, which is especially important in a period of declining rents.
9. Execute Regular Property Maintenance & Repairs
Maintaining your property should be a top priority to keep your tenants happy and your property in good condition. Establishing routine checks and regular maintenance tasks will help you catch issues early before they become costly repairs.
10. Maintain Records of Your Self-Managed Property Transactions
Keeping meticulous records of your financial transactions related to your rental property can help you track income and expenses, stay organized for tax purposes, and accurately assess the profitability of your property. Keep track of expenses like maintenance and repairs, insurance payments, and any costs related to advertising or finding new tenants.
Closing Thoughts
Self-managing rental property can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s important to go in prepared and knowledgeable. With the right strategies and steps, self-management is totally doable. From understanding your responsibilities as a landlord to screening tenants thoroughly, these 10 must-have steps will help you self-manage your rental property like an expert. So take advantage of this guide, and get ready for success!
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Content created by J. Scott Digital freelance copywriting services. Featured photo by Viacheslav Bublyk on Unsplash.
