As a new landlord, effectively managing your rental properties is critical to success. There are a number of important lessons and tips that can help ensure your properties are properly maintained, tenants are happy, and you achieve an excellent return on investment. Here are the top 10 property management tips for new landlords:
Screen tenants thoroughly. Conducting a deep background, credit, rental history and employment check on any prospective tenant is essential. Only approve tenants that seem primed to be long-term, responsible rentpayers. Screening helps minimize the risk of bad debt loss.
Set fair but firm house rules. Establish clear rules around things like noise, guests, parking, pet policies, maintenance requests, payment terms, and move in/out procedures. Be flexible when reasonable but enforce rules consistently to prevent confusion.
Handle repairs and maintenance promptly. Address any maintenance issues quickly to prevent further damage or costly repairs down the road. This includes things like leaky faucets, faulty HVAC systems, clogged drains, roof leaks, etc. Preventative maintenance also helps preserve the value and appeal of a property.
Set appropriate policies on rent payments. Decide whether to require payments be made online, in person, via automatic withdrawl, or other methods. Late fees and grace periods should also be specified to avoid confusion or disputes later on. Put all terms in writing for tenant reference.
Hold a move-in walkthrough. Conduct a walkthrough of the rental with new tenants before move-in to document the condition of the property. Get tenant signatures on the walkthrough report to avoid potential disputes over security deposits later. Note any existing damages discovered during the walkthrough.
Perform regular property inspections. Conduct routine inspections every 3-6 months to check for any needed repairs, policy violations, unacceptable damage or pest issues. Provide advance notice of inspections and request access at that appointed time. Issue warnings or violations promptly.
Charge fair and justified rent increases. When determining if a rent increase is reasonable, evaluate current local market rents for comparable properties, the condition of the rental, condition of furnishings, recent repairs, and a tenant’s payment history. Increase rent gradually and give advance notice.
Screen rental applications carefully. Check rental applicant income requirements, credit scores, references, rental history, evictions, judgments etc. to determine if they qualify. Reject applicants that seem like risky tenants with a higher probability of causing damage, excessive noise or failure to pay rent.
Handle security deposits and move outs properly. Conduct another walkthrough with moving tenants to document the condition of the unit. Get signatures on the final walkthrough report to determine if any deductions from the security deposit are justified for damages beyond normal wear and tear. Follow laws carefully regarding security deposit return timelines.
Stay up to date with laws and regulations. The laws surrounding rental laws, evictions, fair housing, security deposits and property maintenance are constantly evolving. Make sure you understand and comply with current fair housing laws, renters’ rights, security deposit laws, and building codes to avoid legal and financial issues.
Following these essential property management tips and best practices can help ensure your properties remain profitable, tenant issues are minimized and your investment objectives are achieved. Never stop learning key skills surrounding tenant screening, maintenance, lease terms, security deposits and regulations. Effective property management does not happen by chance for successful landlords. With hard work and a commitment to excellence, you’ll be managing your properties at an optimal level in no time.