Episode 32: Top 10 Mistakes Made by Landlords

Being a landlord may sound simple, but there is more to it than just running an ad, getting a great tenant and collecting a monthly check. So, what are the financial, legal and ethical obligations around managing a rental property? And how can you avoid the most common mistakes landlords make?

Today on Property Management Brainstorm, Bob is flying solo to walk us through the top ten mistakes made by landlords. He explains why it’s crucial to view your rental property as a business, understand the financial implications of renting your property, and maintain adequate records.

Bob discusses a landlord’s responsibilities around legal compliance, deferred maintenance and proper insurance and shares how to set a realistic rent rate, market your property and respond to inquiries. Listen in for insight on establishing a consistent tenant screening process and weigh the pros and cons of self-managing your rental versus hiring a property manager.

Topics Covered

[2:27] Bob’s 20 years of experience consulting with prospective and existing landlords  

[3:19] Why it’s crucial to view your rental property as a business + what questions to ask yourself before becoming a landlord 

[4:34] Understanding the financial implications of owning a rental property

[5:20] A landlord’s responsibilities around federal, state and local legal compliance

[6:23] Maintaining adequate documentation and record keeping

[8:23] The two types of insurance policies required for a rental property

[11:13] How to set a realistic rent rate for your property

[12:45] Marketing a rental property + responding to inquiries

[14:08] Establishing a consistent tenant screening process

[15:38] Bob’s advice on having a sufficient lease agreement 

[16:28] Responding to tenant requests and setting aside reserves for deferred maintenance

[17:49] The pros and cons of self-managing a rental vs. hiring a property manager

Connect with Bob

North County Property Group

Email [email protected] 

Resources

Episode Transcript

California Civil Code: Hiring of Real Property

US Fair Housing Code

Connect with Bob Preston
https://www.propertymanagementbrainstorm.com/

This episode is always available for listening, sharing, or download at Property Management Brainstorm. Subscribe to Property Management Brainstorm on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn, iHeart Radio and YouTube.