Property investment is a very lucrative business adventure. It is a great way to generate more income and grow your wallet. However, self-managing rental property often requires serious commitment and responsibilities. You cannot achieve success without facing some challenges. In order to become a successful landlord, you need to know the secrets of property management. Here in this write-up, we will discuss some of the important tips on how you can become a successful landlord.
Treat your rental property like a business
One of the most important things to become a successful landlord is to treat your rental property like a business. This means that you must put in place all necessary facilities that will make your property look attractive to your potential tenants. Also, everything about the property must be properly documented. For example, the date of last renovation and the receipts of all the materials used must be kept for record purpose.
Ensure you have a good lease or rental agreement
In addition, it is a must you have a well written rental or lease agreement. The agreement must clearly states the rights and responsibilities of both the landlord and the tenant. There should also be provision for the conditions of lease termination in the agreement. All these will save you from any legal problem that may arise in the future. You can hire a real estate attorney to draft a good lease or rental agreement for you.
Choose the right rental price
It is also important to choose the right price for your rental property. It shouldn’t be that because you want to maximize your income and scare tenant away with high price. The beauty of rental property is to be occupied by trustworthy tenants. You can determine the right price for your property by finding out the rent for similar structure in your community. Other factors that may also affect the price of rent are the location of property, number of rooms and available facilities.
Screen your potential tenants
Furthermore, to successfully manage your rental property, you need to screen potential tenants to ensure you’re renting to the right person. This is one of the biggest mistakes usually made by landlords. You need to conduct both credit and rental history checks on your prospective tenants. By screening your tenants, you would be able to make smart and informed decisions. You will be to predict the tenant’s future bill-paying behaviors or if the tenant would be able to maintain the property. Doing this will save you a lot of emotional and financial stress.
Carry-out regular maintenance on your property
One of the responsibilities of the landlord is to keep with property maintenance. It is legal bound on the property owner to carry-out routine or seasonal maintenance. You have to ensure the property is safe and habitable for your tenants. It is also part of your responsibilities to respond to repair calls and tenant complaints.
Insure your rental property
It is very important for you to insure your property and also have rental insurance. There are insurance policies designed for property owners to provide protection from unforeseen loss. Rental insurance covers damages and liabilities associated with tenant-occupied property. You need to protect your property from unexpected losses such as fire incidents or lawsuit. It is also important for you to set aside money for repairs that may be not covered in the insurance.
Become acquainted with Landlord-tenant laws
Familiarize yourself with the established landlord-tenant laws. These laws are established to protect the interest of both the landlord and the tenant. Having knowledge of the law will enable you to know your rights and responsibilities and that of the tenant.
Finally, if you want to capitalize and enjoy your rental income without going through the stress of attending to tenants complaints or late rental payments. The best thing you can do is to hire an experience property manager. We at Los Angeles Property Management Group will professionally handle all your rental management duties. Contact us now at lapmg.com for all your property management solutions.