Things You’ll Need to Know about Managing Rental Properties

Discover essential tips and insights for managing rental properties effectively. Learn about key responsibilities, maintenance, tenant relations, and legal considerations to ensure smooth operations.

Managing rental properties is really important when it comes to real estate. It helps property owners make money and avoid problems. This includes things like finding tenants, collecting rent, and keeping the property in good shape. 

We’ve listed a few ways how you can learn about managing rental properties for an amazing tenant experience. 

managing rental properties

What Do You Mean by Managing Rental Properties?

Managing rental properties means looking after houses or apartments that people rent to live in. It involves a bunch of tasks to keep everything running smoothly. For example, it’s about finding good tenants to live in the property, making sure they pay rent on time, fixing anything that breaks in the house, and being there to help if the tenants have any problems. 

Let’s say you own a small apartment building. Managing rental properties would include things like advertising vacant apartments, showing them to potential tenants, screening applicants to make sure they’re reliable, signing leases with tenants, collecting monthly rent, arranging for repairs if something goes wrong, and handling any complaints or issues the tenants might have.

What Is Involved in It?

Whether you want to:

  1. Take care of your rental property management tips by yourself, or
  2. You’re a property manager handling your first property and want to improve your process

The basics of managing rental properties are the same. There are mainly 4 things you need to focus on:

  • Finding tenants
  • Taking care of those tenants
  • Looking after the property (like fixing things and keeping it in good shape)
  • Managing the money and paperwork for the property

4 Key Responsibilities When Managing Rental Properties

Handshake over a rental agreement

Managing rental properties involves more than just collecting rent every month. Here are four important things to do:

Finding good tenants

It’s important to pick the right people to live in your rental. Bad tenants can cause problems like not paying rent on time or damaging the property. Screening tenants before they move in helps avoid these issues. This includes checking their rental history, credit score, and income to make sure they can afford the rent. Once tenants are approved, it’s important to stay in touch with them, listen to their concerns, and fix any maintenance problems quickly. It’s necessary to follow up as part of managing rental properties. 

Taking care of the property

Before renting out the home, make sure it meets safety standards and do a thorough inspection. After tenants move out, assess any damage and decide if upgrades are needed to attract new renters. This might include painting, updating appliances, or improving the landscaping. This is an example of what you should do when you are managing rental properties.

Hands protecting a small house model
Handling paperwork and money

Provide tenants with a clear lease agreement that spells out the rent amount, payment method, security deposit, and rental terms. By managing rental properties you can easily set up an easy online payment system that can collect rent. You’ll also need to manage taxes and other financial obligations, which might require help from an accountant.

Money and house plans on a table
Knowing landlord-tenant laws

Each state and city has its own rules for landlords and tenants. These laws cover things like rent control, notice requirements for ending a lease, and security deposit regulations. It’s important to know and follow these laws to avoid legal issues.

Hiring a Property Manager

Many property owners hire a property manager or management firm like ourvillas to handle the work involved in renting out their property. This approach has many benefits, with expertise being the main one. Property managers are experts in dealing with tenants and understanding local laws. For new or busy property owners, a good property manager can make managing rental properties much simpler.

Person using a calculator with rental agreement papers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find good tenants for my rental property?

To find good tenants, you can advertise your property online, host open houses, and allow online applications. It’s important to screen tenants by checking their rental history, credit score, and income to ensure they can afford the rent and will take care of the property.

What should I do if my tenant is not paying rent on time?

If your tenant is not paying rent on time, communicate with them to understand the situation. You can offer payment plans or consider eviction as a last resort if the issue persists. It’s important to follow the legal process for eviction in your area.

What financial responsibilities do I have as a rental property owner?

As a rental property owner, you are responsible for collecting rent, paying property taxes, and maintaining financial records. You may also need to budget for expenses such as insurance, repairs, and property management fees.

What are my legal obligations as a landlord?

Your legal obligations as a landlord include providing a safe and habitable living environment for your tenants, following fair housing laws, and adhering to local landlord-tenant regulations. It’s important to understand and comply with these laws to avoid legal issues and protect both yourself and your tenants.