Landlord Responsibilities: The Do’s and Don’ts

If you’re trying to be a great landlord and keep your property profitable, you’re not alone. Owning a rental property means handling landlord responsibilities like managing tenants and many other tasks, so it’s important to do everything the right way.

Don’t worry, we’re here to help you with the dos and don’ts of being a landlord. We’ll share tips on finding good tenants, and taking care of maintenance.

What Is a Landlord & Why?

Landlord best practices are assigned to someone who owns a property and rents it out to others, called tenants, in exchange for payment, typically in the form of rent. Landlords can be individuals, companies, or organisations.

People become landlords for various reasons:

• Investment: Some people buy properties as an investment to generate rental income and potentially increase their wealth over time through property appreciation.

• Income: Renting out property can provide a steady stream of income, which can supplement other sources of income or serve as the primary source of livelihood for the landlord.

• Using Existing Property: Some individuals may inherit or acquire property they don’t personally need or use, so they choose to rent it out naturally, adapting to landlord responsibilities who will make use of the home.

• Business Venture: For some, being a landlord is a business opportunity. They may purchase multiple properties to rent out as a way to build a business and generate profits.

• Tax Benefits: There can be tax advantages to owning and renting out property, such as deductions for mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation.

Do’s as a Landlord Responsibilities

Here are some landlords tips and mistakes to be successful in renting out their properties while adhering to landlord responsibilities:

Screen Tenants

Before letting someone rent your property, make sure to check their background. This means looking into their renting history, job stability, and whether they pay their bills on time. You can use free or paid tools to do this. 

Some landlords are strict and don’t rent to people with a history of late payments or evictions, while others are more forgiving. It’s your choice, but always follow the rules and screen tenants properly to get good ones and learn landlord responsibilities.

Consider a Property Manager

You can’t refuse to rent to someone because of their religion or other reasons protected by law. Breaking these rules can lead to expensive lawsuits. Also, know the process for evicting bad tenants if needed. Consider working with a property manager or lawyer who knows about landlord responsibilities.

Stick to Your Agreements

Always keep your promises and follow your rental policies. Make sure your tenants know when rent is due and what their rights are while fulfilling your landlord responsibilities.

Keep Your Property Safe

Regularly check your property to make sure it’s safe for tenants. Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors as required by law. Make sure the building’s infrastructure, plumbing, and heating systems are in good condition. Get rid of pests and mould if they’re present. Consider getting renters insurance to fulfil your landlord responsibilities.

Respect Tenant Privacy

Keep your tenants’ information private and only enter their property for valid reasons, like emergencies or repairs. Make sure to let them know before you visit. Respect their privacy and communicate with them in a way that works for them, whether it’s by phone or email while doing your landlord’s responsibilities.

Make Your Tenants Feel at Home

Allow tenants to make minor improvements to the property, like painting or adding hardware. This makes them feel more comfortable and likely to stay longer while fulfilling your landlord’s responsibilities.

Consider Pet Rules

Decide if you’ll allow pets and if so, what kind and under what conditions. You might allow certain breeds or sizes of dogs and require a pet deposit or fee. Be clear about your pet policy to avoid misunderstandings.

Don’ts as First-Time Landlords

Here’s a simple list of landlord tips and mistakes that should be avoided:

Don’t Rent to Family or Friends

It’s best not to rent your place to people you know well because it can cause problems. They might ask for special treatment or not pay the full rent on time, which can hurt your profits.

Don’t Become Your Tenant’s Friend

It’s okay to be friendly with your tenants, but don’t become close friends. When you’re too friendly, tenants might expect favours, and it can lead to problems and hinder a landlord’s responsibilities.

Don’t Own Property in Your Name

If you have many properties, it’s better not to own them all in your name. This way, if something goes wrong, you won’t be personally blamed.

Don’t Chase Security Deposit

Don’t keep asking tenants for their security deposit or rent money. Make sure they pay these before moving in, and have a clear system for collecting rent to avoid problems later.

Don’t Do Repairs 

As a landlord, responsibilities to keep the property safe, but don’t try to fix things yourself if you’re not qualified. It’s safer and smarter to hire professionals for repairs, especially for things like plumbing or electricity.

Don’t Invest All of Your Time

You might want to spend all your time managing your properties as landlord responsibilities, but it’s not necessary. If you’ve done your job well, you can relax a bit. Consider hiring a property management firm if you need help, and encourage tenants to contact you by email for non-emergencies.

Learn more about Tips for First-Time Landlords

Landlords are bound to make mistakes. But it’s better to know the tips for first-time landlords before renting your property to tenants. It will save you from making costly mistakes. You can also consult ourvillas or attorneys to know about the do’s and don’ts of a landlord in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions