House prices are rising, with a 9.5 percent increase over the last year. As the housing market reaches new levels, more and more investors are turning to rental properties as solid investments. It’s a great way to make a revenue stream that can grow over time.
However, it’s essential to know what you’re getting into. Before you purchase a rental property, you must understand a landlord’s primary responsibilities. Knowing what to expect allows you to avoid any surprises down the road. So what exactly do you need to do as a landlord?
Ensure property security
The first and most important responsibility of any landlord is to ensure the security of their tenants. Especially today, crime rates have gone up in many areas. As a landlord, you must do everything in your power to protect your tenants. That means taking steps to provide an environment where every occupant feels safe.
Investing in security features such as an alarm system, security cameras, and well-lit parking areas can help to deter crime. You should also have a clear policy in place for handling trespassers. By law, you must provide your tenants with a written notice that specifies the procedures for handling unwanted visitors.
When proactive about security, you can create a safe living space and avoid potential liability issues. This way, everyone can feel comfortable and secure in their homes.
Maintain the property
Another critical responsibility of landlords is to maintain the property. After all, you want your investment to hold its value over time. That’s why keeping up with necessary repairs and general upkeep is essential.
Routine safety inspection and maintenance can help avoid potential accidents and costly damages. For example, checking the smoke detectors monthly, inspecting the electrical wiring, and ensuring there’s no water damage helps protect your property—and your tenants.
It’s also essential to handle repairs promptly. The last thing you want is for your tenants to live in an unsafe or unhealthy environment. Not only is it a legal liability, but it can also lead to bad reviews—and eventually, vacancy.
You can keep your property in top condition by working with a reliable handyman and renovation company. In doing so, you can focus on other aspects of being a landlord while ensuring that your investment is well-cared for.
Collect rent
Of course, one of the landlords’ most significant responsibilities is collecting rent from their tenants. This task can be as simple as setting up an autopay system or requiring that tenants drop off rent checks on a specific date of every month.
You may also want to consider using a software system to track payments. This way, you can easily keep tabs on when rent is due and follow up with tenants who are late. By doing so, you can avoid any potential issues and maintain a good relationship with your tenants.
You can further streamline your rent collection process by seeking the help of a property management company. They can handle all the details for you, from collecting rent to dealing with late payments. Thus, easing some burdens and giving you peace of mind.
Screening tenants
Every landlord knows that not all tenants are created equal. While some will take care of your property as if it were their own, others will cause damage and create havoc. That’s why screening potential tenants is essential to being a landlord.
The screening process allows you to weed out applicants who may not be the best fit for your property. You can conduct background checks, confirm employment, and review their rental history. Doing so can increase the chances of having responsible and respectful tenants.
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to find tenants that you can trust. Screening potential applicants is the best way to do that.
Providing customer service
Landlords must provide excellent customer service to their tenants. Besides, they are your customers, and you want them to be happy in their homes.
You can provide excellent customer service by responding to maintenance requests promptly, being available when tenants need you, and resolving conflict fairly. It’s a landlord’s responsibility to ensure their tenants are comfortable in their homes.
You can create a good relationship with your tenants by providing excellent customer service. And who knows, you might even make some lifelong friends. So, don’t forget to be available when your tenants need you.
There you have it—a few of the most critical responsibilities of a landlord. By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re providing your tenants with their ideal place to call home. And, you can avoid any potential legal issues down the road. What’s not to love about that?
