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Property Management & Real Estate: A Quick Guide

Whether you’re looking to rent out your house or apartment, you could use some professional help. Should you call a real estate agency or a company that specializes in property management? If you’re living in San Diego, California, you can easily find a number of reliable experts nearby. 

However, there can still be some misconceptions about what comprises real estate versus managing a property. While there’s indeed some overlap, as both professions work in the realm of housing, real estate agents and property managers occupy two separate niches in the industry. Let’s explore how these differences reflect on your situation. 

 

What is the difference between real estate and property management?

There’s a clear way to make this distinction. The main question is whether you’re looking to list your property for sale or to rent it out. 

The real estate industry is a transactional business that is primarily concerned with selling and purchasing assets. It’s all about helping homeowners and other investors sell their apartments, houses or other real estate assets. A realtor should be in tune with the market trends and availability of attractive properties across communities. 

Real estate agents should also have a list of useful contacts, such as quality contractors, lenders, and appraisers. When you’re looking to sell your property for the best price, a realtor can help you with some staging, making it more appealing to prospective buyers. Investors in the industry also look for real estate agents if they wish to quickly resell the newly purchased asset. 

On the other hand, a property manager will tackle all maintenance and administrative aspects of a rental property. In comparison with real estate, it’s a contractual business, as a manager will collect a percentage of the monthly rent in exchange for services. The duties of the manager involve:

  • Regular maintenance and upkeep, 
  • Emergency repairs and mitigation,
  • Marketing vacant units to prospective tenants,
  • Tenant complaints and claims,
  • Drawing up lease agreements,
  • Evictions, if necessary.

Another important difference between these two niches of the industry lies in the stability of the market. While the real estate market may fluctuate, with values going up and down, managing rental property is more resilient to changing trends. 

Can a realtor act as a property manager, and vice versa? 

Some real estate agents might offer to manage your property as a secondary service. The purpose of this is to rent out the property until a viable buyer appears. On the other hand, managers are entirely focused on maintaining your rental property, and fulfilling all the contractual obligations.

Usually, the person handling a portfolio of various rentals won’t have the time to stage your house or market it to buyers. You could ask for some connections or ask your manager to fill out the vacancy until you find a buyer.   

Bottom line

Whether you’re looking to sell or rent your property, having qualified experts in your corner is a must. Keep in mind that quality management is good for your investment in the long run. A well maintained house or apartment can lead to a better pay-off if you decide to sell one day.

What’s more, when you can’t find a way to sell your property for the desired price, there’s no need to wait for the real estate market to recover.  In addition, a seasoned professional can mitigate a number of risks even before problems occur. 

Who can I hire for reliable property management in San Diego, California and beyond? 

With many years of experience in the industry, Lofty Property Management is your safest choice. Be your rental around Balboa Park or anywhere else in San Diego and the vicinity, you can rely on qualified and hard-working professionals to handle all administrative and maintenance tasks, and collect the rent for you.

We can connect you with trustworthy tenants, run background checks, conduct regular check-ups and all other steps to keep your property in good shape. Call us today to get a free estimate and find out more about us!

Successful Landlord-Tenant Relationships: All You Need to Know

Maintaining a good relationship with your tenants shouldn’t be difficult, but you will occasionally run into problems. Like any relationship, for the one between landlords and tenants to be successful, both sides have to be willing to do the work. Beforehand, renters will do their due diligence to avoid complications with their landlords. Property managers will do their part and thoroughly screen tenant candidates.

No matter if you’re handling managerial duties on your own or planning to outsource them to one of the reputable property management companies in La Jolla Farms, keeping a harmonious relationship with your renters will undoubtedly reflect on your business as a whole.

How do you build good relationships with your tenants?

An honest landlord-tenant relationship can benefit all parties. Even though it’s always a two-way street, there are steps a landlord can take to set the foundation for a healthy relationship. 

1. Find reliable tenants

Trying to build a successful relationship with a bad tenant is nearly impossible. Separating the good from the bad takes extra work, and it’s done through rigorous screening. This means checking their credit score, eviction history, previous landlord referrals, and criminal background checks.  

2. Have open communication

Being honest and upfront in any relationship is key to establishing trust. Knowing tenants can rely on you with issues they face while inside your unit goes a long way. Provide your tenants with a phone number or email address to contact you in case of an emergency or a problem. Make an effort to communicate regularly and to check up on them. It reassures your tenants that you are there in case they need something. 

3. Set high standards

Showing professionalism from the beginning sets the tone and the standard in which you aim to maintain the relationship with your tenant. Start off on the right foot by letting them know what your expectations are. Being a firm landlord is good, as long as you’re fair. Make sure your tenants know you hold yourself to the same high standard.

4. Be responsive

Giving your tenants emergency contact info is only half of it. You should also respond as quickly as possible once you receive a maintenance or repair request. Addressing the issue in a timely manner is a sign of reliability, and it’s something tenants always value. One of the ways you can do this is by setting up an online portal where tenants can submit their requests, pay rent online, and a place where you can engage with them.  

5. Maintain the property

Property maintenance is one of the main tasks a landlord is required to provide. Don’t just do the bare minimum. With regular check-ups, you’ll easily spot if there’s anything that requires maintenance. Take the initiative, and don’t wait for the tenant to send you a formal request. 

6. Respect your tenant’s privacy

Your tenants will appreciate you taking a proactive approach, but make sure you respect their privacy in the process. After all, the tenant is paying you to live in the home and is expecting to have privacy guaranteed to homeowners.

Paving the way for property management companies in La Jolla Farms 

If you are looking to outsource and hand over the managing of your property to an expert, we are the leading property management team in San Diego and the region. Encompassing a wide range of services, our seasoned professionals will take care of maintenance, tenant interactions, rent collection, lease renewals, and much more.
Whether your property is located near Black’s Beach or anywhere in the region, we boast a high success rate, as well as a large client base. We’ll also handle your landlord responsibilities in case you manage your property remotely. Reach out to our specialists today!

5 Property Management Tips for Landlords

To reap the benefits of your property rental takes effort and overall good management skills. Becoming a successful landlord means you are putting in the time to meet your financial goals. If you are a new landlord just starting out, property management may be too much to handle all at once. Juggling relationships with tenants, maintaining your property, repairs, and various other issues landlords face on a regular basis may prove to be overwhelming.  

While you may turn to one of the reputable property management companies in La Jolla Shores to take care of your landlord responsibilities, there are ways in which you can improve the managing of your assets and increase your return on investment. 

How do you manage property effectively?

Are you looking for a good starting point for your business venture? These tips can help you improve your property management skillset, protect your investment and build your financial security.

1. Be professional

Professionalism is essential in every role, job, or business. By establishing authority from the get-go, your tenants will know you are dependable and that they should take you seriously. Your goal is to protect your assets, and sending a signal to your tenants that you will not be pushed around will help you in your long-term relationship with them.

Likewise, upholding your end of the agreement and being responsive to issues tenants may face in your unit will solidify your professional approach to property management.

2. Take advantage of the internet

Nowadays, there’s nobody that doesn’t use the internet to grow their business. Whether it’s creating property rental ads, getting in touch with tenants online, or researching ways to develop your business further, the internet provides a vast source of information. Successful landlords utilize the power of the internet. 

One of the most efficient ways to make use of the internet is by purchasing bookkeeping software. These programs help you keep track of rent payments online and communicate with your tenants about their issues, suggestions, and needs.

3. Screening potential candidates

You can’t rent out a property without tenants, but you should never settle for just anyone to rent out your property. To separate the reliable tenants from those who don’t pay their rent on time or maintain the rental, you need to screen your candidates thoroughly. Landlords typically do their diligence by checking the following: 

  • Credit card reports
  • Credit history
  • Criminal background checks
  • Landlord referrals
  • Eviction history

4. Digitize your records

Keeping your records in order is essential to running a smooth operation. For example, if you are ever looking for a maintenance report, run into an issue with a tenant, or need to check the terms of a lease agreement, digitizing all your paperwork will allow for easy access to your records and a swift solution to a problem.

5. Landlord insurance

Landlord insurance protects you as well as your tenants for the duration of the lease. This type of insurance covers damage to the rental, missing belongings, and other such complications. Avoid the potential headache and protect yourself in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Contact one of the most reliable property management companies in La Jolla Shores

Are you a landlord with multiple properties? Whether you are near La Jolla Cove, another nearby neighborhood, or are managing your property remotely, outsourcing your duties might be the right choice for you. Contacting the leading property management team will relieve you of landlord responsibilities and allow you to take advantage of all that property management has to offer.

Lofty Property Management specializes in residential property management, providing a wide array of services, including property marketing, tenant screening, maintenance and repairs, evictions, and more. Get in touch with our experts today!

3 Property Management Problems and Solutions

Most people don’t realize what it takes to manage a property efficiently and successfully. Property managers will confirm it’s one of the most demanding jobs out there. The challenges landlords face are unpredictable, at times complex, and extremely unnerving. To properly navigate the intricacies of property management, you must have a wide-ranging skill set. From social skills when dealing with tenants, repairs and maintenance to business strategy and marketing.

Turning to one of the leading property management companies in La Jolla Village may be the solution to all your problems. Below you’ll find the most common property management issues landlords face and tips on how to solve them.

What problems do property managers face? 

Owning rental property is highly rewarding, as it offers steady income, numerous tax deductions, and long-term security. Like all things, these benefits come at a cost. Property management is grueling work, and a problem is always waiting around the corner. 

1. Unforeseen maintenance 

Your property maintenance is an ongoing process, but extra and out-of-the-blue maintenance issues present a constant danger. These problems can be quite costly and can do serious damage to your budget if you are not prepared. To avoid this, create a maintenance plan in the form of an emergency budget. You’ll never be able to predict when such an issue will arise, but you’ll be prepared for it when it does happen.

2. Tenant issues and complaints

Dealing with tenants and their problems comes with the territory. The issue of rent and its payment is one of the most common problems facing property managers. Being able to navigate excuses as to why the rent is late and actually solving the problem takes a good amount of patience and social skills.

Tenant complaints come in all forms, ranging from disputes with nearby tenants to those concerning unit repairs. Sometimes these issues are minuscule and can get sorted out quickly. However, most tenant complaints are to do with repairs in the unit. 

Screening tenants beforehand and setting up a remote property management portal where you can communicate will help form an honest and trustworthy landlord-tenant relationship. A property manager knows that personal connection and transparency are key to a successful solution.

3. Time management

Finding the time to take care of your property management duties can prove to be undoable, especially if you own multiple units. You run the risk of neglecting your responsibilities, and subsequently, your property. This produces an avalanche of problems that will result in loss of profit, unsatisfied tenants and take a toll on your overall efficiency.

Luckily, today’s technology offers many apps and programs created with the primary purpose of maximizing efficiency and optimizing a property manager’s time. Sharing information and connection between landlords, tenants, maintenance specialists, along with reminder alerts, can transform your property management into a smooth and seamless operation.

Put your trust in one of the best property management companies in La Jolla Village & the area

As a landlord with multiple units and tenants, your main objective should be to increase your profits with as little hassle as humanly possible. With a little help from the most reputable property management company in La Jolla Village, you’ll soon be relaxing and enjoying all that La Jolla Village has to offer.

Lofty Property Management boasts a team of highly skilled professionals who are on standby around the clock. Your residential property, be it a condo, townhouse, or a single-family home, is in safe hands.

Find out why we are the most efficient and reputable property management company in San Diego and the region. Give us a call today to set up an appointment!

5 Tips on Finding a Good Renter

No matter if you’re a seasoned landlord or just starting in the business, your main goal is always to keep good and quality tenants on your property. Renting your property to trusted tenants makes your life more manageable long term, and a good rapport with your renters offers just that. This is precisely why the top companies in La Jolla provide property management services that put emphasis on tenants that take the financial and time pressures off of the landlord. 

Finding a reliable tenant takes time, effort, and not to mention money. With a bit of help and some great advice, you’ll go a long way in finding the right candidate for your rental property. 

How to attract the right tenant?

It goes without saying that landlords look for high quality tenants when renting out their property. The right tenant makes things easier for you as a landlord. Choosing the right property management company does the heavy lifting for you when finding the right candidate to be your tenant. Here are five tips how to attract the best tenants:

1. Location 

A top priority and ultimately deciding factor that the tenants look for when picking their rental property is a good location. What defines a good location may vary depending on the tenant. Still, there are universal factors that are proven to be deciding when tenants pick their rental property.

  • Safe and secure neighborhood
  • Within reach of a good school
  • Close proximity to entertainment venues
  • Short commute to the workplace

A veteran landlord knows their rental area like the back of their hand. Get to know your rental location’s many perks, from playground and dog parks to trendy cafes and local barbershops. These are all great selling points, as potential renters are sure to appreciate valuable information about their future neighborhood.

2. Screen tenants

Even though this seems like standard procedure, many landlords brush over this step. Screening tenants is often overlooked and should never be taken lightly. Be sure to check up on your potential tenants, their credit score, background checks, as well as income, and, if available, referrals. Screening your candidates will help narrow your list of suitable renters, allowing you to pick the right tenant more easily. 

3. Features that tenants look for

Make your property more distinguishable from similar properties in the neighborhood by having amenities and add-ons to the property. The features will increase your rental potential and broaden your property’s appeal. Such features are:

  • Modern kitchen with quality appliances 
  • Extra storage space
  • Attractive bathroom
  • Air conditioning in multiple rooms

With some extra features and a few smart investments, your property will increase its quality and value in the long term.

4. Professional advertising

Mixing old school advertising with a high-tech approach is one of the best ways to reach your target tenants. Advertising on the internet is mandatory. Hire a professional photographer that works in real estate and knows their way around a property and how to make great photos. For bigger homes, consider hiring a drone photographer that will highlight the various features of the property. The design and overall look of your ad will make your rental stand out.

5. Communication

Renters want to feel welcome and that they can rely on their landlord. Flexibility and communication are essential in a smooth and harmonious relationship between the property owner and the tenant. Make yourself available and easily reachable to ensure the tenant feels relaxed and comfortable if a problem arises.

Where can I find a dependable company that offers La Jolla’s expert property management services?

Reap all the benefits our professional property management services have to offer, and enjoy yourself on the surf ride at La Jolla Shores. We’ve got you covered, set up a consultation today!

What to Ask a Property Management Company Pt. 2

The demand for property management companies in San Diego, California is not going to dwindle any time soon. Property managers are there to keep things under control and act in the best interest of tenants, landlords and property owners. At the risk of oversimplifying things: get a property manager, get peace of mind.

As we already discussed, when negotiating with a prospective property manager, you need to inquire about the scope of property management responsibilities

But what else should you ask a potential manager of your most valuable asset? Read on.

What can I expect from a property management company?

You have to do your research carefully before you decide on the property manager or company you will put in charge of looking out for your investment in Mission Hills, San Diego. Below are more essential questions to ask your prospective property management company:

Are you licensed in property management? 

Having a licensed property management company is instrumental in safeguarding you against legal matters and complications. Even if they are not licensed, they should submit another piece of proof that they have extensive industry knowledge and background.

How long have you been in the business?

Long and successful track record and experience in the industry should be an essential requirement, showcasing competence to respond to diverse scenarios.

Do you have any references to show me?

Just like in any other industry, references from past clients are a valuable testament to a company’s credibility and professionalism. 

How many pieces of property do you currently manage?

If your property management company is capable of serving multiple clients simultaneously, they are a good candidate for the management of your property, however big. Being in charge of few clients may be a sign that they lack experience in the business and might not be the most dependable choice for you. Still, in the world of property management, things can become hectic fast, so you want to make sure your manager does not already have their plate full. Remember to ask about the average vacancy time of the properties under their care. Preferably, it should not exceed 2 to 4 weeks.

Do I need to sign a contract?

You would normally need to sign a contract and you should not have it any other way: this is for your legal protection as well as for the protection of the property management company. You can ask to see some sample documents so you can get a better idea of what you are expected to formally agree to.

Examine the contract carefully before you sign it and make sure the stipulations are favorable and that there are no sneaky hidden fees to be on the lookout for. Just to be on the safe side, you might want to have a legal consultant look over the document before you sign. 

Is there a special cancellation policy?

Steer clear from property management companies which ask that you sign a contract without a way out. Make sure the conditions and circumstances under which you are allowed to cancel your contract are clearly defined beforehand. 

Is there a seperate charge for repairs and maintenance?

A part of your property manager’s scope of responsibilities should be to handle the regular maintenance of your property, repairs and emergencies included. Be sure to ask if there is an extra charge for these before you sign anything.

Who handles evictions?

Evictions are, by definition, the worst case scenario. For one thing, quality tenants will never put you in a situation where an eviction is the only remaining resort, and it is the job of a property manager to ensure that you only accept quality tenants who have gone through a detailed screening process. But if an eviction becomes unavoidable, you definitely want the manager to handle it, without any involvement needed on your part.

What is your property management fee?

Some companies will offer a flat monthly fee, while others will offer a fee based on the rent. Find a company that is flexible enough to work out a financial arrangement which works best for you.

Leading the way for property management companies in San Diego, California

Are you licensed for property management

We are here to make sure your property is well taken care of on your behalf. We have a zero-eviction track record which we intend to maintain spotless. Should you ever decide to sell your property, we will also advise you on your best course of action and on the most effective ways to boost the appeal of your property to potential buyers.

Schedule your appointment now and let us know how we can help!

What to Ask a Property Management Company Pt. 1

If you are new to the world of property ownership, property management and rentals in San Diego, you may not realize just how demanding and challenging property management can be. Unless you are willing to start learning the ropes right away in order to make property management your full time job and make yourself available for emergency situations any time of day or night, hiring a property manager is your safest bet. 

You can probably list the most compelling reasons in favor of getting a property manager. But how do you find a property management company you can trust to do an honest job and make decisions in the best interest of your property and your financial future? 

What does full service property management mean?

On its own, the term property management itself is somewhat misleading, as one may assume it consists solely of handling the technical aspect of things such as conducting leasing and managing procedures. In fact, property management requires a more hands-on approach.

Full service property management entails a full scope of services intended to attract quality tenants, ensure the property is maintained in tip-top condition and bring a stable source of revenue to the owner, thereby protecting your investment in the long run. 

If this is what you expect from your property management company, you need to ask the right questions, such as:

What is your full scope of services?

Full service property management includes critical response, such as handling complex repairs, resolving emergency situations and managing forced evictions. It should also cover the legal aspect of things, such as handling leases, keeping up with the latest changes in legal requirements and regulations.

Who is responsible for marketing my property?’

One of the key reasons to get a professional property manager is that they will go above and beyond to promote and market your property to secure top dollar rent.

How will you determine the rent of my property?

A comprehensive property management service should conduct a comparable market analysis and rental analysis to set a realistic rent. The property manager is also responsible for collecting and disbursing rent and making sure the rent is paid on time.

How do you screen potential tenants?

Screening potential tenants and shortlisting the most eligible ones is one of the primary responsibilities of a property manager. And although you want to spare yourself the hassle of worrying about the tenants and leases, you want to have a say in what the tenant policy and lease agreement stipulate in terms of rules that matter to you the most, in accordance with the applicable regulations. 

Will you send me updates on my property?

A responsible property manager will be responsive to you. They should send you regular updates/monthly statements to provide you with an overview of activities done on and in relation to the lease of your property.

How do you find contractors and vendors?

Only strictly vetted contractors and vendors should be entrusted with the maintenance and repairs done on your property. A property manager with an in-depth understanding of real estate investment will never take their chances with amateurs.

Handling property management & rentals in San Diego smoothly

How do you screen potential tenants

If you are looking for a property management service to handle leases and top-notch maintenance, timely inspections and in-depth background checks of prospective tenants, contractors and vendors alike in the heart of San Diego and across the area, you’ve come to the right place. 

At Lofty Property Management, we strive to provide a comprehensive service, including solving emergencies, resolving complaints and handling evictions, move ins & move outs.as and when needed. Protect your largest asset and give yourself peace of mind. We will make sure everything is planned and executed in the best interest of you and your property. Schedule your initial consultation today!

How to Hire a Property Manager

Good things take time. But if you are a property owner or landlord with little time to spare, this is not exactly the type of news you want to hear. Well yes, even the process of hiring a property management company in San Diego, California can be time-consuming but if you want to hire a responsible property manager, the time and effort you put into it will be worth your while and save you time going forward

There are many compelling reasons to hire a property manager. Whether it’s property marketing, scheduling prompt property repairs and timely maintenance, rental analysis, tenant screening or even evictions, your trusted property manager will stay on top of things. But how do you hire a property manager who will do the job diligently?

When do you need a property manager?

Hiring a property manager is a convenient solution. You should definitely consider hiring a property management company if any of the following apply:

  • You are not interested in performing day-to-day hands-on management duties
  • You are not interested in hiring a resident manager and becoming an employer
  • You doubt your ability to handle conflict
  • You already have a day job and landlording isn’t it
  • Your scope of management tasks abruptly got much bigger
  • You are strapped for time
  • You have multiple properties/rental units
  • You life far away from the property
  • You have the means to afford the property management service
  • Your property participates an affordable housing program

How do I choose a property manager?

If you want to make the most out of your property’s potential, you first need to make sure you are surrounded by associates you can trust. Full-service property management takes time, skills and, preferably, experience.  

A competent manager you can trust to manage your property in a responsible manner needs to be responsive to you but at the same time demonstrate self-reliance and independence during the problem-solving and decision-making process pertaining to property management, leases and maintenance. 

Outstanding communication skills are among the key assets of a professional property manager. In their capacity, property managers need to interact and manage relations with tenants, contractors, vendors and prospective investors. 

In order to find a professional property manager to take over the full scope of management services, here is what to pay attention to:

  • Do I need to pay for the initial rental analysis?
  • Will they advertise and market the property using listing services and online tools?
  • How will they find and attract potential tenants?
  • Do they conduct full tenant screening (credit, income, criminal and eviction history)?
  • Does the service cover responding to emergencies and handling evictions?
  • Who coordinates tenants moving in and moving out? 
  • Who is responsible for lease agreements?
  • What does the maintenance aspect of the service involve?
  • Will they address legal issues and ensure compliance?
  • Will they manage finances and rent collection?
  • Will they require any engagement or involvement on your part?

How does hiring a property manager work?

If you do not want to do the job yourself or hire a resident manager but definitely need someone to manage your asset, you will need a property management company. Before you outsource the management of your asset to a professional property manager, you need to practice caution during the selection process to protect yourself and minimize risks. 

To shortlist prospective property management companies, you should:

Your full-service property management in San Diego, California

We can help you build a strategy to make your property located in a premium San Diego location of Cortez Hill even more attractive to prospective tenants or investors. Lofty Property Management has a strong reputation and track record in the industry. 

How does hiring a property manager work

We will handle everything: property marketing and promotion, budget planning and rent collection, paperwork and technicalities such as lease and maintenance agreements, tenant, contractor and vendor management, evictions and crisis resolution and more. 

We will do our share of the work confidently and responsible to give you a high standard of service that you want and need for your property. Contact us to schedule your appointment today!

Airbnb Troubles for Homeowner. Why having a Property Manager might be a better investment for your investment

 

Gatecrashers Trash Airbnb House During All-Night Party, Cause More Than $30,000 Worth of Damage

Police arrest 5 linked to Halloween shooting at Orinda Airbnb party

Airbnb’s ‘party house’ problem could spoil its public listing. Here’s why its new rules to stop the rowdy blowouts may not even work.

Teens ‘rent out’ home on Airbnb before throwing wild house party

We have all seen the news stories lately. Parties that cost thousands in damages, shootings, robberies and more. Companies like Airbnb and VRBO sound like a great opportunity to rent out for top dollar making your investment work for you but how do they screen the short term tenants? Do they have someone available in the area that will go and check to make sure your property is okay in case of an emergency, does someone go and meet with the renters to hand over the keys? These are just some of the things that you should be thinking about prior to making a decision to use a company for short term rentals or a full fledge property management company.

Property Managers do their due diligence prior to renting. They call all references, work and personal, they run a credit check to see if they have every been evicted and pay their bills on time, and check employment to make sure your get your rent payment on time. They are there in the middle of night to handle any emergencies, tenant questions and issues and to make sure move in and move out go smoothly. How are short term rental companies screening your potential renters?

Don’t get put in a situation that could jeopardize your largest investment.

Rents Rise Year-Over-Year In Nearly 75% Of Cities In The US

Rising rents have been a problem in the US for quite some time. According to a recent Market Outlook Report from Realtor.com, in 2017 rents rose in a whopping 78% of markets across the US. And according to recent data, that trend is still going strong in 2018.

According to a recent article from Apartment List, 72 of the 100 largest cities in the US have seen rents increase over the last 12 months, with this past summer showing significant hikes around the country (rental prices increased month-over-month in 85 cities in June, 62 cities in July, and 54 cities in August).

The Takeaway

As the price of renting continues to increase, homeownership is fast becoming the more affordable option. In fact, according to a recent study by Zillow, homeownership is more affordable than renting in many of the major markets across the United States. If you’re currently renting—and watching your rental prices consistently increase—it may be time to explore purchasing a home of your own.

11 Common Landlord Legal Mistakes- And How to Avoid Them

Renting your own San Diego residential property, presents some unique legal challenges. Below are eleven examples of common mistakes landlords might run into:

  1. Making sure to check on the health and safety of your property, and for any hazardous conditions. This is basic stuff, as an owner your manager should be checking for these issues. Don’t let it fester till it become a legal issue.
  2. There is a saying that goes “if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail” Have a plan on how to deal with an unhappy tenant. If they don’t like a situation, be respectful, listen and always be consistent. Situations that are handled erratically or inconsistently could lead to a legal problem.
  3. Using a generic lease agreement could create a few different headaches later. Use your own that follows the laws of the state of California and any city ordinances.
  4. Be aware of prospective tenants’ credit issues. Landlords should make sure their tenants have decent credit history. Otherwise, problems may arise when collecting rent.
  5. Tenants’ criminal background MUST be checked out for any possible criminal history for which a Landlord might be held liable for. You should know when for instance your prospective tenant might be a sex offender.
  6. Being aware of tenant’s prior evictions, it is critical that a landlord knows of ANY evictions that tenants may have on their record. Perhaps this issue is the most important one & sadly the most overlooked peace in vetting a new tenant.
  7. Checking for new real estate laws or regulations. Laws on the federal, state and San Diego local constantly change. Search for new laws to stop on top of it.
  8. Not having tenants sign liability waivers. These waivers will help legally protect you from normal practices.
  9. Having tenants with no renters’ Insurance policy. A renter’s policy for a tenant is critical, in case of water damage or any liability. Your tenant’s will be protected and help protect you as well.
  10. Mixing the rents from multiple properties in one account. This creates confusion.
  11. Depositing the security deposit in the wrong account. Many states require security deposits not be placed in the owners personal accounts. Landlords should have a separate property management trust account.

These are all easy items to fix. The most critical thing is to screen your tenants thoroughly as well as research your local tenant/landlord laws.