What Type of Landlord Are You?

 
 

There Are Several Types of Landlords

 

Some are proactive, taking matters into their own hands. Others like to have layers of protection between themselves and their tenants.
Others can be intrusive, treating their prior home like a personal dwelling instead of an Atlanta rental property.
Check out the types of landlords listed below and determine where you fit: Is this where you want to be?

The Newly-Made

Investor

 

This landlord purchases a new home, and decides to make her old home into a rental. Great decision—unless you don't get professional assistance. In that case, you can make some costly mistakes.

  • Let go of the emotional attachment you have for your home. It is now a rental property. Treat it as such.
  • If you must rent to friendsand we discourage thisput distance between you and your renters. Get a management company involved.
  • Your money should go towards maintaining the property and keeping the tenant safe and comfortable. Anything else is throwing money away.
  • Leave your tenant alone! This is now their home, not yours. Stick to quarterly or bi-yearly inspections to check the status of the property.

The Hands-on

Landlord


This landlord hires the cheapest manager he can find, then requests a reduction or concession. He undermines the manager at every turn, introducing himself to the tenant and telling the tenant to call him if there are any problems. He handles his own repairs, but on his schedule.

  • Treat your managers with respect and courtesy.
    Make them happy to answer when you call.
  • Leave the tenant relationship to the manager. Don't
    create a "he said, she said" situation.
  • If handling your own repairs, do so respectfully, promptly, and professionally.
  • Keep to the issue at hand and refuse to discuss rent, or other management issues with the tenant. Refer them back to management. That's what you pay for.

The Hands-off

Landlord

 

This landlord researches management companies, makes her decision, and relinquishes all responsibility for the rental. This type prefers to pay a management company to take on the headaches of chasing rent, handling repairs, and making the tenant feel welcome without approving every requested maintenance or dealing with the occasional eviction.

  • Respond to management: If they have learned you are hands-off, they are only going to bother you about important matters.
  • Respond promptly: Approve reasonable repair requests quickly.
  • Assume that if management refuses a repair, they are looking out for your bottom line.
  • Avoid contact with the tenant: If you trust your management company, then trust your management company.

The Overly Cost-Conscious

This owner searches for the most inexpensive management
company and then questions everything. He never
responds to repair estimates or wants two to three bids for
each job in an effort to save a few bucks.

  • Treat your management staff how you want to
    be treated.
  • Respond to staff calls and emails promptly. The quicker
    things get resolved, the happier your tenant will be.
  • Approve or deny repairs promptly.  Don't leave your tenant hanging.
  • Assume your management company has established relationships with vendors and knows how to get the
    best deal.
  • Don't prolong repairs and create more costs by demanding multiple estimates. However, on higher cost jobs, a 2nd estimate can be helpful.
  • If your property is not renting, despite being fully advertised, with good pictures and descriptions, lower the rent. Better to lose $50 in monthly rental income for 12 months ($600), than $1000 in monthly rent while the property is vacant.
  • Investigate management companies, find one that you can trust, then let them do their job.

The bottom line in rental property IS "The Bottom Line" (your income stream and expenses).
Do yourself a favor: Investigate management companies, find one that you can trust, then let them do their job.

Metro Atlanta's #1 Property Management Service

We take care of your investment so it will take care of you. With over 40 years of combined experience, our team is eager to handle your metro Atlanta rental property.

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The Compass Way

Know the Client

Know the Client

At the Compass Property Management Group, we believe the most important step is getting to know you and what you need or want from your investment. Cultivating professional relationships with our clients is key to developing a successful property management strategy.

Know the Tenant

Know the Tenant

Compass screens applicants to help you find a quality tenant. Once a renter is procured, we begin to develop working relationships based on good faith and trust through open communication and quick responses to renters. A satisfied resident is an important factor in the management equation.

Know the Property

Know the Property

Real estate investments need to be safeguarded. At Compass, we have established relationships with qualified professionals who can provide quality service when the need arises. Proper rental property maintenance keeps investments attractive to tenants and helps maintain or increase property values.