There are many benefits to being a landlord. The main one is the income source. Letting out a property that you own, whether outright or with a mortgage, is a great way to make a passive income. But, it’s not often as easy as you may think.
Many people choose to rent out a property that they may have inherited. Or a couple might think about letting out one of their homes when they decide to live together. It can seem like the ideal way to make easy money. Unfortunately, many new landlords quickly run into trouble. There are more tax and other financial responsibilities for landlords today, and more rules and regulations to protect tenants. Landlords can also have more responsibilities than they’d expect when it comes to looking after their property and tenants. Many people now wonder if the extra income is worth their time at all.
Well, it can be. Being a landlord can be a great way to earn extra money and secure your own financial future as long as you do it well. Here are some things to ask yourself if you are considering leasing out a property.
Are You Ready to Learn Laws and Regulations?
There are many different laws and regulations for landlords today. Most of these are designed to protect your tenants, giving them rights and protecting their interests. Unfortunately, many landlords find that they inadvertently break the law, with no ill will intended. Learning as much as you can often is the best way to prevent this.
Do You Care About More Than Earning a Passive Income?
The best landlords, the ones that are most financially successful, and have long-term tenants who treat their properties well, are the ones who don’t just collect rent. The best landlords take the time to build relationships with their tenants.
Have You Got the Time to Look After Tenants?
Being a landlord does create a passive income. But, it might not be quite as passive as you think. You may have to spend time answering calls, arranging repairs, checking up on tenants and even arranging contracts, collecting rents, dealing with legal issues and finding new tenants if someone moves out. There can actually be a lot of work involved.
If you don’t have time, that certainly doesn’t mean that you can’t make money letting property. Hiring GRG Property Management to take care of your property and tenants can take all the stress away while ensuring your tenants are well cared for.
Do You Have a Long-Term Plan?
What’s your long-term plan? Will you sell the house so that you can retire, or leave it to your kids? Will you rent long-term? Is it a one-off, or the start of an empire? Would you like to live in this house one day?
Do You Have Property?
Of course, becoming a landlord is much easier if you already own a property that you don’t want to, or can’t live in yourself. If not, are you willing to buy one, and pay the mortgage on it? What would you do if it was left unoccupied for a long time?
