Costs That Landlords Don’t Know They’re Accruing

Costs That Landlords Don't Know They're Accruing

As a rental property investor, it’s essential to be aware of the costs and expenses associated with managing your properties. Despite being proactive in planning your budget, there are certain costs that can catch landlords off guard, leading to unexpected overspending. Spotting these recurring costs can be even tougher for first-time landlords. 

This blog will cover common costs that landlords may not realize they are accruing and how to mitigate them. By being proactive and informed, you can protect your bottom line and maximize your return on investment.

Common Unnoticed Costs

The following often expenses that can add up quickly without a landlord noticing:

Maintenance Costs

Maintenance and repairs are ongoing responsibilities for any rental property owner. However, the costs associated with maintenance can quickly add up if not properly managed. Small issues, if left unaddressed, can escalate into major problems that require expensive repairs. Not only do they add up to major problems, but also can signal that bigger investments may need to be implemented in the near future.

To avoid overspending on property maintenance, it’s recommended that landlords have regular inspections conducted by professional contractors to identify potential concerns early on. Alternatively, you have a management company ensure that maintenance requests from tenants are addressed promptly, minimizing the risk of further damage and costly repairs. By staying on top of property maintenance, landlords can save money in the long run.

contractor inspecting the exterior of a home wearing a tool belt

Legal Fees

Having legal support is crucial for landlords, especially when dealing with evictions and leasing contracts. However, if you are working with the wrong legal professional or facing frequent legal issues, you may unknowingly accrue higher legal expenses. To manage these costs, ensure that you collaborate with a property legal firm experienced in handling lease agreements.

Have open discussions about the services performed and the associated fees. Understanding the billing structure in advance will prevent unexpected charges. Moreover, if you find yourself needing legal assistance too frequently, it may be an indication to review and improve your tenant screening process.

Alternatively, consider engaging the services of a property management firm to cover all your legal needs with assured transparency offered by their certified and long-engaged legal partners. They’ll not only take the burden of legal procedures off your shoulders but also ensure that you are not losing money. 

Problematic Residents

The impact of having poor-quality residents cannot be underestimated. While the pressure to fill up your rental units quickly may be high due to the risks of having a vacancy, it’s crucial not to compromise on tenant screening. Failing to conduct thorough background checks and reference verifications can result in property damage, late payments, evictions, and high court-related expenses. 

person in a tan jacket passing keys to someone in a black shirt

To mitigate these costs, you will need to perform a comprehensive screening of all potential renters. Tenant screening involves thorough background checks, verifying previous rental history, and conducting employment and credit checks to ensure that only qualified and responsible tenants are approved. By implementing a rigorous screening process, you improve the consistency of rental income and reduce the possibility of eviction. 

Vendors and Contractor Payables

Engaging contractors and vendors is a common practice for property owners. However, failing to shop around for competitive rates, reviewing contracts, monitoring expenses, and neglecting to obtain estimates can lead to hidden charges and unexpected price hikes. 

Building relationships with reliable service providers, negotiating better rates, and establishing service audits can help control these costs. Also implementing a vetting process for vendors and regularly reviewing their performance will ensure that your interests and finances are protected. 

If you’re not sure how to access whether or not a contractor or vendor is right for you, there’s always the option of working with a professional management team. They’ll have a pre-established network of trusted vendors and contractors who can provide quality services at competitive rates. 

Management companies often review contracts, negotiate favorable rates for ongoing work, and closely monitor expenses to prevent any hidden charges on behalf of landlords. By leveraging their industry connections and expertise, they help landlords reduce vendor and contractor costs without compromising on the quality of services sourced for your property and tenants. 

an unfurnished room with grey and blue walls and light wood floors

Lengthy Vacancies

Extended periods of vacancy can be financially draining for landlords as every day without a tenant means a loss of potential rental income and increased expenses. Without rental income to offset expenses, costs such as utilities, HOA fees, mortgage payments, and taxes can quickly deplete your savings. It’s, therefore, crucial to monitor vacancy rates closely and take proactive steps to minimize them. 

Take a proactive approach to property marketing, and use a wide range of marketing strategies, including high-quality photos and videos, to ensure maximum exposure for your rental units. You want to work diligently to attract qualified tenants and minimize vacancy periods. 

If you’re planning to partner with a management company, their expertise in market analysis, competitive rental pricing, and effective property marketing, can ultimately reduce vacancy costs and maximize ROI.

Partner with a Property Management Company

Partnering with a property management company like Home Choice Property Management can be a valuable solution to prevent overspending and streamline your rental property operations.

Our marketing and tenant screening strategies will help ensure your properties are rented quickly, while detailed accounting and financial reports will provide transparency on your investment performance. Additionally, our property inspections and maintenance services will help keep your properties in top condition, reducing the likelihood of unexpected maintenance costs.

Bottom Line

Stay in the know by being aware of the costs that landlords often overlook in order to maintain profitability in your rental property business and investment. By staying proactive and informed, you can avoid unexpected expenses and maximize your return on investment.

With Home Choice Property Management handling marketing, accounting, tenant screenings, tenant management, and property inspections and maintenance, you can have peace of mind knowing that your investments are in capable hands. Contact us today to learn more!