There are between ten and eleven million individual landlord investors in the United States. If you're one of them, you've likely had your share of good and bad tenants.
However, if you've had a run of bad tenants lately, you're likely to look for ways to avoid disputes and protect your investment. The good news is that there are precautions you can take to minimize poor tenant interactions.
And, if you can't find a solution, there are always landlord rescue companies that can take over when things go south. This guide will walk you through some protection strategies you can use on your rental property in Akron, OH.
Carefully Screen Tenants
Disputes can arise between a landlord and even the best tenants. However, they're particularly common with bad tenants who damage the property, cause noise complaints, and avoid paying rent.
That's why it's important to carefully screen each tenant by looking at their employment record, credit history, and criminal background. Doing all of this work on your own can be a lot, so it makes sense to outsource tenant screening to a company that offers these services.
Outline Clear Expectations in the Rental Agreement
You can't expect your tenant to read your mind about what is and isn't allowed on your property. So make sure you provide clear expectations in your rental agreement.
This should include things like whether smoking is allowed on the property, pet policies, and noise restrictions. This can help you prevent eviction filings, which are currently soaring right now.
Develop a Relationship With Your Tenants
It's easy to get mad at your tenants when they're just numbers and names on a sheet. Many landlords never take the time to get to know their tenants. However, it's vital to remember that your tenants are people just like you.
Consider taking the time to get to know them. That way, if a dispute arises, you're not just arguing with a stranger. People are much less likely to yell if they know someone personally.
Consider Hiring a Property Management Company
Property management companies can take all of the stress out of owning rental properties. Disputes with tenants often arise because of rent collection and maintenance problems.
Well, a good property management service can take care of all of these things for you. Not only that, but these companies also take care of marketing, tenant screening, and accounting. A landlord rescue service will collect a percentage of the rent, but it's often worth it for your peace of mind.
Need Landlord Rescue? Contact PMI Cuyahoga Valley RAL
We hope this guide helped you learn how to avoid tenant disputes for your Akron real estate. Sadly, some tenant problems are inevitable when you rent out property.
And if you're a first-time or accidental landlord, it can sometimes feel like you've got more than you signed up for. In these cases, we recommend a landlord rescue. PMI Cuyahoga Valley RAL can take over the management of your rental property. We specialize in the Akron, Ohio market, and are part of a franchise that has been in business for over two decades.
If you want to learn more about how landlord rescue services work, contact us today.
