Your Landlord Resource Podcast

Send us a textIn our 100th episode of Your Landlord Resource, Stacie shares a deeply personal story of grief, caregiving, and loss—and how she and Kevin continued to self-manage their rental properties through one of the most difficult periods of their lives.We're not just talking about landlord tips today—we're talking about how to stay grounded, motivated, and operational when life knocks you down. From caring for aging parents to managing tenant issues and unexpected emergencies, this episode is all about perseverance, preparation, and learning to keep your rental business running—even when your world feels like it's falling apart.If you've ever felt like walking away from it all, this episode is for you.

Send us a textIn this episode, we are digging into five common oversights we see landlords make all the time (plus a few extra ones)—and trust me, they can quietly eat away at your profits if you're not careful. We're talking about the kinds of things that seem small but lead to big issues later, like outdated leases, messy tenant files, or treating your rental like a side gig instead of the business it really is.We'll walk you through real examples, give you actionable tips you can use right now, and share some of our favorite tools to help you stay on top of it all. If you're ready to clean up your systems and stop letting things fall through the cracks, this one's for you.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Send us a textIn today's episode, we are tackling a challenge that just about every landlord is feeling right now: rising insurance costs.We're sharing real stories about our own rental properties, breaking down why insurance rates are climbing, and giving you practical tips on how to protect your investments without paying more than you have to.You'll hear why it's so important to review your policy details, especially after upgrades, and how small changes might help you save money over time.We're also talking about the pros and cons of switching to lower-cost insurance companies like Progressive or Lemonade, plus giving you our honest take on insurance pooling and whether it's worth the risk.If you want to stay ahead of rising costs, protect your properties, and make smart insurance choices, this episode is packed with information you can use right now.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Send us a textHey landlords! Noise complaints are one of the most common issues rental property owners will face. In this episode, Kevin and I break down how to handle noise complaints fairly, legally, and without unnecessary stress. We cover everything from setting clear noise policies to mediating disputes and protecting yourself from legal liability. Whether it's tenants playing loud music, children making noise, or even pets causing disturbances, we've got solutions to help you maintain a peaceful rental environment.Plus, we share our best tips on tenant screening, lease agreements, and soundproofing strategies to prevent noise complaints before they start. What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How to assess whether a noise complaint is reasonable ✔️ Steps to mediate disputes between tenants and neighbors ✔️ The legal obligations landlords have regarding noise complaints ✔️ How to enforce lease agreements fairly and legally ✔️ Tips for soundproofing your rental property ✔️ The role of tenant screening in preventing future issues ✔️ Best resources for state-specific leases and property management toolsResources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Send us a textWe are lucky enough to have a general contractor who has been a part of our team for over 15 years. This week on the podcast, we will be discussing all of the tips our contractor, Jim, has shared that have helped us stay on top of inspections, preventative maintenance, and what to know about hiring general contractors.This episode covers everything you need to know to protect your investment and maintain tenant satisfaction.What You'll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Why using a licensed general contractor is crucial for safety and compliance ✅ Where to find reputable contractors and get multiple estimates ✅ The difference between being an additional insured vs. an interested party ✅ How to handle tenant communication during renovations ✅ Why detailed contracts and written agreements are essential ✅ Tips for working around tenant schedules and minimizing disruptions ✅ How routine inspections help prevent costly repairs ✅ Key maintenance tips learned from years of working with contractorsResources & Free Download: 

Send us a textThank you to those who have submitted questions and trust in us to answer them!  We have listener questions this week that run the gambit, including:·        Who is responsible for paying to eradicate pests when the pests appear after a tenant has moved in?·        How to handle an elderly tenant who doesn't want to move out of a potentially uninhabitable rental property that was recently inherited?·        What is our best advice when an investor purchases their first rental property?·        How is it best to handle it when a tenant leaves before the lease is up and refuses to return the unit keys?·        And we addressed an email from a listener who had questions and needed clarification regarding an episode we put up a few months ago on tenant screening software.We also addressed a comment left about our podcast and did our best to clarify this listener's feeling that our content misinforms real estate investors.  This episode is full of advice on how we would handle certain issues, where others can find assistance with resolving their problems that arise as landlords, and how best to ask us your questions and get a prompt response. LINKS

Send us a textWe have done some soul searching for the last several months and through that reflection, we have found that we are very overwhelmed.  So much so that we have stopped doing the things that we love and have become, well, workaholics.If we are not working on Your Landlord Resource, we are working on one of the investment properties.  If not either of those, we are playing catch up to chores around the house.We have been good about spending time with our kids and our parents as often as we can, but there is so much more we want to do.  We just need more time to do those things.So, in this episode we are talking about our need to step back from this podcast.  To catch up on some much needed us time, maintenance to OUR home, and reset our time management.This is not goodbye, this is simply “see you soon”.  LINKS:

Send us a textDo you ever wonder what other landlords may be interested in learning? This week on the podcast we are kind of creating a little pseudo networking by discussing which episodes are landlord favorites with our top 5 podcast released.As we approach our 100th episode and that 20,000 download mark, we thought maybe it would be a good idea to talk about what you, the listeners, loved the most.It's a quicker episode with a short synopsis of our top 5 episodes.  We are proud of them and hope you will love them too.LINKS

Send us a textMaking sure your tenants are happy and satisfied “customers” while living in your rental property is of utmost importance.  The benefits of creating great tenant experiences will come back to you as the property and business owner in so many ways.In this episode we are going over different things you can do to improve the living environment for your tenants.  We discuss what tenants want, what they deserve, and how by doing these tasks it will increase your bottom line and make running YOUR rental property business a much more satisfying experience.LINKS

Send us a textThis episode is all about How We Did It, when we renovated 2 out of state units in Idaho, traveling to the units twice, for 4 days each.We are discussing the condition of the units (one was in bad shape and one not so bad) and the work performed by ourselves and those we hired.  As we did not have a team in Idaho, we also talked about how we quickly were able to put one together.For the first time, we painted kitchen cabinets, using Beyond Paint Products. So, listen to the process we followed and how they turned out. In addition to the kitchen cabinets, we or those we hired painted these units, installed new lighting, replaced old and dirty plugs and switches with decora style ones, replaced the old yucky carpet with LVP, and replaced Formica kitchen countertops with Quartz counters we purchased for a steal.Communication, organization, and time management were all key elements to pulling this renovation off and we are here to share how it all worked out!LINKS

Send us a textThis week on the podcast, we are doing a shorty episode as an update to a previous episode (#44) on the Deck and Balcony Law, SB721, for California.  There have been some significant changes in the dates and inspection specifications.Now before you click away and say that this law doesn't pertain to you, take a minute to listen and learn what California is doing to protect tenants and condominium owners when it comes to the safety of their decks and balconies.  FYI, Florida has already passed a similar law.Many states have a law like this on the books and are just working out the details so this might just affect your rental property sooner rather than later. LINKS

Send us a text2025 is coming in hot! And we are here to talk about why you should NOT be waiting for the new year to focus on your business plans.This week on the podcast we are talking about planning and strategy.  Not only for the next coming year, but for many years out.We discuss those aspects but will go beyond the focus of financial evaluations and make you think about your business as a whole and what part you play in it.What do you like best about owning rentals and what makes you cringe when you have to handle it?  How much do you want to scale and how quickly do you want to add more rental properties to your portfolio? When do you plan to step back from hands on management?Property improvements, the value of time, as well as planning for financial growth now and in the future, are all discussed in this episode.   LINKS

Send us a textLately, we have been getting landlords asking us if it would be a good idea for them to get their real estate license.   And where we wish we could give a definitive YES or NO, we can only explain the pros and cons to getting and holding a real estate license. This episode will give landlords pondering with the thought of getting their real estate license as much information as possible to, hopefully, help you make that decision.Holding your real estate license is fantastic and has A LOT of benefits, but only if you have a plan on how you will use it.  Is it only for personal use in your rental property business or do you plan to manage other investors' rentals as well?  The financial investment into holding that license is something to consider as well.So, give this episode a listen and see if a real estate license will benefit your rental property business or not.

Send us a textEffective communication is key for landlords in maintaining a positive relationship with tenants and ensuring smooth rental operations. Different situations require different communication methods, and landlords should be mindful of when and how to use each one.There is a time and place to be casual and absolutely a time when being professional is of utmost importance.In this episode, we are discussing the different forms of communication you, as landlords, can use and in what situation you should use them.We also address the tone, the language, and in what instances it's important to be communicating with your tenants.LINKS

Send us a textWhere we do this in the Spring season, one of the best times of the year to perform these tasks is during Fall, in preparation for the winter months.This week on the podcast, we are discussing what landlords should focus on to winterize their rental property.We also dive deep into year-end business preparations in the office, which is something that really should not be overlooked.  Budgets, analysis, planning, and tax prep are just a few of the items we will be discussing.LINKS

Send us a textWe all pay someone to do work for us at some point or another.  But did you know that how you classify those funds paid (code and book that payment accounting wise), can determine if you think they are a 1099 worker or a W-2 employee?This week on Your Landlord Resource we are discussing the two rules that the Federal government and potentially your state government use to determine the difference between the two.It's a short episode that's packed with a lot of good info to keep your business out of trouble in case you are ever audited…and we are seeing a lot of people we know go through this right now and its NO FUN! LINKS

Send us a textTenant screening software is becoming more and more popular now that landlords are working to improve their applicant vetting processes.  In this episode, we will cover what tenant screening software is, why it matters, and how it compares to other options like using property management software or hiring a property manager. We'll also cover a couple real-life horror stories about tenant screening gone wrong and the legal liabilities landlords need to be aware of.So, whether you're using screening software or not, by knowing the risks, the best practices, and the best tools can make or break your rental business. Of course, we will also compare some of the top software options out there.LINKS

Send us a textAs landlords, you must balance protecting your property and tenants with complying with anti-discrimination laws. This episode explores how the Fair Housing Act intersects with tenant screening practices, focusing on HUD's 2016 guidance regarding criminal records.We explain why a blanket “no criminal history” policy can lead to unintended discrimination, particularly under the concept of disparate impact.  We also break down state-specific laws, such as “ban the box” ordinances that restrict when and how landlords can inquire about criminal records.Of course, we giving advice on documenting decisions, staying compliant with state and local laws, and common pitfalls to avoid.If you're a landlord navigating tenant screening, this episode will equip you with the knowledge to create a fair, legally compliant, and effective criminal background check policy. LINKS

Send us a textOctober 6-12, 2024, is Fire Prevention Week.  Since we have many firefighters in our family who are constantly reminding us of what we need to be on top of regarding fire safety in our rental properties, we thought we would do a shorty episode to go over fire safety tips.In this episode, we are focusing on who is responsible for what tasks.  So, we are discussing all the fire safety responsibilities that the landlord must take care of and then jumping over to the other side and discussing what the tenants must handle.And newsflash, even if the tenant has some responsibility in making sure your rentals remain safe, it is up to you to manage that they are following through and doing those tasks. We are also including what landlords need to do to mitigate the risks of tenants not following through.  As this episode runs much shorter than our usual episodes, I hope you can make the time check this important episode out.LINKS

Send us a textYep. That's right, this is an episode about mold.  It may seem odd but, in several states, some pretty strict rules have passed regarding disclosures, cleanliness, responsibility, and remediation.In this episode we are discussing all those things as well as what to do when a tenant reports that they have found mold in their unit.It's unfortunate that nearly all the research we combed through was written by lawyers with tips for tenants on what to look for and when it would be appropriate to file a claim against their landlord.Because of that, we wanted to make sure all landlords were informed of the consequences of not taking mold seriously and tips on how to keep yourself out of the hot seat when it comes to mold.LINKS

Send us a textDo you ever think about what you can do to draw tenants to your rental property?  Like, how can you stand out from all the other properties on the market?This week on the podcast we are talking all about what the tenants want and look for when searching for their next home.Much like the adding value podcast we did a few weeks ago, but this is from the tenant's perspective, not the landlords.There are several features that do not cost much, if anything at all, that rental property owners can implement to make their investment more appealing (and thus, more profitable) over their competitors.From location, budget, digitalization, and physical amenities renters are looking for, we are covering it all on this episode of the Your Landlord Resource Podcast.LINKS

Send us a textFor landlords who want to operate a profitable rental property portfolio where you can grow and scale your properties, accurate bookkeeping is essential.It is just like any other business.  You must maintain good records that will in turn enable you to evaluate and understand your property's performance and your return on investment or ROI.Where last week we discussed tips on bookkeeping like tracking, budgeting, and how best to set up your ledger accounts, this week we are talking about what accounting software can best fill your need for such things as bookkeeping automation, reporting, workflow, and tax prep.Again, not a sexy topic but one that is much needed to keep all of us investors financially aware of what is happening with our rental properties. LINKS

Send us a textFor landlords who want to operate a profitable rental property portfolio enabling you to grow and scale your portfolio, accurate bookkeeping is essential.Just like all businesses, you must maintain good records that will enable you to evaluate and understand your property's performance and your return on investment or ROI.Listen, we know this is not a sexy topic.  But managing your records and finances for your rental property properly can lead to significant tax savings, more rental income, lower expenses, and better profitability.This episode covers why consistent bookkeeping is so important, what metrics to track, creating a budget, and tips on setting up your ledger accounts.And in true fashion, we had so much to say that next week we will continue this conversation and discuss the accounting software that is available to rental property owners and self-managing landlords.LINKS

Send us a textEver seen the term "added value" when searching for rental properties to purchase? Usually this implies the purchase price may be reduced because there are improvements that can and should be made to make the property more profitable.  Sometimes its physical updates, sometimes it's an opportunity for new owners to apply their own strategy and knowledgeIn this episode, we are discussing what to focus on to add this value to your properties, not only for your own business strategy, but also so you can receive top dollar when you sell.Specifically, we are talking about improvements you can make to the exterior, interior, and with your business strategy to make a big difference to your tenants and ultimately, your bottom line and profitability.LINKS

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of Your Landlord Resource, we dive into one of the most critical issues facing self-managing landlords today: tenant fraud. With the rental market becoming increasingly competitive, scammers are finding new ways to deceive landlords, leaving property owners vulnerable to financial loss and legal headaches.We break down the most common types of tenant fraud, from falsified income documents to identity theft, and share practical tips on how to spot these red flags early. You'll learn about the importance of thorough tenant screening processes, how to verify the authenticity of documents, and the critical questions you should be asking during the application process.As a landlord, protecting your property and investment is vital. This episode provides you with the tools and knowledge needed to safeguard your rental business from fraudulent tenants. Whether you're new to property management or a seasoned pro, the insights shared in this discussion will help you stay ahead of potential scams and maintain a professional and secure operation. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.So, we all know that cash flow and appreciation are two things' investors are concerned with when buying rental properties.Once you find a property, what EXACTLY should you be evaluating with regards to the neighborhood and the property itself before making an offer?We are sharing our due diligence for the neighborhood to see if it's a good fit for our strategy and checks all the boxes as well as the steps we take to do an initial inspection of the structural integrity of the property itself.This week we are going over the process we are taking to break down all of the things we consider before we will even make an offer on a new investment property. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever wanted to know what investors consider before buying a rental property?  Now is your chance to listen as we discuss the factors behind our decision to invest $250,000 in our next rental.From what kind of property to all the different locations throughout the US where we are considering investing, we are here today to lay it all out there.We are discussing why we like specific locations as well as our strategy for this next long-term purchase.   LINKS

Send us a Text Message.The statistics on how many seniors, aged 65+, are renters is staggering.  And those numbers are only getting larger as time goes on.You might think that senior aged tenants are not really your market, but as time goes on, we bet you'll be seeing a much higher number of this demographic as applicants.This episode is all you need to know about what protections they have, what amenities they are looking for, and all the odds and ends landlords need to know about having this age group as tenants. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.Hoarding goes beyond common house clutter.  It is a mental disorder that millions of people cope with and when it comes to hoarder tenants it is important to know they have legal rights we have to abide by.In this episode, we are defining hoarding and discussing the health and safety issues that can arise from it. We have personal examples from our property management experiences as well as events noted from emergency services where hoarding has seriously hindered their ability to do their job.As hoarders are legally protected, we go into to detail about the Fair Housing law and the steps landlords should take if you discover a hoarding tenant in one of your rentals.Hoarder tenants and their legal rights are a very important subject to know about.  Give this episode a listen to learn how you can protect yourself and your rental property business. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.Occasionally, we like to do a landlord Q&A episode because we get a lot of questions from our listeners and followers that are important for all of us rental property owners to know about.This week on the podcast we are answering several follow up questions that came up about renters' insurance.  Specifically, can landlords pay for a policy on behalf of the tenant, can landlords REQUIRE tenants hold renter's insurance, and how do we handle if the tenant takes out a renter's insurance policy and then cancels it a few months after moving in?Another question was about what's better in a rental, gas or electric appliances.  And before you go off on how electric is best, listen to what we have to say about tenants' opinions on gas operated ones.We were also asked about what mistakes we have made and how we corrected them.  That was fun to rehash some pretty major errors in judgement!  But we do have really solid solutions on how to overcome and avoid some of those mistakes made.With the warm weather, landlords are getting asked permission to have a kiddie pool at their rentals.  We have some really important points to consider before just saying yes or no to this request.Lastly, we were asked about the importance of understanding Fair Housing laws as a self-managing landlord.  So, we addressed this quickly and confidently, offering very easy solutions on how to handle it. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.We've all seen the videos on social media.  A landlord or developer shows up to their vacant investment property to find someone has moved in and is claiming they have the right to be there.Last week we discussed what squatting and adverse possession are and how it can affect your rental property.This week we are talking about what to do if a squatter moves into your rental and how to protect yourself from it even happening in the first place.Worried this might happen to you?  Give this episode a listen to see how you can reduce that risk!LINKS

Send us a Text Message.This is a hot topic in many areas right now!From property lot lines to someone actually gaining entry to your property and living there, many real estate investors have to be very careful about what you buy, how you manage the land and the structure, and protecting your vacant property.In this episode we are talking about the law behind squatting, also known as adverse possession.  We will discuss the history behind it, where it has gone wrong, and what some states are now rushing to do and correct the problem.This is a two-part podcast episode.  This week is all about what it is and how it can affect your rental property.  Next week we will discuss what to do if a squatter moves into your rental and how to protect yourself from it even happening in the first place. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.If you have not heard of Dan Borrero, owner of USA Land Ventures, this is your chance to learn from one of the best in the business.Since 1989 this investor started his journey as a self-managing landlord and, at one time, had over 300 units he and his team managed!  As retirement is creeping up, he has made some changes and is beginning the process of reducing his portfolio to manage, which is now down to just around a hundred doors or so.We are talking entrepreneurship, building a team, risk management, and so much more!  Dan is a wealth of knowledge not only for rental properties and investing, but also with his outlook on life.  He really knows how to put things in perspective, and we sincerely enjoyed the hour we were able to spend with him during this interview. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.First and foremost, let us clarify that this is not YOUR landlord property insurance.  Renters insurance is taken out by the tenant to cover their personal possessions.A few years ago, we only "suggested"  that our tenants take out a policy, but we now REQUIRE it from all tenants because it covers way more than just the tenant's personal property.In this episode we are discussing what renters' insurance is, why you should make it mandatory for all tenants to have a policy, and how their policy (at no cost to you), also covers you.LINKS

Send us a Text Message.When it comes to business, ANY business, the name of the game is to be constantly evaluating where you are and where you could be.Besides the fact that our expenses have increased significantly across the board for all of our properties, we are in a growth mode and are looking to earn as much as we can to continue to scale our portfolio.This is not us being greedy or money hungry landlords.  We do not impose unfair fees on our tenants or charge for amenities that should be included with the rent.  This is a business strategy where we analyze and evaluate what we can do to increase revenue in our prime location properties.In this episode we discuss why we decided to swap a long-term leased unit in our 6-plex for a midterm option.  We give all the details of why we switched, what that change entailed, and what we have learned in the process. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.Lighting fireworks and throwing summer BBQs are an American tradition!  We all want our tenants to enjoy themselves while living in our rentals, but we also want them to be safe.This is why we have put together several 4th of July and summer safety tips for you to share with your tenants.From fireworks and grilling to pool time and parties, we are giving you all the information to create a gentle email recapping dos and don'ts before the fun kicks off.   Not to mention how to remain safe while celebrating all summer long.BONUS!  We have created a FREE PDF download of 4th of July safety tips to share with your tenants! LINKS

Send us a Text Message.No matter what the situation is, be it a nice vacation, medical leave, or having to care for someone else, we have all been there.But when you are a DIY landlord, how do you take an extended period of time off and leave your rentals?This episode is several tips on ways to take that time away without worry.From learning about the importance of timing the leave to the different means of replacing yourself, we are covering the methods that have served us and many landlords we know very well when taking time away from our rental property portfolio.LINKS

Send us a Text Message.So, a few years ago we bought a 4-plex that was located within the confines of an HOA or Homeowners Association.And the numbers worked, so that was great, And we were told that they handle a lot of the landscaping and care for the parking and deal with all the trash again, which was great.But we made a crucial mistake and did not thoroughly read the bylaws, which is all on us. There was one item in there that made a really big difference on how well this new purchase would play out.So, this week on the podcast, we are talking all about what it means to own a rental property within an HOA.There are several pros and cons to Homeowners Associations.  Some aspects can be fantastic when owning a rental governed by them and others can really affect the value of your rental and the ability to rent it. LINKS

Send us a Text Message.So, this subject might seem obvious to those landlords who are a bit more established but for those newbies out there, this one's for you!House rules are your regulations and guidelines that need to be noted within your lease to protect you and your tenants by establishing clear expectations between all parties involved.Because believe it or not, tenants do need these guidelines to ensure a peaceful living environment and experience for themselves and any other tenants in the property.And we wholeheartedly agree that house rules define the expectations you have for your tenants when it comes to responsibility, respect, and behavior.Essentially, you are creating boundaries to minimize any issues or disagreements that may arise down the line.For us, many of the rules we are talking about today are a bit obvious. However, for many of you, your own rules likely will arise from errors in judgement or prior lack of detail that led you to a place of frustration.So, check out what we feel is important to know about house rules and see if you need to make any changes to your own! LINKS

Send us a Text Message.When it comes to rental properties and animals, there are a lot of things to consider. You (for now) have the right to refuse pets, but you do not have the right to ever refuse a service animal.We will say that, for the most part, we do not allow pets in our units.  So, when an applicant or an existing tenant comes to us with a request for a service animal, we are not thrilled to say the least. And we are not concerned with service animals in the traditional sense, you know, the ones who guide the visually impaired or the ones who walk alongside someone in a wheelchair and help open doors and pick dropped items off the ground.  Those animals are very highly trained and are certified and registered assistant animals.Today we are discussing ESA's or emotional service animals that now have rights through the Department of Housing and Urban Development under Federal Fair Housing laws.  In many cases (not all), these ESA's are glorified pets.  There is no training, there is no certification.  The doctors who authorize these pets very rarely even meet the pet to see how it interacts with the patient and observe if it is a good fit.When it comes to these service animals in rental properties, there are many questions that come to mind like, will it damage our units? And then, if it's a dog, will it cause a commotion and disturb the other tenants? What are WE going to have to do to make this accommodation request amicable? Do we have any rights in the matter of allowing these service animals?These are all things and so much more that we are discussing in our episode today.  So, grab a coffee and give it a listen while we go over what you need to do if you are faced with this request.LINKS

We know this sounds crazy, but if you really pay attention to how often you pick up your phone, you'd be amazed.They are called smart phones for a reason.  They are compact and easy to carry for a reason.  They have amazing cameras and video and apps to use for a reason.  So, are you using your phone for all its capabilities?  In this episode we break down all the tasks we use our mobile phones for when operating our rental property business.We know we should not be as dependent on this little electronic device as we are, but it sure does make managing our rental properties so much more efficient!LINKS

There is nothing worse than showing up to one of your units and seeing damage.  Well, the only thing that might be worse is a tenant who believes they are not responsible for that damage and is calling it standard wear and tear.We are using our personal stories to show you how we have combated this problem with our own properties and giving you some tips on how to set yourself AND your tenant up for success so that, hopefully, you won't have to be bothered with this issue.Give this episode a listen and learn how you can avoid this potential problem with your rental properties. LINKS

So, the one thing that everyone needs to realize is that how we own and operate OUR rental property business may differ from YOUR way of doing things.  I know, crazy, right?The thing is that the kind of rental that you prefer, be it single family home or large multifamily complexes and the location of those, be it out of state or right in your backyard, and the condition of those, be it run down with a ton of added value or with everything in place so all you have to do is step in and run it…all makes a huge difference on what your expenses will be.HOWEVER, there are a bunch of expenses that some landlords, us included, might forget to consider when evaluating a new property or maybe even when making a change to an existing one.Those hidden expenses are what this episode is all about. Give it a listen to learn what you might have to prepare for.LINKS

On this episode, we are interviewing Sarah King an investor and self-managing landlord.She's here to motivate and inspire you with her stories of triumph as well as hard times and how she nearly lost everything but did not let that setback hinder her goal of owning multiple rental properties.Sarah also discusses that at some point or another, everyone will deal with some sort of problem in their rental property that is caused by water.  Whether it be a water leak, or old pipes, clogged pipes, frozen pipes, or pipes installed incorrectly, you will find yourself scratching your head about issues with water and water damage.She has rebuilt her portfolio to include short term, midterm, and long-term rentals along with a few flips here and there.  She has built a great team to support her directly with her rentals as well as developed a network of friends to keep her motivated through all the good and bad that owning and operating rentals throws at you.LINKS

So, way back we did an episode discussing the pros and cons of whether holding your rental property in an LLC is right for you or not.  Well, we had a lot of requests asking us to talk about the actual process of transferring your rental property into an LLC and now here we are discussing it.It may seem like a very cut and dry concept, and for the most part it is, but there is quite a bit to know about the process before you take the steps to make that transfer.  Things like, will your mortgage lender allow it? What if my rental was purchased with a 1031 exchange that was titled in my personal name? What forms do we need to use? Or how will the process affect getting loans on future properties?We are using personal stories of our transfers to help you get a clear understanding of why we did or did not choose to transfer our rentals to an LLC.  Plus, we tried our best to keep it as simple as possible so you can have a clear understanding of what transferring your real estate investments into an LLC entails.LINKS

We are diving deep into maintenance this week.You see, maintenance is not only on your rental property, but it can also be in the office as well.This week on the podcast we are discussing all things preventative maintenance from inspections, to being proactive and dealing with issues before they become much worse.Also included in maintenance is maintaining good records and guiding your tenant on how they can help keep your unit in good condition.It's all about how best to set yourself as a landlord and your tenants up for success!LINKS

Ohhhh, the dreaded lease violation.  First your stomach drops because you have something unpleasant to deal with, and then you get kind of angry because you actually have to deal with it and why can't your tenant just do everything right?Every single landlord will have to deal with lease violations at some point, there is just no way around it.  However, you certainly can lower your chances of them happening with just a few tweaks to your rental property business strategy.This week on the podcast, we are discussing your lease, inspections, and ways to handle the most common lease violations we encounter.It's not so bad once you realize you've held the power all along.LINKS

This episode is all about rent control and how it affects landlords. Where we get and understand the premise behind rent control, the issues that landlords must deal with while navigating the laws around rent control can be problematic.There are several states with cities that already have rent control ordinances, and two states with statewide rent control.  Not to mention more cities and states considering adding laws or ordinances regarding rent control on the horizon.For landlords, rent control makes it difficult to keep up with maintenance and repairs.  And for tenants, rent control is only helpful if they stay in the same rental for years on end.  Because once they move, they're paying market rates to landlords who are working to recoup lost income from their previous tenant.Bottom line, rent control has been found that it's not all cracked up as it appears to be.Want to know what you should be prepared for in case it comes to the town of your rental property?  Lots of good stuff in there for ALL landlords, regardless of whether your rental is in a rent-controlled area or not.Check out this week's podcast where we are discussing what it is, who it benefits, the challenges landlords face, and how to work around them.LINKS

Working on real estate investments is challenging enough but what if you are operating a business of owning and managing rental properties with your spouse or life partner?This episode covers so much from tips on what not to do and tips on how to do this work better.And let's face it, much of this information is common sense and many of us already know it…but we may not be doing it.We polled our favorite husband and wife real estate investment teams and got their take and best advice on what it takes to work with your significant other and they did not disappoint!So, whether you are already married and investing with your spouse or you hope to do so one day, this is a great episode to listen to. LINKS

Accepting physical checks for payment is becoming a thing of the past.  Many landlords looking to replace this method without increasing expenses have considered using cash apps such as Zelle, Venmo, or Paypal.  However, where these apps make receiving rent very cost effective and convenient, they are risky.  In this episode we are discussing these risks and why landlords should NOT accept cash apps for rent payments.Of course, we do advise you on what the better options are for you to operate a secure, professional rental property business. LINKS

You know the phrase happy wife, happy life?  Well, we couldn't think of something snappy like that, but the same concept rings true for landlords and tenants.  Keep your tenants happy and your experience as a landlord will be much easier and enjoyable.This podcast episode is all about concepts and things you can do to enhance your tenants experience while living in your rental property.We discuss communication, maintenance, gifts, upgrades, offering amenities, and technology.You'd be amazed at what implementing just a few of these concepts can do to boost the landlord tenant relationship! LINKS: