In this article, we will explore the seven most common mistakes landlords make when self-managing rental properties - and how to avoid them.

By learning from these mistakes, you can decide whether it's time to seek the help of a professional property management company like ourselves. 

1. Failing to Screen Tenants Properly

One of the biggest mistakes landlords make is rushing the tenant screening process. It’s tempting to fill a vacancy quickly but skipping thorough background checks can lead to serious issues later. A poor screening process can result in late payments, property damage, or tenants breaking the lease early.

How to Avoid This:

Always conduct a comprehensive background check, which includes credit history, employment verification, and references from previous landlords. If the process feels too time-consuming, a property management company like DB Roberts can handle tenant screening professionally, ensuring you have reliable tenants.

2. Underestimating Maintenance Costs

Many new landlords fail to set aside adequate funds for property maintenance and repairs. As a result, when something goes wrong, such as a broken appliance or a plumbing issue, they find themselves unprepared.

How to Avoid This:

Create a maintenance fund to cover both routine and unexpected repairs. A good rule of thumb is to allocate 1% to 2% of the property's value annually for maintenance. As a professional property management company, we have a network of trusted contractors, which can help you save money on repairs and maintenance in the long run.

3. Not Knowing the Laws and Regulations

Landlord-tenant laws and regulations can vary significantly, and new legislation is common. If you're unfamiliar with regulations and legislation you could unknowingly break the law. This could lead to penalties, tenant disputes, or even legal action.

How to Avoid This:

Take the time to familiarise yourself with rental laws, including lease requirements, security deposits, and eviction processes. Hiring a property management company is an ideal option. DB Roberts Property Management team is well versed in the legalities of rental properties and are here to keep you compliant.

4. Setting the Wrong Rental Price

Pricing your rental property too high can result in prolonged void periods, while setting it too low can reduce your return on investment. Many landlords struggle to find the right balance, especially when they are emotionally attached to the property.

How to Avoid This:

Conduct thorough research to understand the current rental market. Compare similar properties, factoring in location, amenities, and property size. At DB Roberts , we have access to market data and can help you set a competitive rental rate that attracts tenants while maximising your returns.

5. Neglecting Regular Property Inspections

Skipping routine property inspections is a common oversight that can result in long term damage. Many landlords only inspect the property when tenants move out, but this leaves room for unnoticed issues that can worsen over time.

How to Avoid This:

Schedule regular inspections, both at move in, during the tenancy, and at move out. This ensures that any maintenance issues are addressed promptly and that your rental property remains in good condition. A property management company like DB Roberts can take care of these inspections for you, ensuring peace of mind.

6. Poor Communication with Tenants

Another frequent mistake is not maintaining clear communication with tenants. Ignoring tenants' calls or failing to address their concerns can lead to frustration, causing tenants to leave when their lease ends or, worse, legal disputes.

How to Avoid This:

Establish open lines of communication from the start. Provide tenants with clear guidelines for contacting you in emergencies and ensure that you respond to their concerns promptly. If managing the relationship becomes too difficult, a property management company can act as the point of contact, ensuring smooth tenant communication.

7. Mismanaging the Eviction Process

Evicting a tenant is one of the most difficult tasks a landlord can face and mishandling it can result in long legal battles and financial losses. Many landlords aren't aware of the legal steps required to evict a tenant, which can cause delays and additional costs.

How to Avoid This:

Make sure you follow the proper legal process, giving the correct notices and documenting tenant violations. If you're unsure, consult DB Roberts Property Management team and let us help you manage the eviction process efficiently and legally, saving you time and stress.

Is It Time to Hire a Property Management Company?

If you're finding it difficult to avoid these common pitfalls, hiring a professional property management company could be the solution.

A reputable property management company like ourselves can handle tenant screening, property maintenance, rent collection and legal compliance on your behalf, freeing up your time and reducing the stress of managing a rental property.

For more advice on how professional property management can simplify your life as a landlord, please contact us on 01743 284973 or propertymanagement@dbroberts.co.uk. Our professional team can handle all aspects of property management, so you can focus on what matters most.