Sometimes, the property owner does not necessarily take on the role of being a landlord. Some owners opt to hire property managers to do the job for them. It is because the management role entails a lot of responsibilities. Some owners may have full-time jobs, or they might have multiple properties to look after. One can say that there is a definite advantage to hiring a property manager. But is there a need? Can property owners do the managing themselves?

If the property owner wants to save money and knows he can do the landlord’s job, there is no need for a manager. Some of them might hesitate because they lack experience, but I can list a guide on how to DIY landlord duties.

Tips on how to DIY landlord duties

Organize

One of the characteristics of a good landlord is the ability to organize. The business includes several paper works. Aside from printed documents, he should organize digital files as well. It is always better to have a backup of the documents. The files include the proofs of purchase, lease agreements, and tenant documents. Aside from that, he can make a spreadsheet to track his expenses. Here are some of the additional documents all landlords must have:

• Inspection checklists (moving-in and moving-out)
• Lease addendums for animal policies, termination, etc.
• Schedule of the necessary dealings related to the lease duration, such as:
  • Regular maintenance
  • When a renewal notice is due
  • Required certifications for the city, which are due

Smooth Application Procedure

Although it is part of a leasing agent’s job to monitor tenant applicants, some landlords like to be hands-on during screening. With the technology available, you can work together with them to have a smooth process. For example, to make advertising stress-free, you can sign up for websites like Padleads. They will let leasing agents, such as yourself post the property listings online. And even better, you can syndicate the listings to other pages online. It will help you find potential tenants for the landlords in no time.

Once you have tenant applicants, you and the property owner can proceed to the screening process. Using technology, you can check out digital applications. It is also easier for the applicants to send copies of their identification and consent to allow background checks. There might be additional documents you will need but accessing them online is easy.

Fast response

A landlord will need to communicate with a lot of people. And I mean, a lot. He will have to correspond with tenants, contractors, and leasing agents. Sometimes, managers have to respond to all of them, especially if there are issues in the property. For example, there is no water supply in one of the units. The manager or landlord has to find someone to fix it. Responding fast to a tenant request will make a good impression.

It is also advisable to have multiple means to contact a landlord. Sometimes the tenants cannot call because of poor network service, or the landlord is somewhere without reception. The landlord can provide them with his email or his home phone. If it still fails, he can ask contractors to accept the calls on his behalf.

Easy move-in process

Before the tenant gains access to the property, they must submit all the needed documents and pay the necessary expenses. Some landlords take the time to assist them during moving-in because he has to give them the keys. The process can be made more simple by giving them the access code for the lock. He can also leave the backup keys and have them access the property on their own.

It is vital to take pictures of the property before the tenants move in to have complete documentation. It will help assess the property’s condition after the lease ends. It is also a good practice to visit the tenants after the first month to check if they are satisfied with the arrangement.

If the property owner has the time, he can easily do the managing himself. Not hiring a property manager can help lessen the expenses. He can also have access to tenant problems and requests immediately. And with that, respond to them as soon as possible. With today’s technology, anything is possible.