Etobicoke is a thriving area that offers a competitive edge over nearby areas due to its ever-increasing popularity and impressive property appreciation. Therefore, it’s worth looking into the Etobicoke real estate market as part of your portfolio expansion.
As a landlord based in Etobicoke, there are several strategies you can adopt to ensure long-term success. Below, we have covered some top tips for success as an Etobicoke landlord.
Work with a Great Property Management Company
investing in professional landlord property management in Etobicoke is a lifesaver when you’re renting properties. There are landlord property management companies in every area of Canada and across the pond, so you can make the most of this service as a US or London landlord.
Property managers can oversee all of the complex processes associated with rental properties, such as tenant screening, maintenance checks, and addressing tenant complaints. They can also organize repairs for damages and broken items in your rental properties, so you don’t need to worry about these things yourself.
Your chosen property management company can support you in the growth and expansion of your real estate investment . They can take the weight off your shoulders and free time in your schedule.
Conduct Thorough Tenant Screenings
A thorough screening process is crucial for finding the best people for your rental properties. Thorough background checks ensure that your tenants are reliable and in the right positions financially to pay their monthly rental bills.
Ask each tenant for two references, ideally from a previous landlord and a past or current employer. These references should state the tenant’s suitability for your rental property and detail how reliable they are at paying their monthly rent.
Create Detailed and Error-Free Rental Contracts
You will need to formulate a detailed property leasing contract for every tenant who stays in one of your rentals. Your contract should be thorough and error-free, and they should contain all of the terms and conditions of your lease agreements.
It’s often a good idea to get a legal professional to draft your rental contracts for you or proofread your existing contract templates. They can ensure there are no errors or loopholes in your contracts that could cause legal issues and financial losses further down the line.
Invest in Landlord Insurance
As a landlord, it’s important to protect yourself from potential legal issues. Having landlord insurance offers legal protection when you’re renting properties to tenants.
Landlord insurance comprises a few different elements, including:
- Property damage – this aspect of landlord insurance covers the costs of repairing physical damage to your property caused by fires, storms, or vandalism.
- Liability protection – this type of coverage protects you if somebody gets injured on your property and they are found legally responsible for the accident and resulting injuries. Compensation may cover medical expenses or settlements.
- Loss of rental income – if one of your tenants refuses to pay their monthly rental bill or can’t afford to do so due to a change in their financial position, you may be able to claim on your landlord insurance policy to get compensation. Similarly, you can make a claim if your property becomes uninhabitable due to a fire.