First Post - Landlord friendly states

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First Post - Landlord friendly states

Tip Mallick
Member since 2024 · 14 posts · 5 votes

Hi Everyone, 

I'm new to real estate and like the idea of house hacking and rentals. 

I have been a case adjudicator at a housing tribunal and have seen many landlord issues regarding tenants.

Can someone point me to the best landlord-friendly states?

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Bruce WoodruffPro Member
Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
2y

No politics allowed....but you can almost just go with Red State vs Blue State....

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  • Clayton Plummer
    Investor · Manhattan, KS · Member since 2020 · 80 posts · 52 votes
    2y

    @Tip Mallick - a quick internet search and here are a few different links that will give you more or less the same results on landlord friendly states:

    1. https://www.doorloop.com/blog/landlord-friendly-states

    2. https://www.fortunebuilders.com/landlord-friendly-states/

    3. https://www.steadily.com/blog/landlord-friendly-states

    Good luck!

    3Reply
  • Tip Mallick
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Clayton Plummer:

    @Tip Mallick - a quick internet search and here are a few different links that will give you more or less the same results on landlord friendly states:

    1. https://www.doorloop.com/blog/landlord-friendly-states

    2. https://www.fortunebuilders.com/landlord-friendly-states/

    3. https://www.steadily.com/blog/landlord-friendly-states

    Good luck!

    Thanks @Clayton Plummer. This is helpful. 

    0Reply
  • Mike D.
    Investor · Marion, IA · Member since 2010 · 177 posts · 117 votes
    2y

    Iowa's pretty good. And it's not likely to get bad because there are no metropolises here that pass those kinds of laws.

    1Reply
  • Joe FunariBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Keller, TX · Member since 2017 · 850 posts · 825 votes
    2y

    @Tip Mallick Great first question. I am a fellow investor and realtor working with first time investors in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. So I get asked this question a lot. The links that @Clayton Plummer are a great first step at looking whats important. Don't get caught up in rankings. Any ranking is subjective to begin with. Texas & Florida, IMO, are the most landlord friendly states. It comes down to eviction process. Here in Texas eviction rates are less than 1%. Because if a tenant gets an eviction on their record they will have a hard time being able to qualify for another rental. And process of eviction is fairly fast in both these states. Low cost of living, strong job markets, and strong monthly rental growth in both these states have a lot to do with it too. Which is why I invest in these states.

    2Reply
  • Tip Mallick
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Mike D.:

    Iowa's pretty good. And it's not likely to get bad because there are no metropolises here that pass those kinds of laws.


     @Mike D and Joe Funari. Thank you.

    1Reply
  • Bradley BuxtonBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · NV · Member since 2023 · 1k+ posts · 713 votes
    2y

    @Tip Mallick

    Nevada is a landlord friendly state and with some of the lowest property taxes combined with strong job growth from companies leaving California. I work with investors wanting to invest out of CA but wanting to stay a bit closer to CA due to their jobs, family or other ties to the state.  Check out the Tahoe Reno area we find some solid cash flow properties with all the signs of appreciation. 

    0Reply
  • Tip Mallick
    OP
    Member since 2024 · 14 posts · 5 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Bradley Buxton:

    @Tip Mallick

    Nevada is a landlord friendly state and with some of the lowest property taxes combined with strong job growth from companies leaving California. I work with investors wanting to invest out of CA but wanting to stay a bit closer to CA due to their jobs, family or other ties to the state.  Check out the Tahoe Reno area we find some solid cash flow properties with all the signs of appreciation. 


     Thank you.

    0Reply
  • Bruce WoodruffPro Member
    Contractor/Investor/Consultant · San Diego / Phoenix · Member since 2021 · 12k+ posts · 15k+ votes
    2y

    No politics allowed....but you can almost just go with Red State vs Blue State....

    4Reply
  • Mark H. Porter
    Investor · SC NC, VA · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 756 votes
    2y

    This came to me today -

    https://realwealth.com/learn/landlord-friendly-states/?fbcli...

    0Reply
  • John Clark
    Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Tip Mallick:
    Quote from @Clayton Plummer:

    @Tip Mallick - a quick internet search and here are a few different links that will give you more or less the same results on landlord friendly states:

    1. https://www.doorloop.com/blog/landlord-friendly-states

    2. https://www.fortunebuilders.com/landlord-friendly-states/

    3. https://www.steadily.com/blog/landlord-friendly-states

    Good luck!

    Thanks @Clayton Plummer. This is helpful. 

    Be very, very, careful with state-based lists. You have to check cities and counties within the state too. For example, one of the linked sites above says Illinois is a landlord-friendly state. That may be, but Chicago and Cook county are EXTREMELY tenant-friendly hell holes as far as landlords are concerned.

    Don’t move to a place because of its laws. Move because you want to be there.

    3Reply
  • Matt M.
    Dallas, TX · Member since 2017 · 16 posts · 7 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Joe Funari:

    @Tip Mallick Great first question. I am a fellow investor and realtor working with first time investors in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. So I get asked this question a lot. The links that @Clayton Plummer are a great first step at looking whats important. Don't get caught up in rankings. Any ranking is subjective to begin with. Texas & Florida, IMO, are the most landlord friendly states. It comes down to eviction process. Here in Texas eviction rates are less than 1%. Because if a tenant gets an eviction on their record they will have a hard time being able to qualify for another rental. And process of eviction is fairly fast in both these states. Low cost of living, strong job markets, and strong monthly rental growth in both these states have a lot to do with it too. Which is why I invest in these states.

    I have to disagree with this.  It really comes down to the county.  Dallas Houston and Austin are much anti landlord compared to other counties in Texas.  

    1Reply
  • Jerry TaBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Houston, TX · Member since 2012 · 256 posts · 121 votes
    2y

    You have to bifurcate the question - 

    1.) Are the laws within the state/city/county landlord or tenant friendly?
    2.) How are the application of the laws

    Here in Houston, you can even go down another level and take into consideration the specific judge for the court precinct to consider if they're landlord friendly.

    We have judges here providing legal advice on how to appeal etc. 

    Overall, the laws on the books are landlord friendly.  

    2Reply
  • Nadeem Alamgir
    Real Estate Agent · Member since 2023 · 831 posts · 577 votes
    2y

    Hey Tip, Ohio is also a very landlord-friendly state.

    Take amount to read this blog if you can - https://www.doorloop.com/laws/ohio-landlord-tenant-rights

    If you look at this link, Zillow predicts 3 cities of Ohio as their top 10 hottest housing market in 2024 - https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/zillow-ranking-hottest-real...

    Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

    2Reply
  • Remington LymanBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Tip Mallick:

    Hi Everyone, 

    I'm new to real estate and like the idea of house hacking and rentals. 

    I have been a case adjudicator at a housing tribunal and have seen many landlord issues regarding tenants.

    Can someone point me to the best landlord-friendly states?


     Ohio is a landlord friendly state!

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  • Jimmy LieuBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Columbus, OH · Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Tip Mallick:

    Hi Everyone, 

    I'm new to real estate and like the idea of house hacking and rentals. 

    I have been a case adjudicator at a housing tribunal and have seen many landlord issues regarding tenants.

    Can someone point me to the best landlord-friendly states?

    Hi Tip, I personally love Columbus Ohio and as someone who works with a lot of out of state investors - there's so many catalysts for why you should invest here. Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy). I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years. Plus, there's still so many positive cash flowing and 1% deals here in Columbus Ohio. As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!
    [email protected]614-300-7535
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  • Joe FunariBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Keller, TX · Member since 2017 · 850 posts · 825 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Matt M.:
    Quote from @Joe Funari:

    @Tip Mallick Great first question. I am a fellow investor and realtor working with first time investors in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. So I get asked this question a lot. The links that @Clayton Plummer are a great first step at looking whats important. Don't get caught up in rankings. Any ranking is subjective to begin with. Texas & Florida, IMO, are the most landlord friendly states. It comes down to eviction process. Here in Texas eviction rates are less than 1%. Because if a tenant gets an eviction on their record they will have a hard time being able to qualify for another rental. And process of eviction is fairly fast in both these states. Low cost of living, strong job markets, and strong monthly rental growth in both these states have a lot to do with it too. Which is why I invest in these states.

    I have to disagree with this.  It really comes down to the county.  Dallas Houston and Austin are much anti landlord compared to other counties in Texas.  

     @Matt M. You are correct about Dallas County. Specifically, the city of Dallas, and Mesquite for that matter. I personally don't like investing in these cities because of the landlord registration requirements and occupancy inspections landlords are subject to. Which is why there are plenty of other municipalities in the Dallas/Ft Worth area that don't have landlord registration requirements.@Tip Mallick this is why it is critical you have a investor/realtor on your side helping you avoid such pitfalls when it comes to REI.

    0Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    2y

    I also recommend you look for recent blog posts or YouTube videos from Dave Meyers. He analyzes different markets around the country and lists which ones are best for investors today.

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    0Reply
  • Victor PatelBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2022 · 133 posts · 89 votes
    2y

    Hey Tip,

    I've been a real estate broker and investor in the Cincinnati market for the last 25+ years.  I've my fair share of tenant issues in those years including many, many evictions.  I can tell you Ohio is a very landlord friendly state.  

    If you decide to invest in Cincinnati give me a shout.  I can show you some great areas based on your criteria.  Good Luck!

    [email protected]513-764-4775
    1Reply
  • April Rae
    New to Real Estate · Dallas, TX · Member since 2024 · 24 posts · 27 votes
    2y

    Top Landlord-Friendly States:

    1. Texas:
      • Pros: Strong property rights, swift eviction processes, no state income tax, and a robust economy.
      • Cons: Property taxes can be high in certain areas, so it’s important to factor this into your calculations.
    2. Florida:
      • Pros: No state income tax, favorable eviction laws, and a strong rental market driven by tourism and population growth.
      • Cons: Higher property insurance costs due to hurricane risk.
    3. Georgia:
      • Pros: Reasonably quick eviction processes, landlord-friendly legislation, and growing cities like Atlanta offering good investment opportunities.
      • Cons: Property taxes can vary widely depending on the county.
    4. Indiana:
      • Pros: Efficient eviction process, low property taxes, and a low cost of living which can translate to good cash flow properties.
      • Cons: Some areas may have slower property appreciation.
    5. Arizona:
      • Pros: Strong property rights, relatively quick eviction process, and a growing economy with cities like Phoenix seeing significant growth.
      • Cons: Market competition can be high in desirable areas.
    6. North Carolina:
      • Pros: Landlord-friendly laws, growing economy, and cities like Raleigh and Charlotte offer great investment opportunities.
      • Cons: Some areas have been experiencing rapid price increases, so careful market research is needed.
    7. Tennessee:
      • Pros: No state income tax on wages, relatively easy eviction process, and growing cities like Nashville with strong rental demand.
      • Cons: Some regions may have slower property appreciation.
    8. Alabama:
      • Pros: Very landlord-friendly eviction laws, low property taxes, and affordable real estate.
      • Cons: Economic growth can be slower in certain areas, so choose markets carefully.

    Tips for House Hacking and Rentals:

    • Local Regulations: Even in landlord-friendly states, local ordinances can vary. Always research city and county regulations.
    • Property Management: Consider hiring a property manager if you’re investing out of state. They can handle tenant issues and ensure compliance with local laws.
    • Screening Tenants: Implement a thorough tenant screening process to minimize potential issues.
    • Networking: Join local real estate investment groups or online communities (like BiggerPockets) to connect with other investors and learn from their experiences.
    • Education: Stay informed about changes in landlord-tenant laws and best practices for property management.

    Starting your investment journey in a landlord-friendly state can provide a smoother experience and better protect your interests as a landlord. Good luck with your investments, and feel free to ask more questions as you dive into real estate!

    2Reply
  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    2y

    Why are we all commenting on a 4 months old post that @Joe Funari jumped on without checking the age?

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  • Corby GoadeBusiness Member
    Investor · Boise, ID · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    2y

    Idaho is the most landlord friendly state in the country- the state legislature regularly passes laws to ensure that a property owner can do whatever they want with their property and not have any sort of state or county interference. Seems that we fly under the radar, but it's the truth. 

    -HOAs cannot regulate property use in any way. 

    -It's illegal for cities to regulate landlord rents and fees. 

    -No rent controls of any kind statewide. 

    The irony of this is that you get way higher quality tenants. Over the last 10 years, we've signed over 1500 leases and that has resulted in a total of 2 evictions. 

    0Reply
  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y

    Florida is fantastic! Specifically, SWFL is particularly landlord friendly.

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  • Wale LawalBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Houston | Dallas | Austin, TX · Member since 2018 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    @Tip Mallick

    States like Texas, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi, and West Virginia are good for landlords. They have straightforward eviction processes, no limits on how high rent can go, and not many rules on money kept for damage or how long someone can rent. These states allow landlords to terminate leases and evict tenants quickly, with no rent control laws and a strong legal framework.

    Good luck!

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  • Christopher Mooney
    Member since 2019 · 45 posts · 47 votes
    2y
    Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
    Quote from @Tip Mallick:

    Hi Everyone, 

    I'm new to real estate and like the idea of house hacking and rentals. 

    I have been a case adjudicator at a housing tribunal and have seen many landlord issues regarding tenants.

    Can someone point me to the best landlord-friendly states?

    Hi Tip, I personally love Columbus Ohio and as someone who works with a lot of out of state investors - there's so many catalysts for why you should invest here. Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy). I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years. Plus, there's still so many positive cash flowing and 1% deals here in Columbus Ohio. As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

     Curious to know @Jimmy Lieu, is Columbus passing any of those crazy anti landlord laws that Cleveland is passing? Because their new ordinances are bound to push a lot of out of state investors to other places. Curious if there are whispers (or shouts) in Columbus about the same

    1Reply
  • Robert EllisBusiness Member
    Developer · Miami, FL · Member since 2014 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    2y
    Quote from @Christopher Mooney:
    Quote from @Jimmy Lieu:
    Quote from @Tip Mallick:

    Hi Everyone, 

    I'm new to real estate and like the idea of house hacking and rentals. 

    I have been a case adjudicator at a housing tribunal and have seen many landlord issues regarding tenants.

    Can someone point me to the best landlord-friendly states?

    Hi Tip, I personally love Columbus Ohio and as someone who works with a lot of out of state investors - there's so many catalysts for why you should invest here. Specifically, there's job growth (Intel, Honda, Amazon, Nationwide, etc) and the population is growing (unlike Cleveland or Cincy). I really see Columbus Ohio as an extremely safe bet for the next 10-20 years. Plus, there's still so many positive cash flowing and 1% deals here in Columbus Ohio. As a local investor and agent here in Columbus, let me know if you have any questions or want to connect!

     Curious to know @Jimmy Lieu, is Columbus passing any of those crazy anti landlord laws that Cleveland is passing? Because their new ordinances are bound to push a lot of out of state investors to other places. Curious if there are whispers (or shouts) in Columbus about the same


     I go to city council meetings almost every Monday and they are extremely developer friendly and new construction friendly. while there is pressure, I don't think it will ever happen. columbus wants to see economic development and would not place legislation that would restrict the free market in my opinion. right now they are doing the opposite and redoing there zoning codes to allow for higher density and higher height as well as parking reductions. just google "zone in" columbus and you'll see. there's a lot of articles about it. 

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