New investor here in need of advice... I came across a deal on two rental homes that each value for ~$145k and the asking price is $110k on each. The builder completed the homes in '08 and rented them out instead of selling when the market turned south. Both have been lived in by the same renters since new. There rent is currently $650 because it has not gone up in a decade. The homes are ~1230 sq ft, 3 bed 2 bath with a carport. I live in a rural area outside Chattanooga, TN. The current owner is looking to free up his mortgage on them and focus on building other homes which is why he is selling below market value.
My questions is... how should I go about raising the rent without losing quality tenants? Thanks in advance for any help!
I just had a similar situation at a property I am looking at. I asked the tenant what she wished would change about the property. She listed some minor repairs and some tree removal. I said my plan was to raise the rent on the location to match the market but that one purpose would be to make the changes she requested happen within the year. The increase will be about 25% but she was so excited to hear about my plans. If the deal goes through she wants to stay for the rest of her life.
First check your local laws to see if there is a max that you can increase rent. If not, some people will say rip off the band aid and increase to market rent in one fell swoop, others will say do it in annual increments. I'd do the later, by how much depends on how far they are off current market values.
The market is $950-1100 per month. I thought about raising it to $850 for 6-12 months and then $950 after that term... Then re-evaluating market conditions after the second year.
If you’re absolutely sure they’ll rent for somewhere around 1% then just buy them and figure it out later. Seller isn’t likely to get the tenants out for you so you’ll have to deal with it. Read the leases carefully. They’re probably month to month. And I’m not sure why you think theyre quality? If they’re paying half the market rent they’re not quality at all in my book no matter how clean the bathrooms are.
A $200 increase may make them leave, but if they do, you can rent it for market value. You could talk to them and tell them market value is upto $1100 (and bring them examples), then tell them your plan.
Like others have said, you can either increase gradually or rip off the bandaid. Depending on what you think the chances of them leaving are, you can always do an inspection to get an idea of how much work will need to be done if/when they move out. This will also tell you how "quality" they are and will get you to make a decision one way or another.
In my experience, when we acquire a property that has had a tenant for an extended period of time at below market rent, they will not want to pay your price. And if they did, you're the bad guy now. Odds are they will not be happy and may become a pain. I would ask them to pay market value. If they decline, part ways. That's okay. We usually tell them there are plenty of people who'd love to pay market rent for this house. If your firm, they may stay.
When acquiring a rented property, always ask for the lease and also find out who has the deposit (if one was placed). When the tenant leaves, you will be required to return it to the tenant (if all checks out) regardless of whether you received it at closing from seller/property manager. Does this help?
@Curtis Bowery Unless there is a massive shortage of quality renters in your area, you kind of want your tenants to move on. I mean how can they find their deal again if your market is that strong? Further, maybe make it $50 or so below the market to make them feel good, but explain that you are buying as an investment, not a hobby, and its all about the numbers. People do not enjoy the moving process, so I bet they would stay, but if you are that nervous about this then RE is not for you. You have to run a business and it sounds like the deals are sweet so pick them up asap!
I just had a similar situation at a property I am looking at. I asked the tenant what she wished would change about the property. She listed some minor repairs and some tree removal. I said my plan was to raise the rent on the location to match the market but that one purpose would be to make the changes she requested happen within the year. The increase will be about 25% but she was so excited to hear about my plans. If the deal goes through she wants to stay for the rest of her life.
@Jason Silvenis That is such a great example. I wouldn't just up the price and expect your renters to be happy. I think that catering to your potential new clients demonstrates a lot of value. Its almost like if you had to rehab a house with some finishing touches like yard work and repainting to give it a new feel, but you already have tenants that are already paying the rent. Great example!