Should I hide my real name/contact info during the rental?

Question

I am a small landlord, whose 1 investment property is held in my name.  In the past I have used a property manager but thinking of doing this myself.

I was wondering if any other small landlords do anything to hide their real name and/or real address/phone number from tenants during the screening and leasing process.  If so, how?Thanks!

Russell Brazil · Answer

Try to hide your identity and tenants will assume you are trying to pull a rental scam

Nathan Gesner · Answer

I don't believe in starting any relationship with lies. Be honest with them. Learn how to set boundaries and protect yourself.

Jill F. · Answer

I use a google voice number for advertising/marketing properties and first name only for advertising on the internet but  my full name is on my lease and i give all of my tenants my personal cell phone number. I want them to know that I am accountable for my properties -- and that I am the final authority regarding my properties .

David M. · Answer

@Sam Faas

Sounds like you have your answer.  I've done all my rentals with my own name and address.  Many times tenants would drop off the check in my mailbox, not so much anymore with Zelle.  No, I am not friends with my tenants, but I am certainly friendly.

One way to think about it is why would I be willing to rent to somebody that I wasn't confortable with knowing my name and home?  Besides, some actually see it a as a "sign of professionalism" (it was kinda odd to me at first) when they realize that I have multiple properties.

I would agree, however, that if you are investing in some lower class neighborhoods as has been discussed on BP, I would need to take steps.  however as I said, I wouldn't be investing in those locations.

Good luck.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Sam Faas I don’t hide my name or number. Be a good landlord solves 95% of the issues.

Personally I think people go overboard trying to hide their identity today. It’s really not hard to find someone

For example people who buy a loan in their name and move it to LLC - some say for asset protection and some say to hide their name - well the recorded mortgage is still in their name and it’s a quit claim deed to a LLC so it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure who owns the LLC

Tim Miller · Answer

Like John, all of our properties are in our LLC and it has a registered agent tied to it. It make life much easier. We had one young lady, good job, good credit, good rental history but she had poor taste in men. She started dating this guy, moved him in and when we demanded he fill out our our application or move out. He became very threatening, he even drove over 80 miles thinking he was going to our office. He ended up at the UPS store (where all our mail goes) and they had to call the police.

He never returned, as he had multiple warrants for his arrest and we didn't renew the young lady. Will this or anything like this ever happen again, I doubt it but we'll keep thing the way we have them now. Good Luck.

Henry T. · Answer

I don't hide my name. But I don't give them my personal phone or address. Have a second phone, and use a po box for them. Even though its easy to find one's address, tenants are not allowed at my house. Have them direct deposit into a separate rental account if you can. Don't use Zelle.

John Underwood · Answer

I do not. Mine are all paid for and in LLC's.

I would say honesty is the best policy. You could say you are the manager which is true.

Carry correct insurance and take care of your properties and you should be fine.

Alecia Loveless · Answer

@Sam Faas I use my personal cell number and have a PO Box that I’ve had for years as my address. Over the years for various reasons a few of my tenants have discovered where I live. So far it hasn’t been a problem.

My goal is to eventually move out of my current house hack which is in the center of my small town and very visible to something more secluded. I currently live next door to one of the areas most popular restaurants and my vehicle is somewhat distinctive if you notice it simply because no one else in the area has one, not because it’s an expensive sports car or something.

I feel maintaining your properties correctly and being decent to your tenants is the best preventative measure we as landlords can take next to LLCs, insurance, and umbrella policies.

Even this isn’t foolproof but it helps.

Pierre E. · Answer

This is so important thank you for sharing this. I think "what about my wife and kids" and their safety. Tenants trust us too, but theres a lot to be careful about.  I think theres a difference between integrity/honesty   and transparency/vulnerability.   - Take care of the property, be responsive and professional and warm to the tenant, protect your information, name number address etc as much as possible on all forms and websites without appearing to be hiding something.

Should I hide my real name/contact info during the rental?

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