6 Mistakes Landlords Make When Self-Managing Rentals

[Enrique Jevons]

Self-managing sounds like a smart way to save money, but things can go wrong quickly without the right systems or knowledge in place.

Here are 6 common (and costly) mistakes I see over and over from DIY landlords:

1. Underestimating the Time Commitment

It’s not just collecting rent. It’s midnight maintenance calls, late payments, inspections, and lease renewals. If you have a full-time job or live far from your property, self-managing can turn into a second job.

Pro tip: If you’re constantly behind, it may be time to outsource.

2. Poor Tenant Screening

A bad tenant can cost you more than a vacancy. Rushing to fill a unit or relying on gut feeling leads to missed rent, property damage, and evictions. Always run background checks, verify income, and call previous landlords.

3. Lack of Documentation

Verbal agreements and casual texts won’t protect you in court. You need a paper trail: leases, maintenance requests, rent receipts, everything. If it’s not documented, it didn’t happen.

4. Delaying Maintenance

Ignoring small issues can snowball fast. That leaky faucet? It might turn into water damage that ruins floors, walls, and your cash flow. Schedule preventive maintenance, and fix small problems early.

5. Not Knowing Local Laws

Tenant protections, eviction timelines, and rent control laws vary by city. One mistake, even with good intentions, can result in serious penalties. If you’re unsure, consult a local property manager or attorney.

6. Letting Emotions Run the Business

This is a business, not a friendship. Being too lenient or emotionally attached to tenants can lead to late rent, extended vacancies, and blurred boundaries. Be fair, but firm. Let policies, not feelings, guide your decisions.

You can self-manage, but it requires time, systems, and a business mindset. If any of these mistakes sound familiar, ask yourself:

Is my time better spent managing tenants or growing my portfolio?