What are your thoughts on a rental property with a water well?

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What are your thoughts on a rental property with a water well?

Joe S.Pro Member
Investor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes

So I have a property I can buy and it will rent real well. apparent the property is not on city water, but is on a water well. I am not familiar with this sort of thing and I am getting cold feet.

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John Teachout
Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
5y

We have a septic and well at our primary. Just had the septic tank pumped Friday after 20 years. They said it was due but in good shape. The well is drilled and provides good water that needs no treatment.

I have several rentals that have septics but only one has a well. For us, when we're looking at properties, wells and septics are a negative as the maintenance and repair of them is a landlord issue vs the public utilities that are paid by the tenants. It's not a show stopper for us but elicits a lower offer.

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  • Bjorn AhlbladPro Member
    Investor · Shelton, WA · Member since 2017 · 6k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    5y

    @Joe S.have it inspected by a pro the, quality and quantity. If it is also on a septic system get that inspected too. City water is more conventional, but it is also expensive. I have had rentals with wells and septics and you do want the tenants to follow a few additional rules. 

    My primary is on a septic and well. I get the filtration/softener serviced 3x a year because I am lazy, and a little old for the 40# bags of salt; we have the septic system pumped every 4-5 years. All the best with what you decide.

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  • Joe S.Pro Member
    OP
    Investor · San Antonio · Member since 2020 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y
    Originally posted by @Bjorn Ahlblad:

    @Joe S.have it inspected by a pro the, quality and quantity. If it is also on a septic system get that inspected too. City water is more conventional, but it is also expensive. I have had rentals with wells and septics and you do want the tenants to follow a few additional rules. 

    My primary is on a septic and well. I get the filtration/softener serviced 3x a year because I am lazy, and a little old for the 40# bags of salt; we have the septic system pumped every 4-5 years. All the best with what you decide.

    Thanks  

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  • John Teachout
    Rental Property Investor · Concord, GA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    5y

    We have a septic and well at our primary. Just had the septic tank pumped Friday after 20 years. They said it was due but in good shape. The well is drilled and provides good water that needs no treatment.

    I have several rentals that have septics but only one has a well. For us, when we're looking at properties, wells and septics are a negative as the maintenance and repair of them is a landlord issue vs the public utilities that are paid by the tenants. It's not a show stopper for us but elicits a lower offer.

    2Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    5y

    Well water can be just as good as City water, sometimes better, and you don't have to deal with a monthly water or sewer bill. It's cheaper for your renters, making the property more attractive.

    However, some well water is nasty. It tastes bad or it is hard water that clogs up and breaks appliances, sticks to your sinks, toilets, and showers, or even smells like rotten eggs.

    Have it inspected. Taste it. Smell it. Make sure the well pump is operating well, that the water supply is sufficient for the renters, and that you understand how it operates so you can trouble-shoot problems like a well pump that trips a breaker.

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