Common Landlord Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Being a landlord can be a rewarding investment—but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you're managing one unit or an entire portfolio, certain pitfalls can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. At Fortiva Residential, we’ve seen it all—and we’re here to help you sidestep the most common landlord mistakes.

1. Skipping Tenant Screening

The Mistake: Eager to fill a vacancy quickly, some landlords rush the tenant selection process—only to end up with late payments, property damage, or worse.

How to Avoid It: Always run background checks, verify employment and income, and contact previous landlords. A thorough tenant screening process is your first line of defense against future headaches.

2. Not Having a Solid Lease Agreement

The Mistake: Using a generic lease—or worse, a handshake agreement—can lead to confusion, disputes, and legal troubles.

How to Avoid It: Use a well-drafted lease tailored to your state’s laws. It should clearly outline rent terms, responsibilities, pet policies, maintenance procedures, and more. Better yet, have it reviewed by a legal professional or work with a property management company (like us) that provides legally sound leasing documents.

3. Neglecting Maintenance and Repairs

The Mistake: Delaying or ignoring maintenance issues might save money short-term, but it often results in bigger problems—and unhappy tenants.

How to Avoid It: Respond quickly to repair requests and perform regular inspections. Proactive maintenance keeps tenants happy and protects your property’s value.

4. Mishandling Security Deposits

The Mistake: Failing to document the property’s condition or not following state laws regarding security deposits can lead to disputes and legal penalties.

How to Avoid It: Conduct a move-in/move-out inspection with photos, keep clear records, and know your state’s laws on deposit timelines and deductions.

5. Setting the Wrong Rent Price

The Mistake: Pricing your rental too high may result in a longer vacancy, while pricing too low leaves money on the table.

How to Avoid It: Do a market analysis or consult with a property management expert. We analyze local trends to ensure your rent is competitive and profitable.

6. Not Knowing Landlord-Tenant Laws

The Mistake: Many landlords accidentally violate laws simply because they don’t know them—especially when it comes to evictions, fair housing, or privacy rights.

How to Avoid It: Stay informed about federal, state, and local laws—or partner with a professional who stays up to date on your behalf.

7. Going It Alone

The Mistake: Trying to juggle leasing, maintenance, accounting, and legal compliance without help can quickly become overwhelming.

How to Avoid It: Consider working with a property management company, signing on a partner or hiring help.

Being a successful landlord isn’t just about collecting rent—it’s about managing people, properties, and processes efficiently. Avoiding these common mistakes can make the difference between a frustrating experience and a profitable one.