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Unforeseen Costs That Can Surprise an Investor

Frustrated Investor Looking at PaperworkRarely are surprised positive in the realm of single-family rentals. This is especially true when the surprises are brought on by unplanned expenses or costs. For a new real estate investor in Houston, those unpleasant surprises are all but guaranteed. Rental property investors will be better prepared for unforeseen expenses if they are aware of some of the least discussed fees.

Landlord Insurance

Every single-family rental owner should have a good caliber landlord liability insurance policy. This does not imply that you must purchase the most expensive coverage you can. The cost of insurance policy rates can vary greatly, as can the quality and standing of the provider. Because of this, it’s crucial to compare options before selecting a landlord insurance policy and to check your rate each year for adjustments. If you don’t thoroughly evaluate rates and insurance carriers, you can pay a lot more for your landlord insurance than you need to.

Energy Costs

The property’s utility bills may provide a second unpleasant surprise. An energy-efficient building has comparatively low energy expenses. But prospective investors may realize that their new investment property comes with a high energy bill. There are numerous things that property owners may do to make their rental property more energy efficient, even though the causes of this can differ. You can learn more about the potential causes of the problems by having the house assessed for energy “vampires” like old equipment and air leaks. The cost of energy can be significantly reduced by replacing leaky components such as weatherstripping, single-pane windows, lightbulbs, and other items. With a few easy improvements and yearly upkeep, you can drastically lower your rental home’s energy costs.

Inadvertent Appliance Damage

Another expenditure that may surprise a real estate investor or Houston property manager is the rapid depreciation of equipment. The cost of updating key household appliances every few years might leave any investor feeling trapped. The issue is more likely that tenants do not understand how to use and care for the appliances properly owing to a lack of information rather than they are misusing the items. Providing your tenants with information about proper appliance use and maintenance is one of the greatest ways to keep the appliances in your rental home operating longer and more effectively. You will add to the longevity of your property’s appliances by advising your tenants to use and maintain the devices properly.

Pest Control

Beginner investors could decide to ask their tenants to keep unpleasant pests to a minimum by doing routine cleaning and upkeep. Even in the cleanest properties, renters may encounter a variety of pests, including termites, ants, and rats. As mandated by local law, you might need to offer pest control services occasionally to keep your property livable. Not only should you be prepared with a list of reputable local pest control companies, but you should also prepare a budget for such services in advance. Otherwise, emergency termite treatments or other treatments may cause a monthly cash flow deficit.

Erosion Prevention and Repair

Each new season might have its own surprises the first year you own a rental property. Sometimes erosion problems that were hidden during the winter months come to light in the spring. In such circumstances, erosion prevention and repair expenses could deter an investor and cause concern among tenants. Water might collect where the soil has worn away from a house’s foundation and cause harm. The simplest method to prevent any unforeseen preventive and repair expenditures is to make sure that your rental property has good drainage and has been thoroughly inspected for symptoms of soil erosion.

Tenant Lawsuits

The best single-family property owners occasionally have to pay unanticipated legal costs. It can be challenging to work with tenants, and arguments can occasionally arise. Although saving for future litigation may be sensible, preventing a lawsuit from occurring in the first place is preferable. One of the best places to start is to conduct routine maintenance on the property and respond quickly to repair requests. In addition, ensuring that your facility complies with safety requirements, providing basic safety equipment, and inspecting for hidden issues such as mold, lead paint, and asbestos are all strategies to avoid litigation. Following your lease agreement and encouraging your tenant to do the same is another excellent approach to preventing tenant disputes and reducing legal expenditures.

In Conclusion

Knowing a few of the unforeseen expenditures associated with owning single-family rental properties, may help you prepare to minimize or avoid them. Having forethought with property maintenance, tenant education, and cost comparisons, you can be better equipped to prevent some of the unfortunate surprises of real estate investing.

Real Property Management Heritage is a seasoned veteran when it comes to property management, which makes us the best resource for new and inexperienced property investors. Contact us today to see what we can do for you and your property!

 

Originally published on January 17, 2020.

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