How to Be a Long-Distance Landlord

You may find yourself becoming a long distance landlord for many reasons. A job relocation, an inherited property, or expanding your real estate portfolio into a new market can all place your rental property far from where you live.

While managing a property from afar comes with unique challenges, it does not have to limit your success as an owner.

With the right systems, reliable local support, and clear communication, long distance landlording can be both manageable and profitable. Ocean Realty & Management works with property owners in these situations every day, helping them protect their investments while minimizing stress.

In this blog, we will share proven tips to help you succeed as a long distance landlord and keep your rental performing well no matter where you live.

Rent to the Right Resident

Renting to the right resident is every landlord’s dream. After all, a dream resident is one who possesses the following attributes.

• Pays rent on time.
• Abides by all terms of the lease.
• Reports issues as soon as they occur.
• Renews their lease multiple times.

Finding a resident who possesses these attributes is especially critical for long distance landlords. Unlike local landlords, it may take weeks or even several months before you are able to visit the property in person.

To secure a reliable long-term resident , you must have a proven screening process in place. This process should evaluate prospective residents using objective and fair criteria.

Proper screening typically includes reviewing creditworthiness, income level, rental history, employment history, and criminal background in accordance with applicable laws.

Keep the Lines of Communication Open

After securing the right resident, it is essential to keep communication clear and consistent. The goal is to ensure the resident can easily reach you whenever an issue arises, whether it is a water leak or a pest infestation.

Without clear communication, you may encounter unexpected and costly problems when you eventually visit the property.

To keep communication effective, start by providing residents with up to date contact information, including your phone number and email address. Encourage residents to report issues as soon as they occur, which helps prevent minor problems from becoming expensive repairs .

On your end, make it a habit to check in with residents at least once a month. Use this opportunity to ask how things are going and whether the property is in good condition. Be mindful, however, to maintain professional boundaries.

There is a fine line between staying informed and appearing intrusive, and crossing it could lead to harassment concerns.

Monitor the Rental Market

Even as a long distance landlord, it is important to stay informed about the market where your property is located. Pay attention to factors such as the local economy, government policies, and demographic changes, as all of these can impact rental demand and pricing .

Without monitoring the market, you may end up charging too much or too little for rent. Overpricing can lead to extended vacancies, while underpricing can reduce your overall return on investment.

Visit the Property at Least Once Per Year

Under the Internal Revenue Code, long distance landlords may qualify for certain tax deductions related to property visits. These deductions can include mileage, airfare, lodging, and meals when the trip is directly related to managing the rental.

You can use this opportunity to visit your rental property at least once per year. During the visit, inspect the property to ensure it remains habitable and comfortable for the resident.

Always notify the resident in advance. For example, in Florida, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ notice before entering a rental property and must enter during normal business hours, typically between 8 AM and 5 PM, unless another time is agreed upon.

If visiting in person is not feasible, working with a local property management company is a strong alternative. They can conduct move in, move out, seasonal, and drive by inspections on your behalf.

Hire a Property Management Company

Hiring a local property management company is often the most effective solution for long distance landlords.

A professional manager can handle the daily responsibilities of rental ownership, including marketing vacant properties , screening residents, responding to maintenance issues, and ensuring legal compliance.

Just as importantly, a local property manager serves as your eyes and ears on the ground, providing oversight and peace of mind while you are away.

Conclusion

Ocean Realty & Property Management is a reliable and experienced property management company with over 20 years of experience managing single family homes, townhomes, condos, and apartments throughout St. Johns, Duval, and Putnam Counties in Florida.

Our goal is to help investment property owners reduce stress and maximize return on investment. Contact us today to learn more about our property management services.