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Unforeseen Costs That Can Surprise an Investor

Frustrated Investor Looking at PaperworkSurprises are rarely a good thing when renting a single-family rental. This is particularly true when the surprises involve unanticipated prices or expenses. These unfortunate surprises are virtually unavoidable for new investment in Jamaica Plain. Learning about some of the costs will better prepare rental property investors for sudden and surprising expenses.

Landlord Insurance

A reliable landlord liability insurance policy is essential for every single-family rental owner. This does not imply that you must purchase the most expensive coverage available. The cost of an insurance policy rates can vary greatly, as can the caliber and standing of the provider. Due to this, it’s crucial to compare options before selecting a landlord insurance policy and to monitor your rate each year for fluctuations. You can pay far more for your landlord insurance than you need to if you don’t thoroughly evaluate rates and insurance carriers.

Energy Costs

Utility bills for a property could be a second unpleasant surprise. Energy costs are generally minimal in energy-efficient buildings. But first-time investors might find that their new investment home has a high energy cost. There are many things property owners may do to increase the energy efficiency of their rental property, regardless of the underlying causes. You can learn more about the potential causes of the problems by having the house checked for air leaks, outdated appliances, and other energy “vampires.” Replacing single-pane windows, weatherstripping, lightbulbs, and other leaky places can help significantly reduce energy expenses. With a few straightforward modifications and yearly maintenance, you may drastically lower the energy costs of your rental property.

Inadvertent Appliance Damage

A real estate investor or Jamaica Plain property manager may also be surprised by the rapid depreciation of household appliances. The cost of updating major equipment every few years can frustrate any investor. The problem isn’t simply that the tenants are mistreating the appliances; rather, it’s that they lack knowledge about how to operate and maintain them properly. Educating your tenants on appropriate appliance use and maintenance is one of the best methods to keep the appliances in your rental home operating longer and better. You may considerably increase the life of the appliances on your property by urging people to operate them properly and carry out a few simple maintenance tasks.

Pest Control

Investors in rental properties for the first time could decide to have their tenants do regular cleaning and maintenance to keep unpleasant pests to a minimum. Renters may still experience issues with pests, including termites, ants, rodents, and more, even in the cleanest dwellings. You may need to offer pest control services from time to time, as needed by local law, to keep your property habitable. Not only should you be prepared with a local pest control company that has been thoroughly vetted, but you should also budget for such services in advance. If not, you can have negative monthly cash flows from emergency termites or other treatments.

Erosion Prevention and Repair

In the first year of owning a rental property, each season might bring its unique challenges. Occasionally, warm spring weather reveals erosion problems that were not apparent during the winter. In these situations, the cost of erosion prevention and maintenance may deter an investor and alarm the tenants. As the earth around a home’s foundation erodes, water can collect and cause damage. The easiest method to minimize unanticipated preventive and repair expenditures is to ensure that your rental property has adequate drainage and has been thoroughly inspected for symptoms of soil erosion.

Tenant Lawsuits

Even the most diligent single-family property owners occasionally must pay unforeseen legal costs. Tenant management can be challenging, and arguments are possible. The best course of action is to take all reasonable steps to avoid a lawsuit in the first place, and at the same time, a plan for potential litigation in the future can also be beneficial. One of the best ways to begin is by performing routine maintenance on the property and reacting promptly to repair requests. Additionally, you can avoid going to court by making sure your property complies with safety regulations, offering fundamental safety gear, and looking for hidden issues like mold, lead paint, or asbestos. Another excellent approach to prevent tenant lawsuits and save legal costs is to adhere to your lease agreement and encourage your tenant to do the same.

In Conclusion

You can be better prepared to avoid or reduce unexpected costs that go along with owning single-family rental properties, now that you know about them. Having foresight with tenant education, property upkeep, and cost comparisons, you can better prevent some of the more unwelcome surprises of real estate investing.

Regarding property management, Real Property Management Boston is an experienced expert 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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