There’s a common misconception that to be a successful landlord and rental property owner, you should invest in where you live. What if I told you that there are many successful landlords who manage out of state rental property and earn even more than they would if they invested locally? 

When you branch out and look at thriving markets within the nation, you could maximize your investment, even if it is hundreds of miles away. 

Of course, there are unique challenges that come with managing out-of-state rental property. Fortunately, there are actionable and practical solutions and strategies you can use to make managing out-of-state rental property more effortless and less stressful. 

Understanding the Challenges of Managing an Out of State Rental Property

Managing an investment property requires a significant amount of attention and dedication. However, when your rental property is out-of-state, these challenges can escalate. 

Between communication issues, maintenance requests, and understanding local laws, there’s a lot to juggle.

Distance and Communication Issues 

Living miles away from your rental property can certainly put a wrench in open communication. It’s not like you can pop over for a quick chat, right? 

This distance can lead to misunderstandings, causing frustrations for both you and your tenant. Clear, consistent communication is the foundation of a successful landlord-tenant relationship, and geographical distance can put this at risk.

Responding to Emergencies and Maintenance Requests 

We all know how Murphy’s law works – if something can go wrong, it will, and usually at the most inconvenient time. 

Imagine receiving a call about a burst pipe at two o’clock in the morning, and you’re hours away. Dealing with these emergencies quickly is essential to prevent further damage to your property and its value and keep your tenants happy.

Knowing Local Laws and Regulations 

Each state has its own set of property laws and regulations. When you live in California and own a property in, say, Maryland, it can feel like you’re trying to learn a new language. Misunderstandings or lack of knowledge about these laws can lead to violations and potential legal issues, costing you thousands of dollars and hours of trouble.

5 Strategies on How to Manage Out of State Rental Property

It’s not all doom and gloom, though. While managing an out-of-state rental property presents unique challenges, there are 5 actionable strategies that can make the process smoother and more effective.

1. Building a Reliable Local Network 

Building a network of reliable local contacts can be a lifesaver. 

Trusted contractors, real estate agents, and even other landlords can provide local insights and help address issues quickly. Developing these relationships can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a team on the ground to support you.

This network especially comes in handy for those ill-timed maintenance emergencies. 

2. Investing in Comprehensive Landlord Insurance 

Insurance isn’t just for peace of mind—it’s an essential part of protecting your investment. A good landlord insurance policy covers not just property damage, but can also provide liability coverage and even loss of rental income. It’s like a safety net, there to catch you when unexpected issues arise.

3. Utilizing Technology for Seamless Property Management 

In our digital world, there are numerous tools designed to make property management easier. 

Online rent collection, digital lease agreements, and software that streamlines maintenance requests can all help you manage your property more effectively. Leveraging these technologies can reduce administrative tasks, even automate them sometimes, and help you stay organized.

4. Effective Tenant Screening Process 

A comprehensive tenant screening process is your first line of defense against potential problems. 

Looking at credit history, rental history, and references can provide a clearer picture of your prospective tenant. The goal is to find responsible, reliable individuals who will treat your property with respect.

When you trust that your rental property is in good hands with your tenants, you’ll experience a smooth and issue-free lease term.

5. Regular Property Inspections 

Scheduling regular property inspections is crucial. 

It allows you to identify and address minor maintenance issues before they become significant problems. It also reassures your tenant that you’re invested in maintaining the property, which can contribute to a positive landlord-tenant relationship.

The Role of a Property Management Company in Managing Out of State Property

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, managing an out-of-state property becomes too demanding. 

Even when implementing multiple tools and strategies to stay organized and ensure your property is maintained, it can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. 

That’s when hiring a property management company can be a game-changer.

Expert Understanding of Local Housing Laws 

A professional property management company is familiar with local laws and regulations, ensuring that your property remains compliant. It’s their job to stay updated with any changes or updates, taking one more worry off your plate.

Stress-Free Rental Property Maintenance and Repairs 

With a property management company, you have a team of professionals who can handle any maintenance issues. 

They have relationships with local contractors and can manage these relationships on your behalf. This takes the stress out of dealing with repairs and maintenance issues, letting you sleep better at night.

Professional Tenant Management 

Property management companies have systems in place for effective tenant management. From finding and screening tenants to handling lease agreements to resolving disputes— they have it covered. You can rest easy knowing that your tenants are being managed professionally.

Boosting Your ROI 

Ultimately, a good property management company will help boost your return on out-of-state rental property. 

By ensuring smooth operations, regular maintenance, and tenant satisfaction, property management can help reduce vacancies and increase tenant retention. This means more stable rental income and potentially higher property value.

The Ultimate Solution to Out of State Property Management

Managing an out-of-state rental property can be challenging, but remember, you’re not alone in this journey. The strategies we’ve discussed can help you navigate these challenges. However, if the responsibilities become too overwhelming, a property management company can step in to take over the reins. 

Mainstay Property Management can handle the day-to-day management, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of your investment with less stress. As a leading Maryland property management company, landlords from across the country rely on us to successfully manage their Maryland rental properties. 

So, are you ready to make managing your out of state property easier? Then we’re here to help. After all, you’ve got a property to profit from, not a problem to solve.