Being a Landlord Shouldn’t Feel Like a Full-Time Job—Here’s How to Make It Easier

Let’s be real—landlording isn’t always as simple as it sounds. Sure, collecting rent seems great until you’re dealing with leaky faucets, late payments, and that one tenant who insists their “therapy snake” should be allowed in a no-pet building.

If you want less stress and more structure, follow these five essential tips for landlords and five smart ways to choose the right property management company.

5 Must-Know Tips for Landlords

1. Tenant Screening Is Not a Vibe Check

That nice couple who promises to “always pay on time” may also have a history of evictions and a pet iguana they forgot to mention. Always run background checks, credit reports, and rental history before handing over the keys.

2. Your Lease Agreement Should Cover Everything (Even the Weird Stuff)

Spell out who’s responsible for maintenance, rent deadlines, guest policies, and what happens if a tenant decides to sublet your place on Airbnb. If it’s not in writing, you’re in for headaches later. You can check our blog "What landlords need to know about Ontario Lease Agreement".

3. Fix Small Problems Before They Become Big Ones

That tiny leak under the sink? It won’t stay tiny. Routine maintenance prevents expensive repairs down the road and keeps your tenants from calling you at 2 AM.

4. Set Boundaries—You’re Not Their On-Demand Handy(wo)man

It’s great to be responsive, but tenants should know the difference between an emergency and an inconvenience. (No, a flickering lightbulb doesn’t require immediate attention.)

5. Know When to Get Help

If managing everything alone is cutting into your time, sanity, or weekends, consider a property management company. Just make sure they actually know what they’re doing (see below).

5 Smart Tips for Choosing a Property Management Company

1. Not All Property Managers Are the Same—Do Your Homework

Some specialize in condos, others in single-family homes. Some are hands-on, others just collect rent and call it a day. Make sure their services match your needs.

2. Ask About Their Tenant Screening Process

If they’re just taking the first person who applies, run. A solid property management company screens tenants thoroughly to prevent future issues.

3. Clear Pricing = No Surprises

Some companies charge a flat fee, others take a percentage of rent, and some throw in random extra charges (like $50 for responding to an email). Ask for a full breakdown of costs before signing.

4. Communication Matters

A property manager should keep you updated, handle tenant concerns, and not disappear the moment a problem arises. If they take forever to return your calls, imagine how they’ll treat your tenants.

5. 24/7 Emergency Support Isn’t Optional

If your tenant has a midnight plumbing disaster, you don’t want to be the one handling it. Make sure your property manager offers round-the-clock support—or prepare for late-night calls yourself.

Final Thoughts: Smarter Landlording, Less Stress

Owning a rental shouldn’t feel like a second job. Screen tenants, set clear rules, and don’t ignore maintenance. If managing everything gets overwhelming, the right property management company can make life a whole lot easier.

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