The Pros and Cons of Being a Live-In Landlord

If you’re a landlord, you know there are some drawbacks to the business, like tenants who don’t pay rent on time, problems with noise and tenants who don’t take proper care of your property. It’s true that at times, your phone rings late at night with tenants’ plumbing and heating emergencies. And it’s true that some tenants must be evicted, which can cost you a bundle of time and money.

All of these problems will probably occur to most landlords at some point. But what could make each of these tenant problems worse? If they were happening in the same building in which you live! Messy, noisy tenants are one thing, but when they live next door, it’s a bigger nightmare. Tenants who constantly pay rent late are even harder to be nice to when they live downstairs from you.

Having tenants for neighbors can be unpleasant, but for many landlords, it’s a way of life. When you own a multi-unit building and have to live somewhere, why not live in your own property?

Here are some pros and cons of being a live-in landlord:

Pros

• You can keep an eye on tenant behavior, and put a stop to things like criminal activity, a business running out of the unit, or actions that are in violation of the lease.
• If the property needs any exterior repairs, you’ll know immediately.
• Undesirable tenants may keep looking when they hear you live in the building.
• You’ll care more about the property and take better care of it.
• Your tenants are not far away when it’s time to collect rent—and they can’t hide from you.
• Communication might be easier when you see your tenants on a regular basis.
• You can take advantage of owner-occupied mortgages, insurance policies, etc.
• You can subsidize your own housing costs.

Cons

• Tenants might knock on your door at all hours to complain or report a problem.
• Noisy tenants will affect your peace and quiet.
• It’s harder to live next to a tenant with whom you have issues.
• If a tenant locks him or herself out, they’ll be knocking on your door.
• Shared areas might not be maintained to your liking.
• Not all expenses are tax deductible.*

Live-in landlord situations can be successful, if both parties work toward it. Be sure to keep the communication flowing, respect your tenants’ privacy and address little issues before they become big problems.

Posted by Teresa

*Disclaimer:
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining legal, investment or tax advice applicable 

Since 1946 the Carnahan name has had a reputation for honest and ethical Real Estate Property Management services in the San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, Burbank/Glendale, Los Angeles, Westside and Conejo Valley areas.

The reason for our success is helping owners like you when they need it. Below is a partial list of property management services we provide to help you protect your real estate investment.

• Tenant placement
• Tenant screening (including: credit check, landlord and employment verification, social security trace report, California eviction check and criminal check)
• Regular property inspections
• Accounting and landlord bill payment
• Monthly financial reporting
• Maintenance service and supervision (we use only proven independent vendors)
• Collections
• Evictions
• We supply all the necessary forms to meet California’s Landlord/Tenant laws
• 24 hour emergency phone service
• Advertising to the broadest tenant base possible

Call or e-mail us today for more information. We’re ready to get started!

• Carnahan Property Management services Woodland Hills,West Hills, Calabasas, Canoga Park, Tarzana, Reseda, Topanga, Encino, Northridge, Van Nuys,North Hills,Chatsworth, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, West Hollywood, San Fernando Valley, Granada Hills, Mission Hills, Simi Valley, West Lake Village, Agoura,Toluca Lake, Valley Village, Burbank. Call us at (818) 884-1500 and check if we can service your area.