Owning more physical rental properties means dealing with more landlord issues. In June 2022, I started renting out a single-family home I bought in 2019 to a new family. Originally, the plan was for us to live there after remodeling, which I thought would take a year. However, it ended up taking two and a half years due to unexpected delays, including those caused by the pandemic. During that time, I bought another renovated home nearby and decided to move there instead.
Initially, we rented out the top two floors of our old home while the ground floor was being remodeled. Once complete, a family of three moved in. They’ve been great tenants, paying electronically every month and causing less wear and tear than the previous tenants—a family of four with a dog.
Despite the house being newly remodeled, maintenance issues have cropped up. In November 2022, a tenant reported a leak under the kitchen sink due to a cracked p-trap pipe, which was a quick $150 fix. Then in January 2023, after severe weather, our old wooden fence, which was over 35 years old, finally gave out. I ended up sharing the $2,600 replacement cost with my neighbor, but coordinating the repairs and agreement took precious time away from my family.
Another recurring issue with the rental has been a mysterious beeping sound from a smoke alarm in the basement. The tenant, unable to determine which alarm was causing the issue, asked for my help. Reluctantly, I agreed to investigate, bringing my six-year-old son along to turn it into a learning experience. We called him “Inspector J” for the day. Despite our efforts, we couldn’t identify the exact alarm until we thought to check inside the walls—a remnant from when the house was last reconstructed.
We found the culprit—a battery-operated fire alarm hidden behind the sheetrock. I had captured this on video during the remodel, which came in handy now. We decided to let the battery run out on its own as it wasn’t bothering the tenants much, given its location.
From these experiences, I’ve learned the importance of detailed oversight during remodeling. Regular checks can prevent many issues that become headaches later. Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent; it’s about providing a good living environment and dealing with problems promptly.
Additionally, these situations provide valuable teachable moments for my children. They learn about problem-solving, effective communication, and the importance of attention to detail—skills that are beneficial beyond just the realm of property management. Every challenge offers a chance to demonstrate the work involved in achieving financial freedom, reinforcing the value of a strong work ethic.
Recently, while on vacation, the alarm issue came up again. My tenant reached out, and upon returning, I had it removed for a minimal cost and effort. This incident reemphasized the quirky, unpredictable nature of being a landlord and the ongoing responsibilities it entails. As much as these challenges can be a nuisance, they also remind me why I’ve shifted towards more passive real estate investments, like private real estate funds, which offer potentially less hands-on stress and a steadier income as I grow older.
