Carolyn J. Braden • 4 Minute Read
How to Be the Best Landlord When You Invest in Real Estate
One of the best ways to invest your money to boost your income right now and build a nest egg for the future, is to buy up and rent out one or more properties. The real estate market is pretty solid, and if you can find the right property to rent out in the right location, you can start making a decent return pretty quickly.
Of course, being a landlord is a big responsibility, and you want to get it right to ensure that your tenants are happy and secure when they live in your property, right? So, let’s take a look at what you can do to be the best landlord they’ve ever had, while still getting a good return on your investment.
You must have a rental agreement
1. Set the tone from day one
First impressions matter. When you hand over the keys, you’re signalling: “Welcome to your new home, and yes, I’ve got your back.” Do a friendly walkthrough, send a welcome email or message, provide a little packet with important contacts (you, your maintenance contractor, local utility info). A little extra kindness at the start sets up a positive long-term vibe.
A little exterior sprucing up with some easy to hang shutters can help make a home look cute and worth renting. See our easy tutorial for board and batten shutters below or via our YouTube channel @carolynjbraden:
2. Keep the place well-maintained
Nothing kills landlord cred like broken faucets, drafty windows, or that light in the hallway that’s been flickering since forever. Staying on top of maintenance is one of the simplest ways to be a great landlord. Schedule regular inspections, respond quickly to tenant requests, and budget ahead for things like roof repairs or HVAC replacements. Your property will thank you (and so will your wallet in the long run).
Make agreements on what to do if anything gets broken
3. Create clear, fair lease agreements
Your lease is your roadmap. Make sure it’s written clearly (no legalese that leaves everyone scratching their heads). Cover all the essentials: rent amount, due date, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, what happens if a pet moves in, etc. When everyone knows what’s expected, there are fewer surprises, and fewer “I didn’t realize” moments.
4. Communication is queen
Want to be the superstar landlord? Communicate like one. Whether it’s an early heads-up about a maintenance date, a friendly reminder when rent is due, or asking for feedback about how things are going, being consistently responsive builds trust. And trust means tenants stay longer, take better care of the property, and you worry less.
You must be communicative with your tenants
5. Offer flexible payment options (here’s one tech tip!)
One key upgrade: let your tenants pay rent electronically. Whether via a dedicated property management app, a bank transfer, or a digital payment platform, modern ways to pay rent electronically make life easier for both parties. Tenants appreciate convenience (no more paper checks in the mail), and you benefit from faster payments, digital records, and less shoe-leather chasing. Bonus: you reduce potential for “lost checks” and you’ve got better documentation if things get sticky.
Lease agreements help you respect legal boundaries and more
6. Respect boundaries (but stay friendly)
You’re the landlord, not the constant shadow in the hallway. Respect your tenants’ privacy while still being available. A scheduled inspection? Great. A surprise drop-in at midnight? Not great. Balance is key. Set expectations around communication, emergencies, and property access. This shows you’re professional and considerate.
A beautiful home can be rented if the tenants agree to minor upkeep
7. Build goodwill through perks
Little things go a long way. Maybe you send a cheerful holiday card, or you catch a leaking gutter before it becomes a leak-in-the-ceiling. Maybe you provide a reusable welcome mat, or you install a smart thermostat for energy savings. These gestures help your tenant feel like more than just a rent-check and can lead to longer stays (less turnover = less hassle for you).
8. Screen tenants thoughtfully (but kindly)
You want reliable, respectful people living in your property. That means doing your homework: reference checks, credit checks, employment verification. But also, treat people with humanity. You’re building a relationship, not just a transaction. Ask questions, be clear about your property’s rules, and give both yourself and the tenant the best chance for a good fit.
Set up various legal forms and file accordingly with the state
9. Stay legally on-top
Landlord-tenant laws vary by state (and even by city). Educate yourself: fair housing laws, security-deposit rules, eviction regulations, and even local zoning or rental licensing requirements. Ignoring this stuff might cost you time, money, or sleepless nights. A little upfront research saves big headaches later.
10. Think long-term (property and relationship)
Owning rental property is a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not just about finding the cheapest place and collecting rent. It’s about building value in the property, in your reputation, and in your tenant base. Consider things like energy efficiency upgrades (which reduce operating costs), regular cosmetic updates (which keep the place desirable), and even how you respond when a tenant raises an issue. These decisions ripple outwards.
A rental should have an upkeep agreement if you plan on selling post rental time
11. Handle problems like a pro
Things will go wrong. The furnace might fail. A pipe may burst. A tenant might get behind on rent. When the inevitable happens: breathe, assess, act. Have a system in place for emergency repairs. Follow your lease and legal protocols for rent collections or late payments. And keep communication open and assume goodwill unless proven otherwise. A calm, clear approach will earn you respect.
12. Keep the books clean
Whether you’re full-time landlord or part-time investor, you’ll want good records. Rent payments, maintenance expenses, improvement costs, tax documentation - track it all. Use a spreadsheet or landlord software. When tax time comes, you’ll thank yourself big time. Also: knowing your true cash flow helps you make smart decisions (upgrade this unit? buy another property?).
Agree on all things such as painting, pets and more
13. Be ethical and fair
Great landlords don’t exploit tenants, ignore safety issues, or skimp on maintenance. Instead: treat your property like you would want to live there. Fair rent increases, clear maintenance practices, safe living standards - this builds a reputation. Word travels, and good landlords often get easier renewal negotiations and fewer headaches.
14. Plan your exit (yes, even now)
One of the smartest moves: think ahead to what happens when you sell. Keeping the property in good condition now means it will sell easier or attract better buyers later. Even if you’re planning to hold long-term, a strong exit mindset helps you make smart maintenance and upgrade decisions today.
Final Thoughts
Investing in real estate is exciting. But being the best landlord? That’s the real growth move. When you set the tone with clear communication, flexible systems (yes, including ways to pay rent electronically), thoughtful maintenance, and respectful relationships, you build something that works for you and your tenants.
Your goal? A property people want to stay in, a landlord they’re happy to work with, and the long-term returns (financial, personal reputation, and maybe even real-estate freedom) to show for it.
So here’s to you: the savvy, considerate, future-focused landlord in the making. Grab those keys, set up that digital rent-pay system, spruce up the property, and build a relationship worth investing in. The best real-estate journey starts not with the property; it starts with how you show up.
Take Action
I encourage you to try these suggestions and share your own ideas on your social accounts! If you tag me using @carolynsbloomingcreations or @carolynjbraden, I’ll see it! Or tell me about it in the comments below.
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Carolyn J. Braden is the owner of Carolyn’s Blooming Creations is a regular contributor and editor for CBC. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Ways To Help You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.
This is a collaborative post and may contain affiliate links. All opinions and ideas expressed in this post, however, are based on my personal point of view.