{"id":110936,"date":"2026-07-23T07:41:43","date_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:41:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/?p=110936"},"modified":"2026-07-23T07:41:43","modified_gmt":"2026-07-23T14:41:43","slug":"first-time-landlord-mistakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.redfin.com\/blog\/first-time-landlord-mistakes\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Common Mistakes Every First-Time Landlord Should Avoid"},"content":{"rendered":"

Becoming a first-time landlord can be an exciting way to generate extra income and build long-term wealth. However, <\/span>renting out a home<\/span><\/a> involves much more than posting a listing and collecting rent. From understanding local laws to screening tenants and budgeting for unexpected repairs, small oversights can quickly become expensive mistakes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you’re renting out an inherited <\/span>home in Buffalo, NY<\/span><\/a> or an investment <\/span>rental in Chicago, IL<\/span><\/a>, taking the time to prepare can help you avoid common pitfalls. Here’s what every first-time landlord should know before handing over the keys.<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Rushing to fill a vacancy instead of preparing the property<\/span><\/h2>\n

When a property is sitting empty, it can be tempting to list it before it is fully prepared or rush through the application process.. However, prioritizing speed over preparation can create bigger headaches later.<\/span><\/p>\n

Before <\/span>listing your rental<\/span><\/a>, make sure the home is clean, safe, and in good working order. Address deferred maintenance, test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, check appliances, and repair anything that could become a tenant complaint after move-in. A well-maintained home also attracts stronger applicants and can justify a more competitive rental price.<\/span><\/p>\n

Nannette Fisher, President and Licensed Realtor at <\/span>Leasing Angels, Inc.<\/span><\/a>, explains, “One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make when converting a home into a rental is focusing solely on filling the vacancy instead of preparing for a successful long-term tenancy.”<\/span><\/p>\n

She adds \u201c<\/span>Landlords<\/span><\/a> should ensure it is safe, well-maintained, competitively priced, and fully compliant with local housing regulations before marketing the property. Placing the right tenant is often more valuable than placing the first tenant.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking a few extra weeks to prepare the property can reduce future maintenance issues, lower tenant turnover, and create a better rental experience for everyone involved.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read >> <\/i><\/b>How to Find Renters: 10 Steps for Finding Tenants<\/i><\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Not understanding local landlord-tenant laws<\/span><\/h2>\n

Every state \u2013 and often every city or county \u2013 has its own landlord-tenant regulations. These rules can cover everything from <\/span>security deposits<\/span><\/a> and lease disclosures to eviction procedures, <\/span>fair housing<\/span><\/a> requirements, rental licensing, and habitability standards.<\/span><\/p>\n

For a first-time landlord, assuming the rules are the same everywhere can be a costly mistake. Some municipalities now require rental registration, <\/span>inspections<\/span><\/a>, or specific disclosures before a tenant even moves in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Alondra Segoviano, Senior Content Marketing Manager at <\/span>Avail<\/span><\/a>, recommends starting with local requirements. “Before you post a listing, you need to know your specific county’s rules on permits and local tenant screening mandates.”<\/span><\/p>\n

She points out that landlords don’t have to navigate everything manually because “you can rely on tools specifically designed for landlords that can automatically handle compliant screening and generate localized leases.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Spending time upfront understanding your local regulations can help you avoid fines, lease disputes, and compliance issues down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Skipping a thorough tenant screening process<\/span><\/h2>\n

Finding a tenant quickly is important \u2013 but finding the right tenant is even more valuable. <\/span>A comprehensive <\/span>tenant screening<\/span><\/a> process should include:<\/span><\/p>\n