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Landlord’s Guide to Single-Family Rentals

by | Jul 21, 2023 | Blog, Homeowners, News, Real Estate News, Renters | 0 comments

Landlord’s Guide to Single-Family Rentals

Single-family homes usually serve as people’s main homes, but nowadays, more and more folks are turning into landlords and renting out their houses instead of selling them right away. It’s a cool way to make some passive income with a property you already own, without having to buy an extra place to rent out.

Keep on reading to learn more about single-family rentals and the awesome tools that can help you manage your rental properties like a pro!

What Is a Single-Family Home?

Single-family homes come in two types: detached homes, which stand alone without sharing walls with other residences, and attached dwellings, which are separated by ground-to-roof walls. If you own a single-family home, you typically own the entire property and the land it sits on. On the other hand, if you have a condominium (or condo), you only own the interior of your unit and share common areas with other members of the association.

Another perk of single-family homes is that they don’t share utilities with others, and the responsibility for all costs associated with the property lies solely with the homeowner.

The Pros and Cons of Single-Family Rentals

As more tenants lean towards single-family homes over traditional apartments, it’s clear why landlords find them so valuable. However, before you rent out your property to tenants, it’s essential to be aware of the pros and cons. Let’s take a look at them!

Pros of Single-Family Rentals

  • Bigger space: As rent prices continue to climb, tenants are increasingly open to trading prime location and trendy amenities for more budget-friendly options that provide ample space. Single-family homes come to the rescue here, offering more room to breathe, which can boost your chances of quickly filling vacancies, especially if you set a competitive rent price.

  • Enhanced privacy: Opting for single-family rentals grants tenants a higher level of privacy and eliminates any hassle of dealing with other tenants around.
  • Less red tape: Unlike rentals in multifamily properties that often come with additional rules beyond the landlord’s regulations, leasing a single-family home allows landlords to enjoy greater flexibility in deciding what is permissible and what isn’t.

Cons of Single-Family Rentals

  • A steeper price tag: If you don’t already own a single-family home, be prepared to pay a higher purchase price, a larger down payment, and higher closing costs compared to what you might encounter with a condo.
  • Greater financial responsibility: As a single-family home is a standalone property, the owner bears the brunt of all financial obligations. This includes covering costs such as property taxes, homeowners association (HOA) fees (if applicable), utilities, maintenance, home improvements, and more.
  • Maintenance falls solely on your shoulders: When you own a single-family home, you won’t have the luxury of on-site staff to handle tenant maintenance requests. Instead, you’ll be personally responsible for finding and hiring contractors to tackle the necessary upkeep, which may add to your operating costs.

Are Single-Family Homes a Good Rental Investment?

Single-family homes make for excellent rental investments, especially when priced fairly and competitively. It’s also a perfect option if you’re thinking of moving out of your primary residence but would rather keep the property instead of selling it.

However, as with any investment, it’s crucial to analyze the property’s profitability before committing to renting it out. Take a closer look at key factors such as the neighborhood, property taxes, average rents, and property history to determine if you can generate a profit each month. Only then should you proceed with finding tenants for your rental venture.

Are Single-Family Homes Better Investments Than Multifamily?

Absolutely, both single-family homes and multifamily properties can yield a fantastic return on investment (ROI). However, figuring out which option suits you best relies on various factors to consider.

Rental demand within the local area: The demand for rentals can vary significantly from city to city, with tenants seeking different types of accommodations. While some areas might show a higher preference for condos and apartments in multifamily properties, others may lean more towards single-family homes, such as detached houses or townhouses.

Rent pricing: Typically, you can command higher rental rates for properties in high-rise to mid-rise buildings, given the additional amenities that boost their overall value. In contrast, single-family homes often come with a more affordable price tag, making it easier to attract tenants in your area who are seeking to save on their rental expenses.

Vacancy rates: Rental demand plays a significant role in how quickly a property gets filled. Depending on the area, one type of property may take longer to find tenants than another. If you notice that single-family homes tend to take more time to fill compared to condos in multifamily properties, this is an essential factor to consider when deciding which property type to rent out.

Looking for rental services in Orlando – we can help.

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By doing our due diligence with our clients, tenants, and vendors we create a service that exceeds expectations and generates positive referrals. Click HERE to learn more and how one of our property management professionals can help you!

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