20 tips every landlord should know

Are you thinking of investing in a rental property or already own one? Here are 20 financial tips to help you make informed decisions about acquisition, administration, insurance, maintenance, renovation, tenant relations, and other issues.



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Know the law

If you decide to invest in residential real estate, make sure you have a firm grasp of industry regulations first. Not knowing your obligations won’t get you off the hook in the event of a legal dispute and could lead to unforeseen costs. Landlord and tenant regulations vary depending on where you live, so be sure to familiarize yourself with local laws before diving in.



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Monitor the rental market

To help you make informed decisions about buying a rental property or determining rent amounts, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website. You’ll find information on topics such as availability rates, vacancy rates, and average rents in Canada.



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Enlist the help of specialists

Purchasing a rental property is a major investment with many consequences and requires an understanding of multiple issues in several different areas. Acknowledge that you don’t know everything, be proactive, and enlist the help of specialists who can share their expertise with you. This will save you money in the long run. Real estate agents, lawyers, notaries, accountants, and financial advisers are just some of the professionals who can help.



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Join an association

Harness the power of strength in numbers by joining a landlords association such as the Quebec Landlords Association (APQ) or the Ontario Landlords Association (OLA). Different membership packages provide access to relevant news, free legal advice, screening services for prospective tenants, and more.



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Live in your rental property

Whether you’re in the process of purchasing a rental property or already own one, living in the dwelling yourself can really pay off. You can eliminate your own mortgage, while the other tenants cover—in whole or in part—the mortgage on the building. Be careful, however, to comply with any repossession conditions, time limits, and notices.



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Pay off your mortgage faster

Feeling overwhelmed by the number of years required to pay off your mortgage? You can take steps to speed up the process by incorporating that goal into your financial strategy. Visit the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada’s Paying Off Your Mortgage Faster page for practical tips, such as increasing your regular payment amounts or making lump-sum payments.



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Take advantage of tax rebates



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Know your options in case of financial difficulties

If you’re experiencing financial difficulties that affect your ability to pay your mortgage, keep in mind that there are solutions. Your mortgage professional is there to help when difficult situations arise, and they have the tools to help you get through financially challenging times.



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Appeal your property assessment

Your property assessment directly affects the amount of municipal taxes you pay. If you disagree with the value assigned to your property, you can file a request for reconsideration within a certain amount of time. Every province or territory has its own review process, so be sure to familiarize yourself with local information.



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Make sure you’re well insured!

If you’re buying a rental property, keep in mind that you need insurance products tailored to your particular situation, especially if you’re not living in the dwelling. Landlord insurance provides, among other things, liability coverage that will let you rest easy and avoid worrying about not being constantly on the premises.



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Maximize your renovations

If you’re thinking of renovating your property, be sure to determine if doing so will be profitable. Will the renovations allow you to increase rents without significantly increasing maintenance costs? Above all, will they stand the test of time? Be sure to opt for sustainable building materials to maximize your investment.



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Vet your contractors

When it comes to renovations, be sure to hire qualified, licensed professionals. To avoid any nasty surprises—and the resulting financial losses—choose a contractor in accordance with professional standards.



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Get your hands dirty

If you’re handy and want to cut down on costs, you might want to do some maintenance and repair work yourself. Every province or territory has different regulations regarding issues such as contractor licensing, permits, and tenant compensation, so get informed before you get started on any DIY projects.



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Take advantage of government subsidies

Certain repairs and improvements to rental properties are eligible for government subsidies, depending on where the property is located. In Drummondville, Quebec, for instance, the local fire department runs a grant program for upgrading fire exits. This is just one of many. Be sure to find out about the programs where you live.



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Keep a list of emergency repair services

Your rental property can suffer major breakdowns at any time. Be prepared by keeping a detailed list of reliable repair services at the ready. Responding quickly can prevent situations from getting worse and minimize any related costs. Don’t have a list yet? Try an online service like HelpMee, which instantly connects you with qualified professionals such as plumbers, electricians, and heating and air conditioning technicians.



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Ask for a security deposit

Depending on where your rental property is located, you may be able to require tenants to provide a security or damage deposit. Once a landlord accepts a deposit, “tenancy is generally considered to have been established.” Typically, the deposit must be returned to the tenant, plus interest accrued, at the end of the tenancy, unless otherwise agreed to in writing or unless there was damage to the property “beyond normal wear and tear.”



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Keep your tenants happy

A high tenancy turnover rate can be expensive. If you’re lucky to have good tenants, and they know you’re quick to act when there’s a problem, they’re more likely to stay. To keep them happy, why not give them an inexpensive incentive, like a welcome gift or snow removal—it might make all the difference.



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Know your rights regarding unpaid rent

If any of your tenants are late with their payments or stop paying the rent altogether, you can first try to negotiate an agreement in good faith with them. However, if this is not possible or proves unsuccessful, you can take legal action, and in worst-case scenarios, you may need to evict. Every province or territory has its own laws on this matter, so it’s important to know your rights as a landlord.



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Sell your unpaid rents

If you ever find yourself in an extreme situation, there’s a simple solution. If a tenant suddenly leaves and still owes you rent, and you don’t have the time or the energy to find them, you can sell your unpaid renthttps://www.gjq.ca/en/unpaid-rents/ to a company that specializes in this service. It’s a hassle-free way to recuperate a portion of your money.



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