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How to Be a Long-Distance Landlord

How to Be a Long-Distance Landlord

Key Takeaways

  • You don’t have to live nearby to successfully manage a rental—solid planning and the right tools go a long way.

  • A reliable tenant screening process and clear communication help protect your property from a distance.

  • Smart tech and automated systems make remote property management more organized and efficient.

  • Partnering with a local property management team like SunnySide Properties can give you on-the-ground support when you can’t be there yourself.


Renting out your house in Orlando is a great way to make a stable passive income and grow your wealth for the long term. Since it is not necessary to live in the state to successfully manage a rental property, it doesn’t matter if you have to relocate or if you found a great deal in another state. You don’t need to compromise your investments.

You don’t need to compromise your investments. Being a long-distance landlord comes with many challenges, but it’s not an impossible task. At SunnySide Properties, we want to help you find financial freedom and flexibility in the world of real estate investments.

 In this article, we’ll go over everything you should know to successfully manage a rental property from afar! Keep reading for our best tips to help you navigate the complexities of being a long-distance landlord.

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Screen Tenants Thoroughly

As a rental property owner, your priority should be to find reliable tenants. When you’re an out-of-state landlord, this becomes even more crucial. Luckily, you don’t need to be physically present to find long-term tenants.

That’s why having an effective tenant screening process is essential. During their initial application, you must request that tenants provide basic information such as their full name, employment status, rental history, and references. 

Afterward, you should conduct extensive credit, employment, and background checks. This will help you ensure only reliable tenants occupy your rental, thus reducing the risk of property damage and evictions.

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Leverage Technology

Nowadays, there are tons of tools and software you can use to successfully manage your rental property. The use of this technology can even help you to successfully manage a rental entirely remotely. 

For instance, you can utilize property management software to streamline tasks such as rent collection, maintenance requests, and financial tracking. Smart home devices, such as thermostats and security systems, help you monitor and control your property from afar. 

Likewise, video conferencing tools are great for conducting virtual property inspections. Plus, with text messages and emails you can foster a good relationship with your tenants!

Set Clear Expectations with Tenants

Clear communication is key to successful long-distance property management. Since you can’t conduct regular property inspections, you must set clear expectations from the beginning to decrease the likelihood of property damage. 

Providing tenants with a comprehensive lease agreement that includes procedures for rent payments, maintenance requests, and emergencies will help you keep your investment safe throughout each tenancy. 

Understand the Local Laws and Regulations

As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to stay informed about your local landlord-tenant laws. This will help you comply with essential regulations such as safety and building codes. It will also help you foster a good relationship with your tenants.

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So, before renting out your property, make sure to research the local laws, including rent control, security deposit, and fair housing laws. If you have any questions, contact a local attorney or property management to help you. This proactive approach can help you avoid legal disputes and better protect your investment.

Perform Regular Property Inspections

Conducting regular property inspections is crucial for maintaining your rental in good condition throughout a tenancy. After all, inspections allow you to identify problems before they become huge repairs.

While long-distance landlords aren’t always able to inspect properties as frequently as local landlords, scheduling at least one yearly in-person inspection is essential.

In addition to this, you can work with a property manager to conduct regular inspections and provide you with detailed reports. This will make it easier to stay in the loop about any issues on your property. 

Automate Rent Collection

Keeping rent payments on track is much easier when you have the right systems in place—especially if you’re managing from a distance. With today’s digital tools, you can simplify the financial side of things and stay organized without needing to be there in person.

By automating rent collection, you can ensure that your renters pay rent on time. Additionally, utilizing accounting software to track income and expenses and generate financial reports will also make it easier for you to stay organized and compliant with tax regulations.

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Have a Plan for Emergencies

Emergencies are an unavoidable part of owning a rental property. That’s why you should always be prepared to deal with emergencies. As a long-distance landlord, you also must let your tenants know how to act in case of an emergency. 

By ensuring that your tenants are familiar with emergency procedures and have easy access to relevant contact information, you can prevent issues from further escalating.

Partner with a Local Property Management Team

While there are many tools you can use to manage your rental property from afar effectively, there will be instances where you’ll need to be on the premises physically. Luckily, you can avoid having to travel by working with a local property management company!

Partnering with a trusted property management team like those at SunnySide Properties can help you make the most out of your rental. Our professionals have ample knowledge of the local rental market and can help you keep up with market trends to get the best return on your investment. 

Moreover, we can take over tasks such as rent collection, tenant screening, property upkeep, and inspections. This way, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of owning a rental without being involved in the day-to-day management!

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Bottom Line

Successfully managing a rental property from a distance can be challenging but it’s not impossible! It requires ample planning, careful selection of tenants, leveraging technology, and partnering with trusted local professionals. 

With this proactive and strategic approach, you can easily turn your long-distance investment into a profitable and well-maintained asset.

Are you looking for a trusted property management team in Orlando? Contact SunnySide Properties today! Our team has ample experience working with long-distance landlords.

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