What Landlords Can’t Do: 5 Things to Avoid

Have you ever wondered if you’re stepping over the line as a landlord? With the responsibilities of property ownership, it’s easy to assume certain rights – but did you know that overstepping can harm your relationship with tenants? Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing your rights, and can make all the difference between a smooth rental experience and a challenging one.

Understanding all of this not only keeps you on the right side of the law but also helps you keep tenants happy, leading to fewer turnovers and a more stable rental income. Let’s dive into the 5 biggest things to avoid as a landlord.

Evict Without Proper Notice

First on our list of things to avoid is to evict without proper notice. As a landlord, you always think it’s better to act fast when a tenant is behind on rent or causing trouble, but you can’t evict tenants easily without following the legal process. Even if the tenant is at fault, the law requires specific steps, including giving notice and time for them to respond.

Why this matters: Failing to follow these steps can lead to court battles, fines, and delays in getting your property back. Plus, it creates a lot of stress on you. Legal issues are costly and time-consuming, and they will give you a headache you want to avoid.

How this helps you: By sticking to the rules, you not only protect yourself legally but also maintain a professional reputation. This will make future tenants trust you, and you’ll avoid unnecessary drama.

Enter the Property Without Notice

As much as it’s your property, once rented out, it is someone’s home also. You can’t just walk in whenever you feel like checking things out. Entering the property without the tenant knowing is one of the things to avoid as a landlord. In most cases, you must give advance notice, usually 24 to 48 hours, before entering the property, unless it’s an emergency.

Why this matters: Not respecting your tenant’s privacy can quickly sour your relationship. The last thing you want is tenants who feel uncomfortable or disrespected. This can lead to complaints, negative reviews, or even legal trouble if they feel their rights are being violated.

How this helps you: Good landlord-tenant relationships are built on trust. When you give proper notice, tenants will be more happy and appreciate the respect you give for their space, making them more likely to renew their lease or recommend you to others.

Raise Rent Unfairly or Without Notice

Rent increases are a part of property management, but they must be done legally. You cannot just raise the rent whenever you want or by however much you want without providing them proper notice and a valid reason it’s definitely one of the key things to avoid as a landlord.

Why this matters: Sudden or unfair rent hikes can cause tenants to leave and even file complaints against you. Worse, it can harm your reputation, making it harder to find tenants in the future.

How this helps you: Fair rent increases, done with proper notice, help keep good tenants while ensuring you stay on the right side of the law. This way, you keep your property profitable without chasing away reliable tenants.

Discriminate in Tenant Selection

When choosing tenants, you must not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, nationality, or any other protected category it’s one of the serious things to avoid. Fair housing laws are strict about this, and violating them can result in serious penalties.

Why this matters: Discrimination complaints can lead to fines, lawsuits, and damage to your reputation. Not only is it illegal, but it’s also unfair and can drive away potential tenants.

How this helps you: By focusing on a tenant’s financial stability, rental history, and references, you ensure you’re selecting reliable tenants while staying compliant with the law. This creates a fair and open process that benefits both parties.

Curious about how fair tenant selection impacts rental success? Check out our article on the effects of discrimination in rentals, especially when renting to expatriates in Malaysia: How Racism Affects Tenancies.

Neglect Essential Property Repairs

As a landlord, you’re responsible for keeping the property in good shape. Ignoring maintenance requests or failing to fix problems can land you in serious trouble. If your property becomes unlivable or unsafe, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or break the lease.

Why this matters: Failing to keep up with repairs can turn your valuable property into a liability. Tenants can take legal action, leave early, or worse, spread negative reviews that make it hard to find new tenants.

How this helps you: Staying on top of repairs not only keeps your tenants happy but also protects your investment. A well-maintained property attracts better tenants, reduces turnover, and ensures the long-term value of your rental.

Being a landlord comes with its perks, but there are clear things to avoid that can help you stay out of trouble and keep your rental business running smoothly. Avoiding legal pitfalls, building trust with tenants, and protecting your property all start with knowing the limits. By following these five things to avoid, you’ll not only safeguard your rental but also improve your landlord experience. Stay informed, act responsibly, and enjoy the rewards of being a landlord who does it right.

Ready to make property management easier? Check out SPEEDHOME to list your property and take advantage of hassle-free rental solutions today!