Remote Landlord Guide
Manage Rentals from Anywhere
Owning property out of state—whether through inheritance, investment, or relocation—requires landlords to take a different approach. Managing rental properties from a distance can feel overwhelming, but it’s achievable with the right strategies and tools.
From finding tenants to collecting rent, new technology allows landlords to stay on top of operations without being physically present. This guide outlines key steps for successfully running rental properties remotely.
Why Go Remote?
Remote landlording provides flexibility and the opportunity to grow your rental business while minimizing hands-on management. Tools like those offered by AAOA help landlords screen tenants efficiently by identifying reliable renters and reducing risk.
Key Strategies for Remote Management
List Properties Online
Advertise your rentals on popular listing sites using sharp photos and detailed descriptions. Online platforms allow prospective tenants to schedule viewings, submit applications, or send inquiries digitally. Be mindful of listing fees, which can vary by platform and location.
Utilize Property Management Software
Make use of property management software, such as DoorSpot, Innago, or RentRedi, to collect rent, list and market vacancies, find tenants, sign leases, and manage maintenance and accounting from afar.
Screen Tenants Thoroughly
A solid screening process prevents costly problems. Verify credit history, rental history, income, and criminal background before approving tenants. With AAOA tenant screening, you can access comprehensive reports remotely to make confident leasing decisions.
Collect Rent Online
Digital rent collection ensures payments arrive on time without requiring checks or in-person collection. Many online systems support bank transfers, debit, and credit payments. While these tools may involve fees, they help prevent late payments and simplify bookkeeping.
Offer Rent Reporting to Tenants
Encourage your tenants to pay their rent on time by offering rent reporting to the major credit bureaus through FrontLobby. This will motivate them to stay current because it helps them build credit and conversely, lower their score when they are delinquent in their payments. It’s an effective way to encourage on-time payments, reduce delinquencies, and support financially responsible tenants.
Screen Your Tenant Today!
Gain peace of mind with AAOA’s credit, criminal, and eviction reports.
Maintain Clear Communication
Good communication keeps tenants informed and issues resolved quickly. Use email, text, and video calls to stay connected. Collect tenant contact information and provide your own to ensure easy access when maintenance or questions arise.
Build a Local Support Network
Reliable local contacts are essential for on-site maintenance. Establish relationships with plumbers, electricians, landscapers, handymen, and property managers. Having trusted professionals nearby ensures urgent repairs are handled quickly and efficiently.
Offer Virtual and Self-Guided Tours
Virtual property tours help attract out-of-town applicants and streamline leasing. Prepare your property for filming and guide viewers through the home digitally. Allow tenants to make informed decisions without visiting in person or through self-guided tours when you use software from InstaShow, LiftMaster and ShowMojo.
Use Accounting Tools
Track income, expenses, and tax deductions with rental-specific accounting software. These tools simplify financial management and reduce the need for in-person meetings with accountants.
Protect Your Property with Landlord Insurance
You’re going to be busy with all of the extra chores associated with remote landlording. Getting insurance quotes is something you don’t have time for. Companies like InsuranceHub and Honeycomb Insurance are experts dedicated to landlord insurance nationwide.
Visit Occasionally
Even remote landlords benefit from visiting their properties at least once a year. Inspections help identify maintenance needs, prevent major damage, and maintain tenant satisfaction. Travel costs for these visits can often be tax-deductible. Supersaver discount hotel rates for AAOA members are available through Wholesale Hotel Rates.
Smart Tools for Remote Landlords
AAOA makes remote landlording easier by providing access to:
- Tenant credit reports
- Tenant eviction history
- Criminal background checks
- Income verification
- Identity confirmation
- Social Security Number verification
These insights allow landlords to screen applicants effectively and make informed decisions without traveling to meet them.
Being a remote landlord is practical when you combine technology, local contacts, and organized processes. Online listings, digital rent collection by Synergetic Communication (SynCom), tenant screening, and virtual tours simplify management, while occasional property visits ensure everything stays on track. And when it does not, AAOA can provide legal help without retainer fees through JustAnswer.
With the right tools, running rental properties remotely can be efficient, profitable, and stress-free.
How AAOA Can Help
If you need assistance with tenant screening or have questions about the rental process, consider reaching out to professionals who specialize in this area. AAOA offers a variety of services, including insurance, rent reporting, rent collection and multifamily loans.
Contact us today to learn more.
Disclaimer: Nothing contained on this website constitutes tax, legal, insurance or investment advice, nor does it constitute a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security or other financial instrument. AAOA recommends you consult with a financial advisor, tax specialist, attorney or other specialist who is able to properly advise you.
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