The Pros and Cons of Being a Live-In Landlord

By E-Renter Tenant Screening
Posted on January 3, 2013 under Landlord Tips | Be the First to Comment

If you’re a landlord, you know there are some drawbacks to the business, like tenants who don’t pay rent on time, problems with noise and tenants who don’t take proper care of your property. It’s true that at times, your phone rings late at night with tenants’ plumbing and heating emergencies. And it’s true that some tenants must be evicted, which can cost you a bundle of time and money.

All of these problems will probably occur to most landlords at some point. But what could make each of these tenant problems worse? If they were happening in the same building in which you live! Messy, noisy tenants are one thing, but when they live next door, it’s a bigger nightmare. Tenants who constantly pay rent late are even harder to be nice to when they live downstairs from you.

Having tenants for neighbors can be unpleasant, but for many landlords, it’s a way of life. When you own a multi-unit building and have to live somewhere, why not live in your own property?

Here are some pros and cons of being a live-in landlord:

Pros

• You can keep an eye on tenant behavior, and put a stop to things like criminal activity, a business running out of the unit, or actions that are in violation of the lease.
• If the property needs any exterior repairs, you’ll know immediately.
• Undesirable tenants may keep looking when they hear you live in the building.
• You’ll care more about the property and take better care of it.
• Your tenants are not far away when it’s time to collect rent—and they can’t hide from you.
• Communication might be easier when you see your tenants on a regular basis.
• You can take advantage of owner-occupied mortgages, insurance policies, etc.
• You can subsidize your own housing costs.

Cons

• Tenants might knock on your door at all hours to complain or report a problem.
• Noisy tenants will affect your peace and quiet.
• It’s harder to live next to a tenant with whom you have issues.
• If a tenant locks him or herself out, they’ll be knocking on your door.
• Shared areas might not be maintained to your liking.
• Not all expenses are tax deductible.*

Live-in landlord situations can be successful, if both parties work toward it. Be sure to keep the communication flowing, respect your tenants’ privacy and address little issues before they become big problems.

*Disclaimer:
The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for obtaining legal, investment or tax advice applicable to your situation.