How to Set the Right Rent on Your Investment Property
Renting your property is a complicated task.
On top of management and repair issues, perhaps the most difficult part of renting property is setting the proper rental rate. If the rent is too high, qualified applicants will be scared away — and even if it is rented, the length of residency may be short. If the rent is too low, your cash flow slows and you increase the chances of deadbeat or destructive tenants.
The best place to start is by looking your REALTOR. They will check similar properties in your area for the range of prices. they place advertising for you, show the property, review applications, screen applicants, conduct background checks, and prepare lease documents.
Supply and demand are factors to consider. If you’re near a college campus for example, there is a constant demand for rentals. However, even if your property is in a trendy or high-demand area, common sense dictates that if your property is in disrepair, has maintenance issues, or lacks amenities, you can’t ask the same price as a well-maintained property.
Other concerns include your property features: Clubhouses, workout facilities, walking paths, tennis courts — all affect a renter’s decision. Square footage, floor plan, and even the view influence the rental rate.
Basic amenities like dishwashers, laundry facilities, fireplaces, covered parking, and cable TV have a great effect on rental rates.
There are market factors to consider as well. For instance, when rent is equal to or exceeds a mortgage payment, tenants will do the math and realize it makes more sense to buy.