Good tenants are a key part of getting good returns on a rental property. But finding tenants who take care of the property, pay their bills on time and stay for the long-term can be difficult, especially if you are self-managing a rental.

You’ve just seen yourself waving goodbye in your tenant’s rearview mirror. That crease in your brow is because you know that you only have so long before your untenanted rental home starts to become a cash drain.

When it comes to keeping your rental property safe and healthy, repairs and maintenance have a major role to play. There will always be things beyond your control, such as storms, lightning strikes and earthquakes. The key thing to remember is that it’s not about trying to control the uncontrollable—it’s about reducing risk. 

Tenancy disputes can turn into ugly, and costly, affairs—so it’s best to avoid them entirely. As a landlord, knowing the laws governing the legal rights of a tenant is the best way to stay on good terms.

When it comes to rental maintenance, it can be difficult to know who is responsible for what. Who is responsible for cleaning or maintaining the smoke alarms? Is it you, or the tenant? Sometimes the lines get blurry.

A useful infographic that will help you decide whether a property manager is right for you.

Don’t let your investment turn into a horror story. Learn how to avoid bad tenants and keep your retirement nest-egg safe with our free guide.