Introduction
Owning rental property in Tallahassee can be a profitable investment, but it also comes with challenges. Many landlords—especially those managing properties on their own—make mistakes that cost them money, lead to tenant disputes, or result in legal trouble.
A professional property manager, like Picht and Sons, helps landlords avoid these pitfalls by providing expert guidance, streamlined processes, and legal compliance. In this article, we’ll explore the most common mistakes landlords make and how working with a property management company can protect your investment and maximize your rental income.
1. Pricing the Rental Incorrectly
The Mistake
Setting the wrong rental price is a common issue. If the rent is too high, you’ll struggle to find tenants, leading to longer vacancies. If it’s too low, you’ll lose money every month and attract tenants who may not value the property.
How a Property Manager Helps
A professional property manager in Tallahassee uses market research and comparative rental analysis to determine the optimal rental price for your property. They ensure your rent is:
- Competitive with similar properties in the area
- Attractive to quality tenants while maximizing revenue
- Adjusted annually to keep up with market trends
Useful Resource: Check Tallahassee rental price trends on RentCafe
2. Poor Tenant Screening
The Mistake
Many landlords rush to fill vacancies without properly screening tenants. This can lead to late rent payments, property damage, or even eviction proceedings.
How a Property Manager Helps
A property manager ensures thorough tenant screening, including:
✔ Credit and background checks
✔ Employment and income verification
✔ Previous rental history and eviction records
This reduces the likelihood of tenant-related issues and improves long-term occupancy rates.
3. Ignoring Maintenance Issues
The Mistake
Some landlords delay repairs and maintenance, either due to cost concerns or lack of time. However, small issues can quickly become costly problems.
How a Property Manager Helps
A property management company has a proactive maintenance strategy:
- Regular property inspections to catch small issues early
- A network of reliable, cost-effective contractors for repairs
- Preventative maintenance schedules to keep major systems (HVAC, plumbing, roofing) in top shape
Useful Resource: Learn about Florida landlord repair responsibilities here
4. Not Understanding Florida Landlord-Tenant Laws
The Mistake
Florida has strict rental laws regarding security deposits, lease agreements, and evictions. Landlords who don’t follow these laws risk lawsuits, fines, or tenant disputes.
How a Property Manager Helps
A licensed property manager stays updated on Florida’s landlord-tenant laws, ensuring compliance with:
✔ Lease agreements and fair housing laws
✔ Security deposit handling
✔ Proper eviction procedures
This protects landlords from legal trouble and tenant disputes.
5. Not Enforcing Lease Terms
The Mistake
Some landlords fail to enforce lease terms consistently, allowing late rent payments, unauthorized occupants, or lease violations to go unchecked.
How a Property Manager Helps
A property manager ensures strict lease enforcement by:
✔ Tracking rent payments and late fees
✔ Conducting periodic inspections to ensure lease compliance
✔ Issuing lease violation notices when necessary
This maintains property value and tenant accountability.
6. Ineffective Marketing for Vacant Properties
The Mistake
Some landlords rely only on basic listings (like Craigslist or word-of-mouth) to find tenants. Without a strategic marketing approach, properties stay vacant longer.
How a Property Manager Helps
A property manager uses professional marketing strategies, including:
✔ High-quality photos and virtual tours
✔ Listings on top rental websites like Zillow, Apartments.com, and Rent.com
✔ Social media and local advertising
This ensures faster tenant placement and minimized vacancy losses.
7. Poor Handling of Security Deposits
The Mistake
Florida law requires landlords to properly handle and return security deposits. Failing to do so correctly can lead to legal disputes and fines.
How a Property Manager Helps
A professional property manager in Tallahassee:
✔ Properly stores security deposits in accordance with Florida law
✔ Documents property conditions before and after a lease
✔ Handles deposit deductions fairly and legally
Useful Resource: Read Florida’s security deposit law
8. Not Offering Online Rent Payments
The Mistake
Many landlords still rely on checks or cash for rent payments, which leads to delays and missed payments.
How a Property Manager Helps
Modern property managers use online payment portals that allow tenants to:
✔ Set up automatic rent payments
✔ Pay securely from anywhere
✔ Receive reminders for upcoming due dates
This improves on-time rent collection and reduces late payments.
Useful Resource: Why landlords should offer online rent payments
9. Poor Communication with Tenants
The Mistake
Landlords who fail to respond quickly to tenant concerns often face:
🚩 Higher tenant turnover
🚩 Negative online reviews
🚩 Increased vacancies
How a Property Manager Helps
A dedicated property manager ensures:
✔ 24/7 emergency maintenance response
✔ Consistent tenant communication and support
✔ A tenant portal for easy requests and updates
This improves tenant retention and landlord reputation.
10. Managing Properties Without Professional Help
The Mistake
Some landlords try to handle everything alone, leading to burnout, legal risks, and lost income.
How a Property Manager Helps
Hiring a trusted property management company like Picht and Sons:
✔ Saves landlords time and reduces stress
✔ Maximizes rental income through expert management
✔ Protects property value with proactive maintenance
Final Thoughts: Why Picht and Sons is the Best Choice for Landlords in Tallahassee
Avoiding common landlord mistakes is easier with a professional property manager. Picht and Sons helps landlords in Tallahassee by providing:
✔ Expert tenant screening and lease enforcement
✔ Efficient rent collection with online payment options
✔ Comprehensive property maintenance and inspections
✔ Legal compliance and risk management
If you want to protect your investment and maximize rental income, work with Picht and Sons, the trusted property management company in Tallahassee.
👉 Contact Picht and Sons today to learn more!