How to manage rental property long distance

Making Long-Distance Property Management Work For You
Supervising a rental property from a distance can be difficult, but it’s do-able. With trustworthy tenants, you might discover having an out-of-town property to be no more work than having an in-town one. Whatever the case, make it easy on yourself by being prepared for emergencies, maintaining regular communication with tenants, finding reliable repairmen, or opting for a property manager to supervise your property. Find out how to make your property more attractive to tenants

1- Ask Someone to keep an eye on your property
Flats are shared dwellings, any misbehaviour of your tenant can theoretically be reported to the local council and block management company and leaving you with issues to deal with. What are block manager responsibilities
A house offers more privacy for your tenant though gives them plenty of room to disobey rules. It would be wise to select a neighbour to keep an eye on your property. If there is a problem such as vandalism, unsociable behaviour  etc. your property manager or yourself would be notified immediately. How to ensure buy to let success
2- Select decent maintenance companies
Maintenance, repairs, and other complaints all come to you as the landlord of a rental property. When you are out-of-town, you have to find other ways of dealing with these situations.
You need a handyman, electrician, and a plumber you can rely on. If there is ever a leak or electrical problem that needs to be fixed immediately, you can call them to get the job done immediately.
3-Direct Debit payments
Getting paid from tenants in another town or city can be tricky if you are used to dealing in cash or cheques.
Set up payments so they are automated and you always get paid on the day your rent is due.

4- Have a Handle on Maintenance
The type of property you’re renting out affects the amount of maintenance and attention you will need to put towards it. Apartments often have block management companies who take care of the outside walkways, gardens, and parking area, communal areas leaving you with less responsibilities to deal with.
Maintenance for detached homes are generally owner’s responsibility unless they are in a gated community. If you are renting a detached home, you might want to hire help to regularly attend and keep walkways clear and safe.
Alternatively, you can negotiate with your tenants and ask them to look after the surroundings of the property
5-Set Strict Lease Terms
Your property, your rules. It’s best to be clear with your rental terms before the tenant moves in and make sure they understand what you will and won’t allow in your property. For instance, you might want to set up a zero tolerance policy on having pets or smoking. Include these terms in your lease and ask your tenant to initial them as proof of agreement.
6- Communicate Often
Long distance communication between landlords and tenants can be difficult, but workable.
As a landlord, it’s your job to establish regular communication with your tenants by phone, email, or text message and maintain this line of communication throughout their tenancy. Provide them with various contact methods, as well as additional contacts in case of emergencies.
If you plan to travel and will not be contactable, inform your tenant.
7- Inspect
As with any rental, near or far, inspections are an essential, inspect the property couple of times a year. Condition of the property before and after tenant move in and out will be recorded by the inventory clerk. Damage payments caused by the tenant can be negotiated based on the report.
8-Get Insurance Coverage
The type and amount of insurance you need will depend on the type of property you are renting. There are insurance for: Hazards, such as fires or sewer backup, flooding, thefts loss of rent, legal protection for landlords, liability insurance for damages, such as falls or slips at the property.
Ask your tenant to get contents insurance as well so their belongings are protected. Importance of sum insured on a rental property
9-Consider Hiring a Property Manager
Managing a rental property from a distance and balancing other aspects of your life, including work, family, and friends, requires expertise time management and a lot of patience.
Attending to your property can save you money, but it also costs you time in the process. Hiring a property management company to oversee your rental may increase your overhead, but it can also be the right option if you don’t have time managing it yourself

10- Choose Trustworthy Tenants
Since you will not be close enough to visit your rental property at a moment’s notice, it’s extremely important that you choose decent tenants.
Make sure you work with a professional estate agency, who a thoroughly reference checks your tenant before allowing them to move in or ask them to complete a rental application, and be sure to contact their references.
If possible, rent to family, friends, or referred tenants. This comes with its own risks, but at least you have a relationship with this person and the peace of mind of knowing that your property is in good hands.

If you have any questions or would like a 30 minute free property consultation, please contact Pelin Martin on

+0208 994 7327

pm@bluecrystallondon.co.uk