So, You’ve Been Left a House: Is Becoming a Landlord More Trouble Than It Is Worth?

Inheriting a house from someone can be exciting. Becoming a landlord can seem like a lucrative investment opportunity, promising a steady stream of passive income and long-term wealth accumulation. However, beneath the surface lies a myriad of challenges and responsibilities that can often make it more trouble than it’s worth for some individuals. Let’s delve into the complexities of being a landlord and weigh the pros and cons.

Firstly, one of the most appealing aspects of being a landlord is the potential for passive income. Rent payments from tenants can provide a steady cash flow, which, in ideal circumstances, exceeds the expenses associated with property ownership. This passive income can serve as a supplemental source of revenue or even become a primary source of income for some landlords.

Moreover, real estate has historically been a relatively stable investment, offering the potential for appreciation over time. As property values increase, landlords may benefit from capital appreciation, further enhancing their wealth.

However, the reality of being a landlord often entails far more than collecting rent checks. Managing rental properties comes with a host of responsibilities and challenges that can consume significant time, energy, and resources.

One of the primary challenges landlords face is finding and retaining reliable tenants. Screening tenants thoroughly to ensure they will pay rent on time, maintain the property, and abide by lease agreements is essential. However, even with rigorous screening processes, landlords may encounter problematic tenants who fail to meet their obligations or cause damage to the property.

Dealing with tenant issues can be time-consuming and stressful. From resolving disputes and addressing maintenance requests to handling evictions, landlords must navigate a complex web of legal and interpersonal challenges. Moreover, laws governing landlord-tenant relationships vary by jurisdiction, adding another layer of complexity to the process.

Maintaining rental properties also requires ongoing investment and attention. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their properties meet safety and habitability standards, which may involve repairs, renovations, and regular maintenance tasks. Failure to adequately maintain rental properties can lead to dissatisfaction among tenants and even legal liabilities for the landlord.

Additionally, being a landlord entails financial risks, including vacancy periods, property damage, and unforeseen expenses. Even with comprehensive insurance coverage, landlords may face financial losses due to factors beyond their control, such as economic downturns or natural disasters.

Furthermore, the regulatory landscape surrounding rental properties is constantly evolving, with new laws and regulations impacting landlords’ rights and responsibilities. Staying compliant with local ordinances and keeping abreast of legislative changes can be challenging, particularly for landlords with multiple properties or in different jurisdictions.

In conclusion, while becoming a landlord offers the potential for passive income and wealth accumulation through real estate investment, it also entails a host of challenges and responsibilities that can make it more trouble than it’s worth for some individuals. From finding reliable tenants and managing property maintenance to navigating legal complexities and financial risks, being a landlord requires dedication, patience, and a willingness to confront adversity. Ultimately, prospective landlords must carefully weigh the potential rewards against the inherent challenges before embarking on this endeavor.


Inheriting property, particularly if it’s unwanted or comes with significant challenges like deferred maintenance or distance, can present unique dilemmas for individuals. Let’s delve deeper into the complexities of inheriting such properties and the considerations for managing them as a landlord.

Inheriting an unwanted property, whether it’s a vacant house or one with substantial maintenance issues, can be overwhelming. While the property may hold sentimental value, the financial and logistical burdens associated with its upkeep can outweigh any emotional attachment. In such cases, deciding whether to retain, sell, or rent out the property requires careful consideration of various factors.

For those inheriting vacant houses, the immediate concern often revolves around securing the property and mitigating potential risks such as vandalism, trespassing, or structural deterioration. Vacant properties can attract unwanted attention and may become liabilities if not properly maintained. In such situations, selling the property may seem like the most straightforward solution to alleviate the burden of ownership and avoid ongoing expenses.

However, for individuals open to exploring alternative options, renting out the inherited property could offer a viable path forward. Renting out a vacant house not only generates income but also ensures the property remains occupied and cared for, reducing the risk of deterioration and preserving its value over time. Additionally, rental income can help offset property taxes, insurance premiums, and other expenses associated with ownership.

That said, managing a rental property, especially one with deferred maintenance issues, can be daunting, particularly for distant owners who reside out of state or even abroad. Distance adds another layer of complexity to the landlord-tenant relationship, making it challenging to oversee property maintenance, address tenant concerns promptly, and ensure compliance with local regulations.

For distant owners, enlisting the services of a professional property management company can alleviate many of the logistical challenges associated with managing rental properties from afar. Property managers can handle day-to-day operations, including tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance coordination, and emergency response, allowing absentee landlords to enjoy the benefits of rental income without the hands-on involvement.

Moreover, property management companies can provide valuable expertise and local market knowledge, helping landlords navigate regulatory requirements, optimize rental pricing, and make informed decisions about property maintenance and upgrades. While property management services incur additional costs, the peace of mind and convenience they offer may outweigh the expenses, particularly for landlords with limited time, resources, or expertise.

In conclusion, inheriting unwanted property, whether it’s a vacant house or one with deferred maintenance issues, presents unique challenges for individuals, especially distant owners. While selling the property may offer a quick resolution, renting it out could provide a steady stream of income and preserve its long-term value. However, managing rental properties from afar requires careful planning, effective communication, and, in many cases, the assistance of professional property management services. By weighing the pros and cons and exploring all available options, inheritors can make informed decisions about the best course of action for their inherited properties.

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