The Landlord Success Guide

Being a great landlord isn't about being tough — it's about being professional, fair and systematic. This guide covers everything from selecting tenants to preparing for market changes.

1. Preparing your property for market

Present your investment like you'd expect to inspect it. Fresh paint, clean carpets, working appliances, blinds fitted, gardens tidy. A property that shows 10/10 attracts 10/10 tenants — and rents faster, at higher rent, with less negotiation.

2. Setting the right rent

Use our Weekly Rent Estimator to check the market range, then price to attract multiple applications in the first week. Overpricing costs more in vacancy than the extra rent recovers — every week vacant is 1.9% of your annual rent gone.

3. Selecting a great tenant

Never rely on gut feel alone. A professional application check covers:

• Employment verification (payslips + employer contact).
• Income-to-rent ratio (rent should be ≤ 33% of net income).
• Previous landlord/agent references (2 minimum).
• NTD / TICA tenancy database check.
• 100 points of ID.

4. The Residential Tenancies Act (SA) essentials

• Bond capped at 4 weeks rent (6 weeks over $800/wk); lodged with Consumer & Business Services.
• Rent increases: written notice, minimum 60 days, no more than once every 12 months.
• Entry: 7–14 days written notice for inspections (max 4 per year), 48 hours for repairs.
• Minimum housing standards apply — locks, smoke alarms, heating.

5. Insurance you actually need

Building + landlord insurance is non-negotiable. Landlord cover typically includes loss of rent, malicious damage, and legal liability. Budget $500–$900 per year. Some policies exclude natural disasters — read the PDS.

6. Managing yourself vs using a PM

Self-management saves 7–9% of rent but costs time, emotional bandwidth, and legal risk if you miss a compliance step. A good PM handles inspections, arrears, tribunal, tradies, insurance claims — and buys back your weekends. See our PM service.

7. Rent reviews & retention

A good tenant staying 3+ years is worth more than a 5% rent bump. Review annually, be reasonable, and thank tenants for looking after your asset. Vacancy + reletting costs typically wipe out 6–12 months of any aggressive increase.

8. Repairs, maintenance & the long view

Budget 1% of property value per year for maintenance across a portfolio. Attend to reported issues within 48 hours — it's your legal duty and it builds tenant loyalty. Capital works (kitchens, bathrooms, roofs) every 15–20 years protect long-term value and rent.

Ready to grow your portfolio?

Book a landlord strategy session or explore current listings.