Landlord vs Property Manager on lease agreement

[Hilary Nelson]

I am getting my first rental property! I have heard several people suggest that I refer to myself as the property manager or even as someone who helps out the property manager instead of referring to myself as landlord. However, the lease agreement calls out that I am the landlord. How can I structure my lease agreement so that I don’t state that I am the landlord? Thanks in advance!

[Kristin Kiddy]

I'm assuming the deed lists you as the owner (not an LLC that you own?). If the property is owned under an LLC, you would list it as the owner. If you own the property out right, you will have to list yourself and it may be obvious to a tenant. I would not try to be cagy about the whole thing. I know it may seem like an advantage to present yourself as a third party to the tenant, but it is not absolutely necessary. What I think is more important is that you present yourself to the tenant in a professional, no nonsense manner. And even more important is to screen your tenant thoroughly!! By putting a well qualified tenant into your property in the first place, you will be eliminating the majority of possible headaches going into the lease term. Secondly, having a strong lease that covers all the "contingencies" will give you peace of mind. Finally, make sure you know your rights and the tenants rights and communicate that to the tenant (by going over the lease with them for example). That way the tenant gets the message that you aren't a pushover.