Do you ever feel like there's a target on your back as a landlord?

[Rodney Sums]

There's  numerous stories we read  describing instances of tenants and guests refusing to vacate properties, and the government supporting them in that endeavor.  How do you feel knowing there's a variety of situations where someone else's challenges, failure to plan ahead, acts of God (that aren't covered by insurance) or nefarious intentions become your burden to bear with the law's support? Do you accept it as a risk of doing business, feel there's some injustice, or something else?

Do you feel there are times a tenant's or the government's hardships should become part of your responsibility as a landlord?

[Timothy Howdeshell]

@Rodney Sums

As with many (most?) things in human nature, we only notice the extremes. In this case we only noticed those that have exceptionally great tenants and heartwarming stories or those who have absolutely terrible experiences with bad actors.

In fact, though, there are tens of millions of renters and the vast majority of them are fairly low maintenance. The government provides great tax incentives for real estate investors, aka housing providers. City and local governments work with investors as they are a great economic driver and provide stability and housing. And on and on.

Are there people that look to take advantage of a system? Yes. And is there a narrative among certain groups that landlords or anybody on the ownership side of the capitalist system deserves to be taken advantage of? Of course. But this isn't some conspiracy.

I think the issue is expecting that 100% of things will go correctly. That leads to disappointment and feeling jaded. We should do everything in our control to enforce standards, select great tenants, invest in landlord-friendly cities etc. But no amount of careful planning can prevent all bad situations. Instead, prepare for the worst and if things are better, you'll be pleasantly surprised. It is ultimately the cost of doing business and a bit of stoicism can go a long way towards peace of mind in any business endeavor.