Raising rent

Raising rent

Investor · Hendersonville, NC · Member since 2016 · 138 posts · 71 votes

I keep finding these buy/hold opportunities where the seller or my agent tells me something like this:  'The current tenants are only paying $650, because they have been there a long time, but in this neighborhood, you could get $800 or more!'  And the property is priced so that it cash flows at $800, but not necessarily at $650.

Okay, so what is a new owner supposed to do?  Jack up the rent and risk losing a good tenant (or turning them into a bad tenant), or continue to subsidize their rent?

That question has been asked before, but I was wondering what others have to say about putting in automatic annual increases even if its a fairly nominal amount, say $10 a month or 1% per year.  Just so the tenant doesn't get too accustomed to going multiple years without a rent increase, only to be socked with a sharp increase when the (new) owner has to play catch-up.

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Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
10y

I usually ask the current owner/seller to send a rent increase notice prior to closing.  Makes them the bad guy and it's their fault rents are under after all.

Do not pay for $800 rents on $600 property.  Pay for what is currently coming in.

As far as ongoing, I do nuisance raises every year.  No one leaves for $25-$35ish per month.  I also send a Loyalty Discount Addendum that gives them a $10 discount for paying on-time as they have been.  Also guarantees no raises for 12 months and says I am proud of and appreciate them.

My coin.  Cheers!

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  • Rental Property Investor · Carlisle, PA · Member since 2013 · 1k+ posts · 543 votes
    10y

    @Pearce G., great question.  I closed on a multi-family last month and got the same comments.  First, the property is cash flowing at $650, not $800, for negotiation purposes.  Although the rent potential is a consideration, it is not reality.  As the new owner, one apartment is renting for 800 and should be getting 1000.  I am treading lightly though because they are on a fixed income etc....  I am going to work with them to determine what a reasonable increase will be so as to not immediately scare them off.  However, if they will not budge at all, I am going to not renew their lease and re-market the property at 1000.  I would prefer it does not come to this, but ultimately it is a business and no emotion is allowed. 

    I don't prescribe to the annual rent increases in any of my properties for one reason.  When I have a good tenant in my property who pays on time and takes care of it, 1% is not enough to warrant risking a tenant deciding to move on.  Secondly, when a tenant moves out there is the chance of a rental gap.  Even if it is only one month, that 1% increase is already lost for the year.  Doesn't make financial sense, in my opinion.

  • Investor · New York City, NY · Member since 2016 · 25 posts · 4 votes
    10y

    Hmm good question. I'm currently in this situation. Trying to acquire a property where the long term tenants have a below market rent. The only way this deal works is if I raise the rent to market.  I will send them an official notice of the change once the current lease runs its course. Either they stay in the apartment with the new rent (a 28% increase) or move out is up to them. I am fairly confidant that I can find replacement tenants within a short time frame, if need be.

  • James WilcoxBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Bowling Green KY ~ Lexington, KY · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 603 votes
    10y

    @Pearce G. DO NOT take the advice of the agent or seller on what the market commands for rent. Do your own diligence and figure out what the market commands! Not saying they are lying, they maybe correct, but keep in mind where their motivation is. Most agents no little about investment properties. If the property, by your numbers doesn't cashflow currently, then you might be able to do better else where. You are a speculator not an investor if you are not buying for cash flow at the start. Nothing wrong with that just a different take and imo a much riskier one especially starting out.

    I would find out the rent increase guidelines set up in your area. For example, is there a limit on rent increases, how much notice is needed, and is there rent control? In our state you give a 30 day notice of rent increases. Also you will have to wait for the leases currently in place to expire. Vacancy is your biggest cash flow killer so I would try to set your rental prices below "market price" to keep them filled and your tenants happy. Under promise and over deliver. 

    REI James w/ eXp Realty54 Reviews
  • Real Estate Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2016 · 4 posts · 1 vote
    10y

    Good Question. We have several properties available, nice portfolio for cash flow "Buy and Hold" that we are going to publish soon. There are couple of them where the current rent is under market price. We are in a process of replacing these tenants and get a higher rent. If interested feel free to contact me (:   

  • Vancouver, WA · Member since 2016 · 230 posts · 161 votes
    10y

    Slowly raise the rent, not one big jump.  You want to do small increases every year if your market supports it.

  • Rental Property Investor · East Wenatchee, WA · Member since 2014 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    10y

    I usually ask the current owner/seller to send a rent increase notice prior to closing.  Makes them the bad guy and it's their fault rents are under after all.

    Do not pay for $800 rents on $600 property.  Pay for what is currently coming in.

    As far as ongoing, I do nuisance raises every year.  No one leaves for $25-$35ish per month.  I also send a Loyalty Discount Addendum that gives them a $10 discount for paying on-time as they have been.  Also guarantees no raises for 12 months and says I am proud of and appreciate them.

    My coin.  Cheers!

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