How do I quit being a SOFTY LANDLORD?!

[Maria S.]

***think AA meeting*** Hi my name is Maria and I am guilty of being a softy landlord. First step to recovery is recognition right?  How often do I raise rents? I have been used to renting during the recession. I have failed to raise rents on the tenants that scored my homes during the down economy...Any advise?

[Kevin Laughlin]

My wife and I manage 336 units and have learned one valuable lesson over the last 7+ years of doing this. No good deed goes unpunished. We tell our staff the same. Your best intentions and efforts to be helpful or "nice" will still not matter at move out. That does not mean you have to be a terrible person or landlord but at the same time it is imperative to be consistent. With rents, with rules, with applications everything. Your consistency becomes your reputation over time.