I take issue with the term "slumlord" and here is why

[Kimberly Kesterke]

Landlords have a noble mission. We provide safe and clean housing to our tenants, keep homes maintained and reasonably respond to our tenants requests. We provide housing options so that the government doesn’t have to. We build profitable portfolios that employ handyman, electricians, framers, dry wallers, plumbers, roofers, cleaning crews and real estate agents.

We take dilapidated homes and transform them into clean, safe, live-able spaces that create homes for people who either cannot afford a home or chooses to rent. This helps improve the landscape of the local neighborhood and increase property values for everyone who lives there.

We take on all the risk- we keep the water heaters running, HVAC repaired, plumbing working and toilets flowing. We set proper boundaries to our tenants with the expectation that rent is paid on-time- not only helping them make financially wise decisions, but when the proper programs are in place- you can help boost tenant’s credit scores with positive on-time payment reporting.

And yes, we deserve to make healthy profits in doing so.

So next time you hear some jacka@@ referring to landlords as slumlords- share this sentiment. Stand in your power knowing you are providing something that the government simply can’t do well. Know that you as a private citizen are adding tremendous value to your community.

And for goodness sake- please screen your tenant’s properly. You can’t be a slumlord if you don’t rent to unqualified tenants. Stick to your screening procedures and don’t second guess yourself.

[Joe P.]

My father (who I don't have a great relationship with) called me a slumlord last Thanksgiving. Twice.

I politely reminded him that I took the knowledge I've gained to try and build a better life for me my wife. And that I would live in a property I buy, because I think that's important. And I told him my property rents were $1000 each, which I thought to be quite a bit of money, so I don't consider that a slum.

It was all the justification I needed -- I'm doing something that an armchair investor (or non-investor) would poo-poo. I could be a failure, but my rear-end is off the couch trying.

I think if you're called a slumlord, its for 3 reasons -- someone is jealous, someone has a bad landlord experience, or you may actually be a slumlord. I can't control the first two.