2024 Landlord Survival Guide: Adapt and thrive in the new normal
Release Date: 12/13/2023
Mid-Year Market Check-In (June 2025)
The Accidental Landlord
In this mid-year market update, Peter McKenzie provides insights into the current state of the rental property market as of mid-2025. He discusses recent trends, challenges, and opportunities that landlords should be aware of to navigate the evolving landscape effectively. Market Trends: Analysis of rental demand, vacancy rates, and rental price fluctuations in various regions Legislative Updates: Overview of new laws and regulations affecting landlords, including any recent changes in rent control measures Insurance Considerations: Discussion on the importance of adequate insurance coverage,...
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Mastering the Mid-Term: Why 3-6 Month Rentals Might Be Your Sweet Spot
The Accidental Landlord
In this episode of The Accidental Landlord, we dive into the often-overlooked world of mid-term rentals - the 3 to 6-month sweet spot that’s gaining traction across the property market. Whether you’re managing a single property or scaling up a portfolio, this episode is packed with practical advice on: Why mid-term rentals might offer the best of both worlds (less wear than short-term, more flexibility than long-term) The types of tenants that suit this model - from corporate travellers to displaced homeowners The unique legal and tax implications you need to know How to market your...
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Navigating Insurance Claims Post-Wildfire: What Landlords Need to Know
The Accidental Landlord
In this episode of The Accidental Landlord Podcast, host Peter McKenzie is joined by insurance expert Carl Bulloch to unpack one of the most stressful (and frustrating) parts of being a landlord in California - dealing with wildfire insurance claims. With the devastating January 2025 wildfires still fresh in everyone's mind, thousands of landlords are stuck in limbo, waiting on delayed payouts, battling claim denials, and facing rising premiums or non-renewals. Sound familiar? Carl brings firsthand expertise to help you make sense of it all - from what to look for in your policy, to dealing...
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Crisis & Consequences: California's Crackdown on Rental Price Gouging
The Accidental Landlord
When the Eaton and Palisades fires tore through Los Angeles County, more than 10,000 structures were reduced to ash, leaving thousands of families suddenly homeless. As displaced residents scrambled for housing, some landlords saw an opportunity—not to help, but to profit off a crisis. In just 11 days, over 1,300 rental listings appeared to violate California’s price gouging laws, with landlords increasing rents by as much as 150%. These illegal rent hikes added up to an estimated $92.4 million per year in overcharges—a staggering amount for a city already facing a housing crisis. But...
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Caught in the Crosshairs: When Landlords Become Legal Targets
The Accidental Landlord
In this episode of The Accidental Landlord, host Peter McKenzie sheds light on the growing risk of landlords facing lawsuits under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA). These laws, while designed to protect tenants' rights, have also been exploited by serial lawsuit filers who target landlords and business owners. Peter breaks down the key areas of compliance, including parking accommodations, accessibility routes, and tenant communication requirements. Through real-world case studies, he illustrates how landlords have been caught in legal...
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California Landlords, Beware Legal Shifts You Can’t Ignore
The Accidental Landlord
🎧 In this informative episode, Peter McKenzie wraps up 2024 by examining critical legal changes affecting landlords, especially those managing properties in California. He highlights significant legislation, compliance challenges, and strategies for landlords to remain profitable while navigating complex regulations. Key Topics Discussed: 2024-2025 Regulatory Landscape: Insights on Senate Bill 567 and Assembly Bill 1482, focusing on statewide rent control and just cause eviction laws. New Legislation Impacting Landlords: Assembly Bill 2493: Application screening fee regulations. Assembly...
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New Rent Control Measures Fail to Pass, Rental Market Cools Down | Market Update Q3 2024
The Accidental Landlord
🎧 In today's episode, our host Peter provides a quarterly market update for the rental market in Ventura County, along with an update on "Proposition 33", a legislation that failed to pass whose objective was to expand rent control laws to single family housing along with additional rent control regulations 🌟 Partner with Rincon Property Management: Ventura County’s most trusted property management company 👉
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Eviction Hell: How this California Landlord Lost Over $200K
The Accidental Landlord
Being a landlord can be a financially rewarding job, but sometimes it comes with great risks. 🎧 In this episode, our host Peter McKenzie shares a harrowing story of a nightmare tenant that led to significant financial and property damage for a landlord. He discusses the risks associated with being a landlord, the importance of proper property management, and the need for landlords to treat their rental properties as a business. 🌟 Partner with Rincon Property Management: Ventura County’s most trusted property management company 👉
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CPA Explains: How Landlords Can Save +$100,000 on Taxes
The Accidental Landlord
🎧 In this episode, Peter McKenzie interviews Catrina Craft, a certified public accountant, about the tax benefits of real estate investing. They discuss the importance of understanding tax laws and strategies for maximizing deductions. They highlight the benefits of cost segregation studies, which allow investors to accelerate depreciation and reduce their tax liability. and they also explore the advantages of short-term rentals over long-term rentals for high W-2 income earners. 🌟 If you want to partner with Ventura County’s most trusted property management company, let's start...
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280% INCREASE in Rental Supply? | 2024 Q2 Market Update
The Accidental Landlord
🎧 In this episode, Peter provides a quarterly market update for the rental market in Ventura County. He discusses the significant increase in the number of available rental properties, which has led to longer rental times and the need for landlords to adjust their strategies to remain competitive. 🌟 If you want to partner with Ventura County’s most trusted property management company, let's start the conversation! 👉
info_outlineIn this episode, Peter McKenzie discusses the key steps landlords should take to prepare for the upcoming year. He emphasizes the risk of doing nothing and falling behind on rent, laws, and property updates. The top eight things to do at the end of the year are: reviewing fair market value, property maintenance and updates, evaluating rental strategy, improving rental income, reducing expenses, showing appreciation to tenants, staying updated on legal changes, and managing taxes.
Takeaways
- Regularly review the fair market value of your rental property to ensure you are not leaving money on the table.
- Stay on top of property maintenance and updates to avoid costly repairs and keep your property in good condition.
- Evaluate your rental strategy to determine if there are better options available, such as short-term rentals or house hacking.
- Look for opportunities to increase rental income by making improvements to the property or adding desirable features.
- Reduce expenses by getting rid of expensive or hard-to-maintain items, such as large lawns.
- Consider showing appreciation to tenants with a gift or gesture to foster positive relationships and tenant retention.
- Stay updated on legal changes that may impact your rental business to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
- Keep clean records and work with a tax professional to take advantage of tax benefits associated with owning rental real estate.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction and Setting the Context
(01:04) The Risk of Doing Nothing
(03:17)Reviewing Fair Market Value
(04:45) Property Maintenance and Updates
(06:42) Evaluating Rental Strategy
(07:39) Improving Rental Income
(09:03) Reducing Expenses
(10:32) Showing Appreciation to Tenants
(13:27) Staying Updated on Legal Changes
(17:09) Managing Taxes
(19:08) Recap and Conclusion