How to rent out your house or apartment: First-time landlord tips

Rental guidelines, expert advice and step  by step tips to help new landlords start earning income.

If you’ve ever thought about renting out your home or apartment to earn a little extra money, now could be the perfect time.

Bankrate reports that in 2025, renting is cheaper than paying a mortgage in all 50 of the largest U.S. metros. That means there are plenty of people actively looking for a place to call home, and your property might be exactly what they need.

Being a landlord isn’t without its challenges. There are legal hoops, maintenance tasks and plenty of day-to-day details to manage. But if not knowing how to start is the only thing holding you back, you’re in the right place.

This guide is for first-time landlords who want to rent out a house or apartment confidently. By the end, you’ll know what it takes to get your property rented successfully and how to avoid the mistakes many newcomers make.

First, decide if renting is right for you

Renting out your house or apartment may sound like an easy way to earn extra cash, but it’s not always as simple as it seems. Like most things in life, it comes with both pros and cons you’ll want to weigh before deciding if it’s the right move for you.

Pros

• Rental income. Extra money is always a welcome perk, especially if it helps offset your monthly mortgage payment.
• Flexibility. Renting can be a good option if you want the ability to move back into your home later. If you’re thinking short-term, just be sure to spell out the details clearly in your lease agreement (more on that below).
• Long-term investment. As the property owner, you benefit from any appreciation in value over time.
• Tax benefits. Rental properties may qualify for certain tax deductions, including mortgage interest, repairs and maintenance costs. Consult a tax professional for details.

Cons

• Time commitment. As a landlord, you’re essentially on call. Be prepared for the occasional late night call from a tenant when something goes wrong.
• Unexpected costs. Repairs can pop up at any time and they’re not always cheap. Build a buffer into your monthly budget to cover them.
• Unreliable income. Ideally, you’ll always have paying tenants in place, but vacancies happen. If your property sits empty or a renter misses a payment, you’re the one covering the bills.
• Tenant challenges. Not every renter treats a property with the same care you would. A thorough screening process can help you avoid problems down the road, but there’s always some risk involved.

If the pros outweigh the cons for you, then it’s time to move on to the next step in renting out your house or apartment.

Prepare your property for rent

Now that you’ve decided to become a landlord, it’s time to get your property ready. This means deep cleaning, fixing any repairs, checking safety features and snapping standout photos for your listing.

First impressions are everything. Tenants often decide in minutes if a place feels like home, so make sure yours wows them from the start.

Understand local rental guidelines and laws

Before renting out your property, it’s important to understand local landlord-tenant laws and fair housing rules. In Utah, landlords are required to provide rentals that are safe, sanitary and fit for human occupancy, which includes functioning plumbing, hot and cold water, heating and proper maintenance of appliances and facilities.

For details on security deposits, late fees, rent collection and other rules, review the Utah Fair Premises Act. Familiarizing yourself with these regulations can help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth rental experience for both you and your tenants.

Set the right rental price

Utah doesn’t have rent control laws, which means landlords are free to set whatever price they feel is fair for their properties. But if you want reliable, long-term tenants, your rent also needs to feel fair to them.

A good rule of thumb is to research similar properties in your area to see what other landlords are charging. Factor in amenities and current market demand to strike the right balance.

If you charge too much, you may have trouble filling your space. And if it’s too low, you may be missing out on income. Finding that sweet spot can help attract quality renters quickly and keep your property occupied.

Create a standout listing

This might be the most important step — after all, your house or apartment can’t rent itself. As a trusted local source, KSL Homes is a fantastic place to get your property in front of renters with 44 million site views per year. 

But don’t just slap together a listing with a few random photos. Take a little extra time to make your property shine. Snap bright, high-quality photos that show off every room at its best. Write a description that’s clear, punchy and highlights the features that make your space stand out. Point out perks such as updated appliances, cozy nooks, killer views or even pickleball courts.

The more effort you put into your listing, the more likely it is to grab attention and attract the right tenants fast.

Screen and select tenants

In your haste to collect that first rent check, don’t neglect the crucial vetting process that will help you decide if your potential tenants are a good fit. 

Brittney Benson, chief operating officer of the National Association of Independent Landlords, suggests doing as much screening as possible, regardless of the cost. A thorough screening might include credit and background checks, verifying employment and checking references. Taking the time now can save headaches — and potential losses — later.

Sign the lease agreement

Another crucial piece of the puzzle is the rental or lease agreement — the legal contract between you and the tenant that outlines the details of the rental. This is where you’ll specify the length of the lease, the payment amount and schedule, and any rules or conditions for the property’s use.

See our downloadable lease agreement.

Once the lease is signed, it’s time to collect the security deposit and the first month’s rent. For more information on lease agreements and security deposits, check out this KSL Homes guide.

Manage like a pro

Once the lease is signed and the tenant moves in, congratulations — you’re officially a landlord! But don’t disappear once that first rent check clears. Staying engaged is key. Keep lines of communication open, respond promptly to questions or concerns and check in occasionally to see how things are going.

If the only time your tenants hear from you is when there’s a problem, that’s a problem in itself. Proactive management not only helps prevent issues from escalating, it also builds trust, encourages lease renewals and makes your property a place tenants are proud to call home.

Optional: Hire a property manager

If you want to take most of the hassle out of being a landlord, consider hiring a property management company. They can handle tenant questions, the screening process, legal paperwork, maintenance requests and just about everything else that comes with renting your property. According to a Business Wire survey, 51% of rental property owners use property management companies.

The upside is obvious: It takes a huge amount of stress off your shoulders. The downside is cost. Management fees will cut into your rental income. Ultimately, you’ll need to decide whether the convenience is worth the expense.

Expert tips to stand out

As a landlord, you can do the bare minimum or you can really take things up a notch and watch as it pays dividends. For those interested in the latter, here are some extra tips from the experts on how to stand out in a crowded market.

Be responsive

Nothing will frustrate your renters more than bad or slow communication, especially if it has to do with repairs. The faster you can respond to and resolve problems, the better. 

“Whether it is a burnt-out light fixture or a burst pipe, communication is critical,” Alyssa Adams writes for Bay Property Management Group. “So always keep tenants informed of your progress and anticipated actions along the way.”

Find a support network

Rest assured, if you decide to undertake a landlord role, it’ll come with challenges. That’s why some experts recommend reaching out for support from others who understand what you’re going through.

“Join your local landlord club or association. Other landlords can be invaluable when it comes to knowing what to do or who to hire when problems arise,” Doug Quattrochi, executive director of MassLandlords, told Bankrate.

Small gestures of kindness

If you want to retain great renters, show them what a great landlord you are. Simple, kind gestures, such as paying for one month of their utilities or giving them a discount on rent during the holidays, can make a big difference when it comes time to renew the lease.

“Surprising your tenants with a special bonus may not seem like a lot to you, but can mean the world to your tenant,” Bay Property Management Group says. 

Gather feedback

When you’re new to the landlord game, expect to learn a lot along the way. The best leaders and managers are the ones who are willing to seek and accept feedback from the people they serve. Regular feedback or an exit survey can help you catch problems you didn’t even know existed. You can then take that feedback and use it to improve the experience for future tenants.

List your home or apartment for rent on KSL Homes today

If you’re ready to move forward as a first-time landlord, the next step is getting your property in front of qualified renters. KSL Homes gives you access to a large, local audience that’s actively searching for houses and apartments, making it easier to find the right tenant.

Create your listing today and take the first step toward turning your property into steady rental income.