🔶 1. Skipping Tenant Screening

Why it matters:
A great tenant is your greatest asset. But without proper screening, you risk ending up with someone who pays late, breaks the lease, or causes property damage.

What to do instead:
Always run a background check, verify income, and check references. A property manager like Lakea handles all of this for you — ensuring every tenant is carefully vetted before they move in.

🔶 2. Neglecting Preventative Maintenance

Why it matters:
Waiting until something breaks can lead to costly emergency repairs, tenant dissatisfaction, and even long-term damage to your property.

What to do instead:
Schedule regular inspections and address issues early. At Lakea, we coordinate preventative maintenance and track repairs, keeping your property in top condition and your tenants happy.

🔶 3. Not Understanding Local Laws & Regulations

Why it matters:
Each city, county, and state has its own rental laws. Misunderstanding them can lead to legal trouble or fines — even if it’s an honest mistake.

What to do instead:
Stay informed about regulations like eviction rules, lease disclosures, and rental registration. Better yet, partner with a local expert. Lakea ensures full compliance so you don’t have to worry about legal slip-ups.

🔶 4. Inconsistent Rent Collection

Why it matters:
If you’re chasing down rent payments or relying on outdated systems, you risk inconsistent cash flow and financial stress.

What to do instead:
Implement digital payment systems with automatic reminders. Lakea handles rent collection and late notices professionally — so your income stays on track and your time stays yours.

🔶 5. Trying to Do Everything Alone

Why it matters:
Self-managing might seem cost-effective, but it often leads to burnout and costly mistakes. You’re a property owner — not a maintenance tech, leasing agent, accountant, and attorney all at once.

What to do instead:
Delegate the day-to-day to professionals. At Lakea, we provide end-to-end property management so you can focus on growth, not headaches.

✅ Conclusion: Smart Management = Better Returns

Avoiding these five mistakes doesn’t require superpowers — it just requires the right partner. At Lakea, we help landlords simplify their operations, increase tenant retention, and maximize their return on investment.

Need help managing your property the smart way?
📞 Get a free consultation today and let Lakea take the stress off your plate.