What are Private Landlords? The Basics and Laws Governing Them
Rental situations involve all types of… well, situations. If you’re renting, it’s helpful to know the differences between them. And if you own a rental, it’s certainly helpful to know what your options are. One topic that comes up is this term “private landlord.” So, what are private landlords exactly?
Our Atlanta property services involve working with private landlords all the time. So of course, that means we have to be a bit of an expert on the matter. Let’s dive into what it actually means, as well as some benefits and drawbacks to being (or having) a private landlord.
Table of Contents
- What Are Private Landlords?
- Overview of Private Landlord Laws
- For Landlords: Consider BMG as Needed Assistance
What Are Private Landlords?
Private landlords are a big part of the rental world, even if they don’t always look like it. When people think of renting, they often picture big apartment complexes or companies with full leasing offices. But plenty of rentals are owned by regular individuals, people who might have one property, a small handful of units, or even a home they decided to rent out after moving. These are private landlords.
So what are private landlords exactly? They are simply individuals who own and manage their own rental property. They handle things directly. That means taking applications, choosing tenants, collecting rent, coordinating repairs… you know, everything renting entails. Some are seasoned investors who treat their properties like a business. Others fall into the role by accident, maybe after inheriting a home or deciding not to sell their old place.
What stands out with private landlords is how personal the experience can feel. Decisions are made by one person rather than a whole office, which means things sometimes move faster and conversations can be more flexible. Lease terms, move-in dates, pet policies… these are all areas where private landlords may be open to discussions.
If you yourself remain a private landlord and don’t hire a property management company or other 3rd party, that means you have more responsibilities, even if you may be saving some money on the frontend. So, if you’re wondering what are private landlords, it doesn’t hurt to go over some of the pros and cons to that particular situation.
Pros and Cons for Private Landlords
- Pro – More control over decisions
- Pro – Ability to form long-term tenant relationships
- Pro – Lower operating costs without a management company
- Con – Time-consuming responsibilities
- Con – Need to understand housing laws
- Con – Risk of costly mistakes without proper systems
Pros and Cons for Tenants Renting From a Private Landlord
- Pro – More flexibility on leases, pets, and move-in details
- Pro – Often more personal communication
- Pro – Sometimes lower rent
- Con – Maintenance response can vary
- Con – No standardized processes
- Con – Quality depends entirely on the individual
Overview of Private Landlord Laws
The legal side is the same regardless of who owns the property. The difference is that they’re doing all of this on their own. Some manage it beautifully; others learn as they go. That’s why experiences with private landlords (or being one) can range widely depending on the person behind the property.
Private landlords still have to follow and abide by things like federal fair housing laws, meet habitability standards, handle deposits correctly, and follow proper notice rules… generally all the basics of any landlord-tenant laws in Georgia, Atlanta, or whatever city and state they are operating in.
Fair housing rules apply across the board. Housing discrimination law is not something you can ignore. That generally means private landlords can’t treat applicants differently based on protected characteristics outlined in federal law. State and local laws add even more layers, like required disclosures, rules about how often rent can be raised, and how much notice has to be given for things like entry or lease changes. Even something as simple as choosing a tenant screening method has legal boundaries, especially when it comes to credit checks, criminal background criteria, or rejecting an applicant.
Habitability, deposits, and proper notices are a few other areas that private landlords need to keep a close eye on. For example, habitability laws in Georgia cover basics like working heat, safe electrical systems, running water, and addressing things like pests or mold. Deposit rules can get tricky too… many states outline how much can be collected, how it must be stored, when it must be returned, and what kind of documentation is needed for any deductions. Notice requirements also matter; landlords have to follow set timelines for things like non-renewal, entry for repairs, or starting the eviction process. It’s a lot of moving pieces for all of these things.
For Landlords: Consider BMG as Needed Assistance
Whether or not you rent from a private landlord is up to you as a renter. But knowing the differences between private landlords and professional companies is important. You’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. Now, if you’re deciding whether to BE a private landlord, there is a lot to consider. And one major option is to take advantage of a professional property management company. Expert management companies have streamlined processes for handling maintenance, repairs, and all kinds of other things.
If you’re looking for a reliable property management company, look no further than Bay Property Management Group. We oversee rental property management services in Sandy Springs and Boston areas, as well as in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, DC., Virginia, Texas, and elsewhere.
