Top 7 Mistakes DIY Landlords Make (And How to Avoid Them)
- Office Staff
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
Published by Key Property Management | Las Vegas Property Management Experts
Are you managing your own rental property in Las Vegas? While being a DIY landlord might seem like a cost-saving move, it often leads to expensive mistakes, legal trouble, and tenant issues. At Key Property Management, we’ve helped thousands of property owners recover from these pitfalls—so you don’t have to learn the hard way.
Here are the top 7 mistakes self-managing landlords make—and how to avoid them with more innovative strategies or professional help.
1. Inadequate Tenant Screening
Many DIY landlords skip thorough screening to fill vacancies quickly. This often results in missed rent, property damage, or costly evictions.
Avoid it: Use a comprehensive tenant screening process that includes credit checks, background reports, employment verification, and rental history.
👉 Learn more about our tenant screening services.
2. Not Following Nevada Landlord-Tenant Laws
Nevada has specific laws that govern notices, repairs, evictions, and security deposits. Violating these can expose landlords to legal liability and tenant lawsuits.
Avoid it: Stay current on NRS Chapter 118A or partner with a licensed Las Vegas property management company that ensures full compliance.
📝 Check out our guide: What Every Las Vegas Landlord Needs to Know About Rental Laws
3. Delaying Repairs or Ignoring Maintenance Requests
Small issues become major problems when ignored—leading to tenant turnover and costly repairs.
Avoid it: Respond to maintenance requests quickly and perform regular property inspections.
🔧 See how we handle 24/7 maintenance coordination for our clients.
4. Pricing the Rental Incorrectly
Many landlords overprice their property, leading to long vacancies. Others underprice and lose revenue.
Avoid it: Use up-to-date rental comps and local data to set the right rent from the start.
📊 Request your free rental price analysis from KeyPM.
5. Using Weak or Outdated Lease Agreements
A vague or outdated lease can create legal gaps that leave landlords exposed during disputes.
Avoid it: Use a professionally prepared lease that complies with Nevada law and clearly outlines terms, responsibilities, and protections.
📄 Learn how we protect owners with ironclad lease agreements.
6. Managing Based on Emotions, Not Business
Personal relationships with tenants can cloud judgment—leading to leniency, rent forgiveness, or inconsistent enforcement.
Avoid it: Treat your rental like a business and stick to clearly defined policies and procedures.
📣 Want to be hands-off and stress-free? Explore our full-service property management solutions.
7. Doing Everything Yourself
Managing showings, repairs, accounting, and legal notices takes time, knowledge, and tools. Most self-managing landlords underestimate this workload.
Avoid it: Hire a professional property manager in Las Vegas to handle the heavy lifting while you collect passive income.
🎯 Avoid the Pitfalls—partner with Key Property Management.
At KeyPM, we’ve helped thousands of property owners turn underperforming rentals into income-producing assets. With expert leasing, legal compliance, maintenance, and 24/7 owner portals, we make renting stress-free and profitable.
📞 Call us today at (702) 914-6567 or request a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can protect and grow your investment.
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