Managing a Rental Property from Out of Town

  Owning a rental property in another city or state can be a great investment, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From maintenance calls to tenant issues, long-distance ownership requires systems and support you can rely on. The good news? With the right setup, you don’t need to live nearby to keep your rental running smoothly.

Here’s what every remote landlord should have in place.

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1. Have a Local Point of Contact

  Tenants need someone they can reach when something breaks, or when they just have a question. If you’re not local, you’ll need to assign a trusted contact who can visit the property when needed. This could be:

 

• A licensed property manager

 

• A handyman or maintenance tech you trust

 

• A local friend or family member (though this should be a last resort)

  For repairs, tenant disputes, or emergencies, having someone nearby makes a big difference in how quickly things get resolved.

 

2. Use Digital Tools to Stay in the Loop
 

 There are tons of platforms that make long-distance property management easier:
 

• Tenant portals for rent collection, service requests, and communication

 

• Cloud storage for leases, receipts, and inspection reports

 

• Video calls or walkthroughs for virtual check-ins or move-in/move-out inspections

 

• Camera systems or smart locks for added security and access control

  At Mulliner, we use these tools ourselves and help our clients set them up to keep things organized and transparent.

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3. Have Reliable Vendors on Call
 

  If your tenant calls about a leak or electrical issue, you don’t want to waste time Googling someone last minute. Build a local vendor list ahead of time that includes:
 

• Plumber

 

• Electrician

 

• HVAC tech

 

• Pest control

 

• General handyman or maintenance pro

  Even better: work with a management company that already has pre-vetted, licensed contractors available and ready to respond.

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4. Schedule Regular Inspections
 

  Out-of-town owners often assume “no news is good news,” but small issues can turn into big problems when left unchecked. Schedule seasonal inspections or walkthroughs to check:
 

• Exterior and landscaping

 

• Plumbing and electrical

 

• HVAC filters and smoke detectors

 

• Signs of leaks, pests, or damage

  You’ll want a full photo log or inspection report every time, so you know what’s happening at the property.

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5. Keep Communication Open with Tenants

  A happy tenant is more likely to take care of your property and renew their lease. Let them know how to reach you (or your manager), what to expect for repairs or inspections, and when you’ll be checking in. Clear communication avoids misunderstandings—and keeps small issues from turning into big ones.
If you’re not available regularly, make sure your backup contact is empowered to make decisions on your behalf.

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Final Thoughts
 

  Managing a property remotely doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right tools, a reliable local team, and a good communication plan, you can keep your rental in great shape from anywhere. Whether you own one unit or several, Mulliner Asset Management can help take the weight off your shoulders—and keep your investment running smoothly year-round