Owning property abroad might sound like a dream, but for Vivian, a non-resident landlord, it was a wake-up call about the challenges of managing a rental remotely. What began as a strategy to ease financial strain turned into a costly, stressful journey. Here’s how hiring a professional property management company in Toronto transformed everything for her.
The Financial Reality of Being a Landlord Abroad
Vivian’s journey started out of necessity. With a mortgage to cover on her Toronto property and rent to pay in her current country of residence, renting out her home was the only viable solution. While the rental income initially offered relief, the realities of being a long-distance landlord quickly unraveled.
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DIY Management: A Costly Misstep
At first, Vivian took a hands-on approach, relying on tenant referrals from family and friends. However, these “friendly” arrangements often resulted in late payments and mounting frustrations.
One tenant, in particular, accumulated three months of unpaid rent before abruptly vacating, leaving behind a damaged property. “I thought I was being understanding, letting tenants pay in installments,” Vivian recalled. “But it dragged on for months, and the rent was already below market value. Eventually, I just had to let it go.”
Managing this from thousands of miles away while juggling her demanding job became a nearly impossible task.
A Realtor Didn’t Solve the Problem
Desperate for a solution, Vivian turned to a realtor to help her find reliable tenants. At first, it seemed like the perfect fix. However, when tenant issues resurfaced—non-payment and endless excuses—the realtor was nowhere to be found. Vivian was back to square one.
The True Cost of DIY Management
After three years of tenant troubles, mounting stress, and property repairs, Vivian finally tallied up the financial toll. The money she lost far outweighed the cost of hiring a professional property management company from the start.
“The stress was enormous, and I was still dealing with unpaid rent and unreliable tenants,” she said. “I finally did the math—it wasn’t worth it.”
The Turning Point: Hiring a Professional Property Management Company
The real change came when Vivian decided to hire a professional property management company. From the very first conversation, their professionalism and expertise stood out. During the onboarding process, they conducted a background check on one of her former tenants and uncovered a history of non-payment and poor credit—critical red flags that Vivian had missed.
The property management company took over everything: tenant screening, rent collection, property maintenance, and tenant communication. They also referred a trusted contractor to handle pre-move-in repairs, which were completed efficiently and at a fair price.
“The difference was night and day,” Vivian said. “They handled everything with such professionalism, and I haven’t had any issues since.”
Peace of Mind and Financial Stability
Thanks to the property management team, Vivian no longer stresses over her rental property. Tenant issues are handled before they even reach her, ensuring a consistent rental income and a well-maintained property.
“This level of support has been life-changing,” she said. “I can finally focus on my life without worrying about the property day and night.”
Vivian’s Advice to Non-Resident Landlords
For Vivian, the lesson is simple: professional property management is worth every penny.
“There’s a saying in Portuguese: ‘Às vezes, o barato sai caro’—‘Sometimes the cheap gets expensive,’” she said. “Trying to save money by managing the property myself ended up costing me so much more.”
Her advice to other landlords? Don’t wait. Professional property management expertise can save you from costly mistakes, offering peace of mind and financial stability.
“If you’re a non-resident landlord, take it from me: Don’t wait as long as I did to get professional help,” she urged. “It’s worth every penny.”
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