By Blake Borowski
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August 10, 2025
Owning a rental property in Orange County can be a great source of passive income—but only if it's managed wisely. At White Glove Property Management, we’ve helped hundreds of local landlords avoid the hidden pitfalls that cost time, money, and peace of mind. Here are the top 5 mistakes we see rental property owners make—and what you can do instead to maximize your ROI and minimize stress. 1. Underpricing Their Rental and Not Increasing Rents with Updated Leases Many landlords guess their rent based on outdated comps or what they “think” it’s worth. In a rapidly shifting market like Orange County, that guesswork can lead to months of lost income . ✅ What to do instead: Get a free local rental analysis from a team that knows the OC neighborhoods inside and out. We regularly help owners increase rent by 10–15% without sacrificing tenant quality. 2. Skipping Professional Tenant Screening A bad tenant can cost you thousands in unpaid rent, legal fees, and property damage. Rushed or incomplete screening processes are one of the biggest risks landlords take . ✅ What to do instead: Use a comprehensive screening system that checks credit, criminal background, rental history, and employment verification—like the one we provide with every placement. In fact, we Guarantee every tenant we place. 3. Handling Repairs Reactively (Not Timely) Repairs must be conducted in a timely and professional manner. Delays can lead to fractured relationships with your tenant. ✅ What to do instead: Schedule routine property inspections , respond quickly to repair requests, and have a vetted network of local licensed and insured vendors—something our White Glove owners benefit from automatically. 4. Violating California Rental Laws With California's rent control, eviction rules, and tenant protections constantly evolving, even well-meaning landlords can find themselves in legal trouble without realizing it . Are you familiar with AB1482 and did you know the entire state is rent controlled? ✅ What to do instead: Work with a property management company that stays current on California legislation and ensures full legal compliance—from notices to lease structures to fair housing regulations. 5. Treating Their Rental Like a Side Project Your property is a six- or seven-figure investment—but many landlords manage it in their spare time, leading to delays, stress, and costly oversights . ✅ What to do instead: Treat your rental like a business. Or better yet, let a full-time property management partner do it for you. With White Glove PM, we offer guaranteed performance , including rent default protection and eviction coverage—so you can invest with confidence. Bonus Mistake : Renting to friends and family - Don't Do It! Thinking About Hiring a Property Manager? At White Glove Property Management, we’re not just another management company—we’re property owners ourselves . We understand what matters most to you: Fast quality tenant placement Great Communication On-time rent collection Transparent financials Stress-free compliance Guaranteed results  We back it up with our White Glove Performance Promises
