Listen On:
Managing rental properties comes with a big decision: should you handle everything yourself or hire a property manager?
In this episode, Stacie Casella and Kevin Kilroy share the real pros and cons of self-managing versus outsourcing — from cost savings and control to the realities of late-night calls, legal paperwork, and burnout. Together, they discuss how each option fits different lifestyles, investment goals, and seasons of life.
You’ll hear stories from their own experience managing a Sacramento 6-plex, a long-distance four-plex in Idaho, and everything in between — plus practical tips to help you make the best decision for your business.
Whether you’re a new landlord just starting out or an experienced investor scaling up, this episode will help you confidently decide which management style supports your goals.
Discussed in this episode:
- The biggest benefits of self-managing rentals
- When hiring a property manager makes sense
- How to evaluate your time, personality, and comfort with risk
- Real examples from Stacie and Kevin’s portfolio
- Recommended landlord tools and software for both approaches
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Listen to Episode 39: 50+ Must-Ask Questions When Hiring a Property Manager, Pt.1
Listen to Episode 40: 50+ Must-Ask Questions When Hiring a Property Manager, Pt.2
Listen to Episode 79: Accounting Software Options for Real Estate Investors
Listen to Episode 84: Tenant Screening Software, What Landlords Need to Know
Listen to Episode 106: The Benefits of Being a Digital Landlord
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
Ever feel like you’re running a marathon but you can’t remember why you started running in the first place?
That was our entire 2025. Between two destination weddings, a home renovation that went 300% over budget (with roofers literally falling through our ceiling THREE TIMES), rental property turnovers, portfolio decisions, and trying to be present for our aging parents and adult kids—we were completely burnt out.
In this raw and honest episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what really happened, why we had to hit pause on the podcast, and what we learned about saying no, setting boundaries, and protecting our time as landlords and business owners. We’re talking about the seven-plex we walked away from, the winter vacancies we’ll never do again, helping our son with his first rental property, and why our 2026 word is RESET.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or like your rental business is running you instead of the other way around, this episode is for you. Let’s talk about what really matters.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why walking away from deals can be the smartest investment decision
- Real costs of home improvement projects (and why you should always add 40%)
- When to say no to opportunities that don’t align with your operating standards
- Strategies for rental turnovers during difficult seasons
- Why renewal strategy matters more than ever in today’s market
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Estimated reading time: 0 minutes
Listen On:
In this episode we’re digging into a trend — renters are moving less than at any point in the last 40 years, and whether you manage one unit or ten, this affects your strategy, revenue, and renewals in a big way. So, Kevin and I are unpacking what’s behind the sharp drop in renter mobility and what it means for your business.
We talk through why renewing a lease is cheaper than moving, why ownership remains out of reach for many renters, and how construction slowdowns and underbuilding are freezing vacancy chains. We also break down demographic shifts — from long-term renters in their 50s+ to younger renters relocating less because of job instability and cost-of-living pressures. Climate migration plays a surprising role too — many renters want safer living locations but can’t afford to relocate, which means staying put longer than ever.
Most importantly, we share practical strategies to help you adapt: improving renewal conversations, creating predictable systems, using landlord software, and screening wisely to prevent fraud. Longer tenancies can be great — but only if you proactively manage communication, planning, maintenance, and rent increases.
If you want to run your rentals like a real business — with professionalism, confidence, and systems — today’s episode is packed with insight you can put to work immediately. Let’s go!
⭐ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Why renter movement is at a 40-year low
- The economic and housing trends freezing mobility
- How underbuilding affects turnover
- Why renewals and communication matter more than ever
- How to plan for longer tenancy cycles and stable revenue
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Listen to Episode 2: Improving Tenant Retention and Renewals
Smart Move Tenant Screening
Tenant Alert Tenant Screening
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
Hey landlords! In this week’s episode of Your Landlord Resource Podcast, Kevin and I dive into one of the most common modern-day questions—can landlords legally install video cameras at their rental properties?
We break down the legal guidelines on where cameras are allowed, how to respect tenant privacy, and what to include in your lease addendums to keep you covered. We also talk about the etiquette behind using surveillance, who should have access to footage, and the hidden responsibilities that come with cloud-based storage systems.
Plus, we discuss how to handle situations when tenants install their own devices, such as doorbell cameras or interior security systems, and what your options are if those devices capture common or shared areas. You’ll also hear our recommendations on affordable, weatherproof cameras for both single-family and multi-unit properties, and the pros and cons of wired versus battery setups.
If you’ve been curious about adding smart technology like video surveillance or want to know what’s legal and what’s not, this episode will walk you through every step so you can make an informed, professional decision for your rentals.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- Where landlords can legally install video cameras
- What to avoid to stay compliant with privacy laws
- How to handle tenant-installed cameras and doorbells
- What to include in your lease addendums
- The pros and cons of wired vs. wireless cameras
- How to secure your video footage and protect your network
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Listen to Episode 103: Installing Property Wide WiFi
Listen to Episode 6: Standard Operating Procedures
Listen to Episode 32: Our Lease and Addendum Breakdown, Pt 1
Listen to Episode 33: Our Lease and Addendum Breakdown, Pt 2
Listen to Episode 34: Our Lease and Addendum Breakdown, Pt 3
Video Cameras discussed in this episode: Ring, Blink, Arlo, Wyze, Eufy, Reolink
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
Fall is here, and that means it’s time for landlords to get ahead of seasonal maintenance and tenant communication before winter sets in. In this shorty episode of Your Landlord Resource Podcast, I’m sharing a quick checklist to help you stay proactive, avoid costly emergencies, and keep your tenants safe and happy.
Kevin and I break down the key areas to focus on: property prep, tenant reminders, seasonal safety checks, and a few timely extras for this year. From HVAC servicing and gutter cleaning to energy efficiency upgrades, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to prioritize. We also cover how to communicate with tenants about winter responsibilities, rising utility costs, and safe practices during the holiday season.
You’ll even hear our personal stories (including the ongoing AC debate!) that remind you — being a landlord doesn’t have to feel overwhelming when you plan ahead.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The essential fall maintenance tasks every landlord should handle before winter
- How to communicate seasonal reminders to tenants effectively
- Safety tips tied to fire prevention, Halloween, and the holidays
- Why reviewing insurance and vendor contracts now can save you big later
- Don’t forget to grab our free Fall Maintenance Checklist — it’s linked in the show notes so you can stay on track.
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
FREE Download: Fall Maintenance Checklist
Outdoor Water Faucet Cover, 2 Pack
Listen to Episode 27: Fall’s Checklist
Listen to Episode 29: Fire Safety Essentials, Pt 1
Listen to Episode 30: Fire Safety Essentials, Pt 2
Listen to Episode 31: Halloween Tips for Landlords
Listen to Episode 82: Fire Safety, Landlord & Tenant Responsibility
Listen to Episode 86: Winter & End of Year Prep for Your Rental Property
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
As landlords, one of the most important and sometimes confusing, responsibilities we face is handling reasonable accommodation requests from tenants. These requests, protected under the Fair Housing Act, ensure tenants with disabilities have equal access and enjoyment of their rental homes. But where do you draw the line between reasonable and unreasonable? And how do you protect yourself while staying compliant?
In this episode, Kevin and I break down everything you need to know. We’ll explain what reasonable accommodations are, who qualifies for them, and how they differ from modifications. We’ll also share examples of requests landlords are most likely to encounter — from service animals to parking adjustments to flexible rent due dates.
You’ll hear best practices for documenting requests, avoiding common mistakes, and protecting both your tenants and your business. We’ll also cover when landlords can say no, how to engage in the “interactive process,” and why empathy and professionalism go a long way in avoiding costly mistakes.
Whether you own one rental unit or ten, this episode will help you approach accommodation requests with confidence, compliance, and clarity.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The difference between reasonable accommodations and modifications
- Who qualifies for accommodations under the Fair Housing Act
- Examples of reasonable vs. unreasonable requests
- Landlord obligations for costs, timelines, and documentation
- Best practices to stay compliant and avoid lawsuits
- How to handle requests with empathy while protecting your business
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Listen to Episode 61: Fair Housing and Emotional Support Animals (ESA’s)
Listen to Episode 73: Senior Aged Tenants, What You Need to Know
The Fair Housing Institute, 15% OFF with code YLR2025
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
In this episode of Your Landlord Resource Podcast, Kevin and I are diving into what it really means to be a “digital landlord.” We’ll walk you through how using technology in your rental business can save you hours each month, keep you organized, and improve both your experience and your tenants’ experience.
From e-signing leases to screening tenants in under a minute, we cover the practical tools that make self-managing easier. We’ll compare software options by breaking down their features, costs, and when each might be the right fit.
We’ll also talk about the real differences between paper-based and digital systems—what you gain in efficiency, what you might lose in hands-on control, and how to find the right balance for your style. Plus, you’ll hear our honest take on what we use, why we use it, and even where we still stick to paper.
Whether you own one unit or a growing portfolio, this episode will help you understand the benefits, drawbacks, and opportunities of going digital as a landlord.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- The difference between paper-based and digital landlord systems
- Tools for leases, rent collection, tenant screening, and communication
- How digital tools can save you time and protect your records
- Costs to consider before going fully digital
- Why some landlords still prefer paper systems
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
The Fair Housing Institute, 15% OFF with code YLR2025
Learn more about EZ Landlord Forms, Turbo Tenant, Rent Redi, DoorLoop, Hemlane, & Avail.
Tenant Screening Software we recommend: SmartMove & TenantAlert
Our Accounting Software: QuickBooks
Best product for de-icing rental walkways: Safe Paw
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
Hey there landlords—this week’s episode is packed with everything you need to know about the new 2025 landlord-tenant laws impacting your rental business. Whether you manage one rental or a dozen, staying ahead of legal changes is the best way to protect your property and stay professional.
Kevin and I break down California’s extensive new rules—like the expanded application screening rules, security deposit documentation requirements, and a major update that gives tenants more time before eviction proceedings. We also highlight key changes in Washington, D.C., Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Illinois, and Texas, including rent control, broker fee bans, and squatter removal laws.
Even if your rentals aren’t located in these states, many of these laws are popping up across the country—and they’re often just good business practice anyway.
So, give this one a listen so you can be ahead of the game and familiar with them when your state decides to take action and enact them.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- 2025’s most impactful landlord-tenant law updates by state
- What California landlords must do differently now
- Why some “junk fees” are no longer legal
- How to protect your security deposits with photos and documentation
- What steps to take before pursuing an eviction
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
Free Download of Our Prescreening Questions
Stainless Steel Scratch Repair: Scratch B Gone
Re-Key Locks with Ease using the KwikSet Re-Key Kit
Podcast Episode 38: Tenant Buyouts
Podcast Episode 44: SB721
Podcast Episode 90: SB721 Update
Podcast Episode 69: Squatters Part 1
Podcast Episode 70: Squatters Part 2
EZ Landlord: https://www.ezlandlordforms.com/?ref=ylr
Law Updates for: California, Washington State, Texas, Rhode Island, Illinois, Massachusetts, Washington DC
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
As landlords, navigating sensitive topics like firearms in rental properties can feel overwhelming. In this episode of the Your Landlord Resource Podcast, Kevin and I tackle the complex issue of whether landlords can legally restrict tenants from having guns on their rental property.
We break down state-specific laws, highlight Supreme Court cases like Heller and McDonald, and share real landlord liability case examples. Whether you manage single-family homes or multifamily buildings, it’s crucial to understand how your lease language, state laws, and liability insurance all play a role in your decision.
We also talk through practical lease clause options—from restricting weapons in common areas to setting storage requirements inside units. Plus, we share feedback from real tenants (hello Reddit thread!) on how they feel about gun restrictions in rentals.
If you’ve ever wondered how to balance tenant rights, safety, and your own liability, this episode is for you.
✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- Which states allow or restrict landlords from banning firearms
- How federal cases, like Heller and McDonald, influence tenant gun rights
- The pros and cons of restricting guns in your rentals
- Example lease clause language you can use
- Real-world landlord liability risks (and how to protect yourself)
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
👉 Sign up for our Bi-Weekly Newsletter
👉 Learn more about EZ Landlord Forms and Turbo Tenant
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.
Listen On:
In Episode 103 of Your Landlord Resource, we dive deep into our real-world experience installing property-wide fiber optic Wi-Fi in a six-unit rental property. This isn’t theory—we share what worked, what we wish we knew sooner, and what it all cost. From upgrading a midterm rental and supporting smart locks to giving tenants high-speed access at a fraction of retail pricing, this episode is packed with tips for self-managing landlords.
We break down why Wi-Fi is becoming a top must-have amenity for renters (with 90% of tenants in a 2024 NMHC survey rating it essential), and how landlords can meet that demand in a cost-conscious and scalable way. You’ll learn what types of properties benefit most, how much bandwidth you really need, and how to handle the install without blowing your budget—or your mind.
We cover the technical details landlords need to know, including using VLANs for tenant privacy, installing CAT6 ethernet, and choosing between budget systems like TP-Link or pro-level gear like Ubiquiti. And most importantly, we talk about whether tenants truly value this amenity and if it’s worth the investment.
If you’re a landlord managing a duplex, triplex, or small multifamily and want to offer high-speed internet while protecting your bottom line, this episode is for you.
🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
👉When property-wide Wi-Fi makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
👉The difference between cable and fiber optic internet
👉Required bandwidth based on unit count
👉What VLANs are and why they’re crucial for tenant privacy
👉Product comparisons: TP-Link vs. Ubiquiti
👉Installation pitfalls, hidden costs & hiring IT support
👉Whether to charge tenants separately or bundle Wi-Fi into rent
👉Questions to ask tenants to determine demand for shared internet
🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned
🎧 Listen to Episode 101: Staying Motivated When Work Gets Tough
Connect with Us:
🌎 Visit our website
📧 Subscribe to our newsletter.
👆Click this LINK to select from our FREE Landlord Forms and Doc’s
🤳Text Us SMS text to 650-489-4447. We love questions and love letters, hate mail not so much!
📩Email us at: Stacie@YourLandlordResource.com, Kevin@YourLandlordResource.com
✔️Course Waitlist: From Marketing to Move In, Place Your Ideal Tenant
📱 Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, & join our private Facebook group
🎧 Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app
Check out samples of our newsletter👇 If you love it, you can subscribe from there!
*This post contains affiliate links. We may earn a very small commission (at no additional cost to you) if you purchase from here. These small commissions are to benefit our business so thank you for your support.