Owning a rental property can be a great way to earn extra income, but managing it without help often comes with unexpected challenges. Many landlords in Oregon try to handle everything on their own, thinking it will save money. Unfortunately, this often leads to expensive mistakes that could have been avoided with professional help.
This blog explores some of the most common errors landlords make when they don’t use rental management services in Oregon, and how working with a reliable team can make all the difference.
1. Pricing the Property Incorrectly
Setting the right rent is one of the most important decisions a landlord can make. If the price is too high, the property may sit vacant for months. If it’s too low, the landlord misses out on potential income.
In Portland, for example, the average rent for a two-bedroom unit was about $1,870/month as of May 2025. That’s 15% above the national average, based on data from Zillow. Without proper market research, it’s easy for a landlord to miss the mark.
A qualified property management company that Portland landlords rely on can help assess the local market, compares similar properties, and set a price that attracts tenants while maximizing income.
2. Skipping Thorough Tenant Screening
Some landlords rush to fill vacancies and don’t take enough time to screen tenants properly. This can lead to issues like unpaid rent, property damage, or even legal trouble.
According to the National Multifamily Housing Council, about 30% of renters don’t pay rent on time. A solid screening process, including background checks, credit reports, and rental history, greatly reduces this risk. Property management professionals know what to look for and how to spot red flags early.
3. Delaying Maintenance and Repairs
When tenants report a maintenance issue, they expect a fast response. Ignoring these requests—or taking too long—can lead to tenant frustration and bigger repair costs later.
Studies show tenants are 1.5 times more likely to move out when maintenance issues go unresolved. That means more vacancy time and more money spent on finding new tenants. Rental management companies typically have trusted contractors and systems in place to handle these problems quickly.
4. Overlooking Oregon’s Rental Laws
Oregon’s rental laws are strict, and they’re always changing. From rent control rules to eviction laws, landlords are required to follow every detail.
For example, Oregon limits annual rent increases to 7% plus inflation. If a landlord increases rent beyond that, they could face fines or lawsuits. That’s why it's important to have someone who understands the law. Rental management services help landlords stay compliant and avoid legal trouble.
5. Poor Handling of Tenant Issues
Disagreements between landlords and tenants happen. Whether it’s about a late rent payment, property damage, or lease terms, handling the situation poorly can make things worse.
Without experience, landlords might say the wrong thing or take action that violates a tenant's rights. Rental managers act as a neutral party, helping to solve problems calmly and legally, which helps protect the landlord’s reputation and property.
A Quick Note on Performance Properties, Inc.
Performance Properties, Inc. offers dependable rental management services, backed by years of experience and a strong understanding of the local market. Their team helps property owners avoid these common mistakes and take the stress out of managing rentals.
For landlords looking for expert support and peace of mind in Oregon, Performance Properties, Inc. is a name they can trust.