I have owned a rental house for several years now.
I'll share some things I've learned.
1. Never rent to family or friends. That just causes a lot of hard feelings.
2. Never, ever rent to lesbians. Its the same as renting to two nasty guys. (ask me how I know!)
3. Always get a deposit.
4. Make sure all the utilities are in the renters name within 5 days of occupation.
5. When figuring the deposit, pad it for at least 2 months of water bills.
6. Take an inventory and pictures of ALL appliances and fixtures in the home.
7. Don't fall for hardship stories. You got one too, that's why you're renting the house out.
8. Don't let anyone run a business out of the house.
9. Get a lease and make the renters stick to the terms.
10. Make sure there is a late pay clause in the lease as well an eviction clause in the lease.
11. NO PETS!!!!!! Pets will destroy a house.
I've had great luck with renters, I've had a few shitheads too.
I've only been in charge of the house for a few years. But I've close to it since birth. I know every problem the house has had for the past 25 yrs.
I have become the biggest hard *** when it comes to my rental house.
I will never tell you not to rent the home out, but it does come with some headache sometimes. Currently I have a great renter, so life is cool. I have a feeling she'll be there for a few years.
I can tell you horror stories but, why bother.
Having a renter is better than the home sitting empty. I know, I did that for a year and it worried me to death. especially when copper is being stripped out of homes and the house next door got hit.
all the things I listed I learned the hard way, and I have good story as to why I have that rule.
On a side note, I was partners on a 12 unit 3 floor apartment complex. Shortly after I sold out, I learned that one of our problem tenants was evicted. They were on the 3rd floor, the idiot dumped quickcrete down the drains and the toilet. That crap screwed up the drains on the entire west side of the building. my partner cheeped out on the insurance and it cost him a ton. He couldn't prove anything, so he was stuck.
So if you do rent it out, have a sit down with your agent.