Being a landlord isn’t easy. In addition to managing properties and dealing with tenants, you must juggle maintenance, repairs, and a never-ending stream of paperwork. It’s no wonder many landlords end up feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. If you’re starting to feel burnt out, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Here are a few self-care tips for stressed-out landlords.
1. Get organized
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to get organized. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it’s often easier said than done. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do, sit down and list everything that needs to be done. Once you have a list, you can start working on crossing items off and taking one thing at a time.
For example, you might want to create a filing system for all of your documents or draw up an action plan for dealing with maintenance requests. If tenants call in the middle of the night, set up a protocol for dealing with them. An organized system can save you time and energy in the long run.
2. Set priorities
In addition to getting organized, it’s also essential to set priorities. Not everything on your to-do list will be equally important, so you must identify what needs to be done first. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, trying and doing everything at once can be tempting. But by setting priorities and focusing on one thing at a time, you’ll be able to get more things done in a shorter amount of time—and with less stress.
One way to solve a few problems in one go is by hiring a full-service property management company. They can take care of all the complex responsibilities of being a landlord, freeing up your time and energy for other things. These professionals can also provide you with advice and support when needed. Hiring a virtual assistant or using task management apps can also let you offload some more minor tasks.
3. Take breaks
When you’re in a stressful situation, it can be hard to step away from it—especially if you feel like there’s still more work to be done. But taking breaks is essential for reducing stress levels and maintaining your sanity. If you can’t take a long break, take five minutes here or there to clear your head and rejuvenate yourself. Even a short break can make a world of difference.
In the rental business, this may be difficult because the job is always ongoing, and it’s easy to get stuck in the cycle of work. Try to find a balance between getting things done and taking time to relax and enjoy life. You could go for a walk, read a book, or do some gardening.
4. Find a support system
Dealing with stress is much easier when you have someone to lean on. If you don’t have friends or family members who understand what you’re going through, consider joining a professional organization or online forum for landlords. Knowing that you’re not alone can make all the difference when things start to feel overwhelming.
Many of these organizations and forums also offer advice, resources, and support for landlords. Joining one of these groups can provide you with a sense of community and help you stay on top of your responsibilities. If you don’t want to join a forum, you can always reach out to other landlords in your area for advice and support
5. Don’t neglect yourself
When you’re in a stressful situation, it’s easy to forget about taking care of yourself. But if you don’t take the time to look after your own needs, it will be harder to stay on top of your responsibilities. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat healthy foods, and don’t forget to do things you enjoy, like going for walks or listening to music. Taking care of your mental and physical health is essential for reducing stress and allowing you to stay on top of your workload.
If you find it hard to make time for yourself, try setting aside an hour or two every day to do something that makes you feel good. Even if it seems like a waste of time, this can be the key to staying motivated and productive. Just make sure to stick to your schedule and be mindful of how much time you’re spending doing things that make you happy.
Being a landlord comes with a lot of responsibility—and a lot of stress. If you’re starting to feel overwhelmed, try these five self-care tips, and you’ll be able to get back in control of your workload. From setting priorities and delegating tasks to taking breaks and finding a supportive community—taking the time to take care of yourself will make all the difference. You can do this!
