Renting sounds appealing — monthly income, keep the asset, decide later. And sometimes it’s absolutely the right move. But there are things most people don’t think through until they’re already a landlord.

Before you list it for rent, ask yourself:

• Is the property in rentable condition? Tenants have legal rights to habitable housing.  Deferred maintenance isn’t just a hassle — it’s a liability.

• Who will manage it? If you’re not local, or if managing property isn’t something you want in your life, budget for a property manager (typically 8–10% of monthly rent in Orange County).

• What does the local rental market look like? Not every home is equally rentable. I can give you a realistic rental rate estimate based on current market conditions.

• Have you talked to your CPA? Rental income is taxable. And once you begin renting the property, you may be starting a depreciation clock that affects your future sale.

• Are there tenant protections to be aware of? California has some of the strongest tenant protection laws in the country. If there’s already a tenant in the property, understand your obligations before making any decisions.

I can help you think through this decision and connect you with a trusted property manager if you decide renting is the right path.