Renting Out Part of Your Home in Old Metairie, LA: What You Need to Know

Real estate in New Orleans can be a valuable asset. However, not everyone can afford homes here. Houses for rent in nearby Metairie by owner can offer a solution. If you are a homeowner, consider renting out part of your home.

While renting out part of your home could generate some income, there is much to consider. This post will cover what you need to know before renting out part of your home in Old Metairie.

Old Metairie Real Estate Market Watch

Homes in Old Metairie sold for a median of $267 per square foot in August 2023. However, real estate trends shift over time. If you need to buy or sell a home in Old Metairie, click here to contact us.

Guide to Renting Out Part of Your Home in Old Metairie

Assess the Situation

You don’t want to rush into renting out part of your home. Once a person lives in your home, they have legal rights to be there. Determine the areas of the home you want to rent to a tenant. Is it a room or a detached building? What areas of the home will they have rights to? Are there any house rules you want to set for tenants?

Charging Rent

Another issue is the amount you can charge for rent. It should be enough to make it worthwhile but not so much that you scare away good tenants. You also need to consider utilities and other expenses. If you’re sharing electricity and water, that should help determine the rent price.

The Ideal Tenant

Take the time to determine the ideal tenant. You won’t be just their landlord; you’ll also their housemate. Not only will you want to consider their ability to pay rent, you must consider various factors to determine whether they are a good fit for living with you. One excellent idea would be to consider having people sign off on a background check before approving their tenancy.

Learn Local Laws

You’ll also need to learn local laws concerning landlord and tenant relations. For example, let’s say you choose to rent someone a room. There are laws covering when and for what reasons you can enter the room. You’ll also need to consider local tax laws concerning rental income. If you are renting out something like a converted garage, you might need a code inspection.

Create a Lease

Never rent part of your home without requiring tenants to sign a lease. That way, all the rules and agreements are in writing. Include the rent price and date of payment in the lease. Outline the length of the lease. Include the rights and restrictions to different parts of the property. List any restricted behaviors. You should also include things like if they have a parking space, use of laundry facilities, and more.

Real Estate in New Orleans

Do you need real estate services in Old Metairie or anywhere else in the New Orleans area? Click here to reach Billy Borrouso. Billy is a real estate expert with years of experience in New Orleans.

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