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Rental Properties Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Rental Properties Business Plan

Rental Property Business Plan

Over the past 20+ years, we have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans to start and grow their rental property business. On this page, we will first give you some background information with regards to the importance of business planning. We will then go through a rental property business plan template step-by-step so you can create your plan today.

Download our Ultimate Business Plan Template here >

What is a Rental Properties Business Plan?

A business plan provides a snapshot of your rental property business as it stands today, and lays out your growth plan for the next five years. It explains your business goals and your strategy for reaching them. It also includes market research to support your plans.

Why You Need a Business Plan for a Rental Properties Business

If you’re looking to purchase a rental property, multiple rental properties, or add to your existing rental properties business, you need a business plan. A business plan will help you raise funding, if needed, and plan out the growth of your rental property business in order to improve your chances of success. Your rental property business plan is a living document that should be updated annually as your company grows and changes.

Sources of Funding for Rental Property Companies

With regards to funding, the main sources of funding for rental properties are personal savings, credit cards, mortgages, and angel investors. With regards to bank loans, banks will want to review your business plan and gain confidence that you will be able to repay your loan and interest. To acquire this confidence, the loan officer will not only want to confirm that your financials are reasonable. But they will want to see a professional plan. Such a plan will give them the confidence that you can successfully and professionally operate a business.

The second most common form of funding for a rental property is angel investors. Angel investors are wealthy individuals who will write you a check. They will either take equity in return for their funding, or, like a bank, they will give you a loan. Venture capitalists will not fund a rental property company. They might consider funding a rental property company with a national presence, but never an individual location. This is because most venture capitalists are looking for millions of dollars in return when they make an investment, and an individual location could never achieve such results.

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How to write a business plan for a rental property company.

Your business plan should include 10 sections as follows:

Executive Summary

Your executive summary provides an introduction to your business plan, but it is normally the last section you write because it provides a summary of each key section of your plan.

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of rental property you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, or do you have a portfolio of existing rental properties that you would like to add to?

Next, provide an overview of each of the subsequent sections of your plan. For example, give a brief overview of the rental properties industry. Discuss the type of rental property you are offering. Detail your direct competitors. Give an overview of your target customers. Provide a snapshot of your marketing plan. Identify the key members of your team. And offer an overview of your financial plan.  

Company Analysis

In your company analysis, you will detail the type of rental properties you are offering.

For example, you might offer the following options:

  • Single family homes – This type of rental property is often owned by a single individual, rather than a company, who acts as both landlord and property manager.
  • Multi-family properties – These types of properties can be subcategorized by the number of units per site. Buildings with 2 – 4 units are the most common (17.5%), while multistory apartment complexes with more than 50 units represent the next-largest, at 12.6% of the industry.
  • Short-Term Rental properties – These are fully furnished properties that are rented for a short period of time – usually on a weekly basis for vacation purposes.

In addition to explaining the type of rental property you operate, the Company Analysis section of your business plan needs to provide background on the business.

Include answers to question such as:

  • When and why did you start the business?
  • What milestones have you achieved to date? Milestones could include occupancy goals you’ve reached, number of property acquisitions, etc.
  • Your legal structure. Are you incorporated as an S-Corp? An LLC? A sole proprietorship? Explain your legal structure here.

Industry Analysis

In your industry analysis, you need to provide an overview of the rental properties industry.

While this may seem unnecessary, it serves multiple purposes.

First, researching the rental property industry educates you. It helps you understand the market in which you are operating.

Secondly, market research can improve your strategy, particularly if your research identifies market trends.

The third reason for market research is to prove to readers that you are an expert in your industry. By conducting the research and presenting it in your plan, you achieve just that.

The following questions should be answered in the industry analysis section of your rental property business plan:

  • How big is the rental properties industry (in dollars)?
  • Is the market declining or increasing?
  • Who are the key competitors in the market?
  • Who are the key suppliers in the market?
  • What trends are affecting the industry?
  • What is the industry’s growth forecast over the next 5 – 10 years?
  • What is the relevant market size? That is, how big is the potential market for your rental property. You can extrapolate such a figure by assessing the size of the market in the entire country and then applying that figure to your local population or tourist arrivals.

Customer Analysis

The customer analysis section of your rental property business plan must detail the customers you serve and/or expect to serve.

The following are examples of customer segments: households, tourists, etc.

As you can imagine, the customer segment(s) you choose will have a great impact on the type of rental property you offer. Clearly, vacationers would want different amenities and services, and would respond to different marketing promotions than long-term tenants.

Try to break out your target customers in terms of their demographic and psychographic profiles. With regards to demographics, include a discussion of the ages, genders, locations and income levels of the customers you seek to serve.

Psychographic profiles explain the wants and needs of your target customers. The more you can understand and define these needs, the better you will do in attracting and retaining your customers.  

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Competitive Analysis

Your competitive analysis should identify the indirect and direct competitors your business faces and then focus on the latter.

Direct competitors are other rental property companies.

Indirect competitors are other options customers may use that aren’t direct competitors. This includes the housing market, or hotels. You need to mention such competition to show you understand that not everyone who needs housing or accommodation will seek out a rental property.

With regards to direct competition, you want to detail the other rental properties with which you compete. Most likely, your direct competitors will be rental properties in the vicinity.

rental property competition

For each such competitor, provide an overview of their businesses and document their strengths and weaknesses. Unless you once worked at your competitors’ businesses, it will be impossible to know everything about them. But you should be able to find out key things about them such as:

  • What types of customers do they serve?
  • What lease lengths or amenities do they offer?
  • What is their pricing (premium, low, etc.)?
  • What are they good at?
  • What are their weaknesses?

With regards to the last two questions, think about your answers from the customers’ perspective. And don’t be afraid to ask your competitors’ customers what they like most and least about them.

The final part of your competitive analysis section is to document your areas of competitive advantage. For example:

  • Will you provide superior properties?
  • Will you provide services that your competitors don’t offer?
  • Will you make it easier or faster for customers to book the property or submit a lease application?
  • Will you provide better customer service?
  • Will you offer better pricing?

Think about ways you will outperform your competition and document them in this section of your plan.  

Marketing Plan

Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P’s: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a rental property business plan, your marketing plan should include the following:

Product : in the product section you should reiterate the type of rental property business that you documented in your Company Analysis. Then, detail the specific options you will be offering. For example, in addition to long-term tenancy, are you offering month-to-month, or short-term rental?

Price : Document the prices you will offer and how they compare to your competitors. Essentially in the product and price sub-sections of your marketing plan, you are presenting the properties and term options you offer and their prices.

Place : Place refers to the location of your rental property. Document your location and mention how the location will impact your success. For example, is your rental property located in a tourist destination, or in an urban area, etc. Discuss how your location might draw customer interest.

Promotions : the final part of your rental property marketing plan is the promotions section. Here you will document how you will drive customers to your location(s). The following are some promotional methods you might consider:

  • Advertising in local papers and magazines
  • Reaching out to local websites
  • Social media marketing
  • Local radio advertising

Operations Plan

While the earlier sections of your business plan explained your goals, your operations plan describes how you will meet them. Your operations plan should have two distinct sections as follows.

Everyday short-term processes include all of the tasks involved in running your rental property business, such as customer service, maintenance, processing applications, etc.

Long-term goals are the milestones you hope to achieve. These could include the dates when you expect 100% occupancy, or when you hope to reach $X in sales. It could also be when you expect to acquire a new property.  

Management Team

To demonstrate your rental property business’ ability to succeed as a business, a strong management team is essential. Highlight your key players’ backgrounds, emphasizing those skills and experiences that prove their ability to grow a company.

Ideally you and/or your team members have direct experience in rental property management. If so, highlight this experience and expertise. But also highlight any experience that you think will help your business succeed.

If your team is lacking, consider assembling an advisory board. An advisory board would include 2 to 8 individuals who would act like mentors to your business. They would help answer questions and provide strategic guidance. If needed, look for advisory board members with experience in real estate, and/or successfully running small businesses.  

Financial Plan

Your financial plan should include your 5-year financial statement broken out both monthly or quarterly for the first year and then annually. Your financial statements include your income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statements.

Income Statement

An income statement is more commonly called a Profit and Loss statement or P&L. It shows your revenues and then subtracts your costs to show whether you turned a profit or not.

sales growth

In developing your income statement, you need to devise assumptions. For example, will you have 1 rental unit or 10? And will revenue grow by 2% or 10% per year? As you can imagine, your choice of assumptions will greatly impact the financial forecasts for your business. As much as possible, conduct research to try to root your assumptions in reality.

Balance Sheets

Balance sheets show your assets and liabilities. While balance sheets can include much information, try to simplify them to the key items you need to know about. For instance, if you spend $200,000 on purchasing and renovating your rental property, this will not give you immediate profits. Rather it is an asset that will hopefully help you generate profits for years to come. Likewise, if a bank writes you a check for $200,000, you don’t need to pay it back immediately. Rather, that is a liability you will pay back over time.

Cash Flow Statement

business costs

In developing your Income Statement and Balance Sheets be sure to include several of the key costs needed in starting or growing a rental property business:

  • Location build-out including design fees, construction, etc.
  • Cost of equipment like computers, software, etc.
  • Payroll or salaries paid to staff
  • Business insurance
  • Taxes and permits
  • Legal expenses

Attach your full financial projections in the appendix of your plan along with any supporting documents that make your plan more compelling. For example, you might include your property blueprint or map.  

Putting together a business plan for your rental properties company is a worthwhile endeavor. If you follow the template above, by the time you are done, you will truly be an expert. You will really understand the rental property industry, your competition and your customers. You will have developed a marketing plan and will really understand what it takes to launch and grow a successful rental properties business.

Rental Properties Business Plan FAQs

What is the easiest way to complete my rental properties business plan.

Growthink's Ultimate Business Plan Template  allows you to quickly and easily complete your Rental Properties Business Plan.

What is the Goal of a Business Plan's Executive Summary?

The goal of your Executive Summary is to quickly engage the reader. Explain to them the type of rental property business you are operating and the status; for example, are you a startup, do you have a rental properties business that you would like to grow, or are you operating multiple rental property businesses.

Don’t you wish there was a faster, easier way to finish your Rental Properties business plan?

OR, Let Us Develop Your Plan For You

Since 1999, Growthink has developed business plans for thousands of companies who have gone on to achieve tremendous success.  

Click here to see how Growthink’s professional business plan consulting services can create your business plan for you.

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Rental Properties Business Plan Template

Written by Dave Lavinsky

Rental Properties Business Plan

You’ve come to the right place to create your Rental Property business plan.

We have helped over 10,000 entrepreneurs and business owners create business plans and many have used them to start or grow their rental property business.

Rental Property Business Plan Example

Below is a template to help you create each section of your rental property business plan.

Executive Summary

Business overview.

Noble Properties is a rental property agency in Seattle, Washington, that specializes in managing, renting, and leasing properties. Our mission is to provide luxury rentals that tenants can call home for years to come. Noble Properties rents out hundreds of homes across the Seattle area, including apartments, single-family homes, and trailers. To help prospective tenants find the perfect home, the company has created an online platform that allows them to search by their specific criteria (number of bedrooms, amenities, rent, etc.). We aim to be one of the most popular rental agencies in the area that customers can depend on again and again for their housing needs.

Noble Properties is founded and run by Joseph Pierce. He has worked in the industry for decades and has extensive knowledge of all aspects of the business. He will be in charge of most of the operations but will hire other staff to help with marketing, accounting, and managing the rentals.

Product Offering

Noble Properties offers a variety of properties for prospective tenants to choose from. Some of the options we provide include:

  • 1-3 bedroom apartments
  • Single-family homes
  • Multi-unit buildings
  • Short-term rentals
  • Mobile homes or trailers

Customer Focus

Noble Properties will target renters located throughout the Seattle area. Most renters are under the age of 40 and earn about the median income. This means that we will primarily market to younger demographics and those who earn around the local median income or more.

Management Team

Noble Properties is led by Joseph Pierce, who has been in the rental property industry for 20 years. Throughout that time, he worked in various positions in local rental property agencies but is now eager to start a rental property business of his own. During his extensive experience in the rental property industry, he acquired an in-depth knowledge of the local area, local regulations, facilities, and the characteristics of different neighborhoods. He also has extensive experience in handling business management activities.

Karen Miller has been Joseph Pierce’s loyal administrative assistant for over ten years at his former rental agency. Joseph relies strongly on Karen’s diligence, attention to detail, and focus when organizing his clients, schedule, and files. Karen has worked in the rental agency industry for so long that she has a thorough knowledge of all aspects required to run a successful rental agency. She will help out with administrative tasks and some of the initial marketing efforts.

Success Factors

Noble Properties will be able to achieve success by offering the following competitive advantages:

  • The founder, Joseph Pierce, has decades of extensive experience and knowledge of the industry that will prove invaluable for the company.
  • The company will purchase rentals in popular areas around the city, putting our rentals in high demand.
  • Noble Properties offers reasonable and affordable rates for all our rentals. Our pricing will be far more cost-effective than the competition.

Financial Highlights

Noble Properties is seeking $1,100,000 in debt financing to launch its rental property agency. The funding will be dedicated to securing initial rental spaces, securing an office space, and purchasing office equipment and supplies. Funding will also be dedicated toward six months of overhead costs, including payroll, rent, and marketing costs. The breakdown of the funding is below:

  • Purchasing initial rentals: $600,000
  • Office space build-out: $20,000
  • Office equipment, supplies, and materials: $20,000
  • Six months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $350,000
  • Marketing costs: $50,000
  • Working capital: $60,000

rental property business plan template free

Company Overview

Who is noble properties, noble properties’ history.

After decades of working for other rental agencies, Joseph Pierce decided to launch an agency of his own. He conducted extensive research on the rental market in the Seattle area. This helped him determine the best spots to find in-demand rentals and how much he should rent them out for. He also did extensive marketing research to determine the best customer segments to market to. After conducting this research and finding a potential office location, Joseph Pierce incorporated Noble Properties as an S-Corporation.

Noble Properties’ operations are currently being run out of Joseph Pierce’s home office but will move to the office location once the lease is finalized.

Since incorporation, Noble Properties has achieved the following milestones:

  • Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
  • Determined rent/leasing and financing requirements
  • Found a potential office location and signed a Letter of Intent to lease it
  • Began recruiting key employees with experience in the rental homes/apartment industry

Noble Properties’ Products

Industry analysis.

The rental market is expected to continue to grow over the next five years. According to RentCafe, the average rent for a Seattle apartment is around $2,300 per month. This value is only expected to increase as the demand for apartments and other rentals skyrockets. Furthermore, Seattle’s vacancy rate is incredibly low and expected to decrease further, meaning there aren’t enough rentals to keep up with demand.

The growth is primarily driven by increasing housing prices. Now that housing prices have increased substantially, fewer and fewer people can afford to buy a home. Therefore, many people seek out rentals to live in since they are far more affordable.

Another factor that will help the Seattle rental market is the increasing population. More people are moving to the city, meaning the demand for homes and rentals will continue to soar. This will only push rental prices even higher, which will increase the local rental market’s value substantially.

This is a great market to start a rental agency in. By capitalizing on these trends, Noble Properties is expected to have great success.

Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

Noble Properties’ target market includes people of all demographics. We are open to offering rentals to people of all ages and groups as long as they can afford to pay their rent. From our initial market research, we expect most of our marketing efforts will target young adults, medium and high-income individuals, and families.

The precise demographics for Seattle, Washington, are:

Customer Segmentation

Noble Properties will primarily target the following customer profiles:

  • Young adults
  • Individuals who earn the region’s median income or more

Competitive Analysis

Direct and indirect competitors.

Noble Properties will face competition from other companies with similar business profiles. A description of each competitor company is below.

Leasing Inc.

Leasing Inc. is a marketplace for finding rental homes and apartments in multiple metropolitan areas around the country. It originally started more than a decade ago as a networking tool for real estate agents, but today it is a fully searchable online database of homes for both sale and rent. Leasing Inc. offers ideal rental properties, all with different amenities that can best suit the tenant’s requirements. Leasing Inc.’s properties are well furnished with all modern accessories and priced competitively.

Rental Barn

Rental Barn is the most visited rental agency website in the United States. Rental Barn and its affiliates offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying, renting, and financing with transparency and nearly seamless end-to-end service. The company’s rental property portfolio provides multiple rental apartments according to the customer’s needs and requirements.

Seattle Properties

Seattle Properties is a local rental property business that has dominated the market since 1982. The company manages and rents out hundreds of properties all across the city, including apartments, single-family homes, and mobile homes. All prices are competitive, and some rentals qualify for government programs to help low-income individuals. The company also utilizes a well-designed website to help prospective tenants find their perfect home based on rent, location, and accessories.

Competitive Advantage

  • The company will purchase rentals in popular areas around the city, making our rentals in high demand.

Marketing Plan

Brand & value proposition.

The Noble Properties brand will focus on the company’s unique value proposition:

  • Offering homes/apartments for rent suited for families and working professionals.
  • Offering a diverse range of rental homes in a prime location for a competitive rate.
  • Providing excellent customer service.

Promotions Strategy

The promotions strategy for Noble Properties is as follows:

Print Advertising

Noble Properties will invest in professionally designed print ads to display in programs or flyers at industry networking events and relevant local establishments.

Website/SEO Marketing

Noble Properties has designed a website that is well-organized and informative, and lists all our available properties. The website also lists the company’s contact information and other services it provides. We will utilize SEO marketing tactics so that anytime someone types in the Google or Bing search engine “Seattle rental properties” or “rentals near me,” Noble Properties will be listed at the top of the search results.

Referrals  

Noble Properties understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied tenants. The company will encourage its tenants to refer other individuals by providing economic or financial incentives for every new tenant produced. This strategy will increase effectiveness after the business has already been established.

Social Media Marketing  

Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. The company will use social media to develop engaging content that will increase audience awareness and loyalty. Engaging with prospective clients and business partners on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn will also help understand the changing customer needs.

The real estate industry fluctuates, and therefore, rental prices, for the most part, are usually out of a company’s control. However, Noble Properties will market its properties at a competitive rate to ensure we do not have vacant properties. We will also keep tight control of costs in order to maximize profits.

Operations Plan

The following will be the operations plan for Noble Properties.

Operation Functions:

  • Joseph Pierce will be the Owner and President of the company. He will oversee all staff and manage tenant relations. Jay has spent the past year recruiting the following staff:
  • Karen Miller will serve as the Office Manager. She will manage the office administration, client files, and accounts payable. She will also handle much of the marketing efforts until the agency becomes large enough to hire a marketing team.
  • Tim Johnson will be the Maintenance Director, who will provide all maintenance at the properties.
  • Joseph will outsource professionals to handle the accounting and human resources aspects of the business.
  • Joseph will also hire Rental Managers for the various properties as the agency continues to grow.

Milestones:

Noble Properties will have the following milestones completed in the next six months.

5/1/202X – Finalize contract to lease office space.

5/15/202X – Finalize personnel and staff employment contracts for the Noble Properties team.

6/1/202X – Begin moving into Noble Properties office.

7/1/202X – Finalize purchases of initial properties that will be rented.

7/15/202X – Begin networking and marketing efforts.

8/1/202X – Noble Properties opens its office and rentals for business.

Financial Plan

Key revenue & costs.

Noble Properties’ revenue will come from rental income, property management fees and deposits received from tenants.

The major costs for the company will be staff salaries and property maintenance. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spending will be high to establish itself in the market.

Funding Requirements and Use of Funds

Key assumptions.

The following outlines the key assumptions required in order to achieve the revenue and cost numbers in the financials and to pay off the startup business loan.

  • Number of Managed Properties Per Month: 10
  • Average Rent Per Month: $2,300
  • Office Lease per Year: $100,000

Financial Projections

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow statement, rental properties business plan faqs, what is a rental property business plan.

A rental property  business plan is a plan to start and/or grow your rental properties business. Among other things, it outlines your business concept, identifies your target customers, presents your marketing plan and details your financial projections.

You can easily complete your rental properties business plan using our rental properties Business Plan Template here .

What are the Main Types of Rental Property Businesses?

There are a number of different kinds of rental property companies , some focus on Single family homes, Multi-family properties and others on Short-Term Rental properties.

How Do You Get Funding for Your Rental Property Business Plan?

Rental Property Businesses are often funded through small business loans. Personal savings, credit card financing and angel investors are also popular forms of funding. This is true for a real estate rental business plan or a rental property business plan.

A well-crafted rental property business plan is essential to securing funding from any type of potential investor.

What are the Steps To Start a Rental Properties Business?

Starting a rental property business can be an exciting endeavor. Having a clear roadmap of the steps to start a business will help you stay focused on your goals and get started faster.

1. Develop A Rental Property Business Plan - The first step in starting a business is to create a detailed business plan for a rental property that outlines all aspects of the venture. This should include a market analysis, information on the services you will offer, marketing strategy, pricing strategies and a detailed financial forecast.  

2. Choose Your Legal Structure - It's important to select an appropriate legal entity for your rental properties business. This could be a limited liability company (LLC), corporation, partnership, or sole proprietorship. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks so it’s important to do research and choose wisely so that your rental properties business is in compliance with local laws.

3. Register Your Rental Properties Business - Once you have chosen a legal structure, the next step is to register your rental properties business with the government or state where you’re operating from. This includes obtaining licenses and permits as required by federal, state, and local laws. 

4. Identify Financing Options - It’s likely that you’ll need some capital to start your rental properties business, so take some time to identify what financing options are available such as bank loans, investor funding, grants, or crowdfunding platforms. 

5. Choose a Location - Whether you plan on operating out of a physical location or not, you should always have an idea of where you’ll be based should it become necessary in the future as well as what kind of space would be suitable for your operations. 

6. Hire Employees - There are several ways to find qualified employees including job boards like LinkedIn or Indeed as well as hiring agencies if needed – depending on what type of employees you need it might also be more effective to reach out directly through networking events. 

7. Acquire Necessary Rental Properties Equipment & Supplies - In order to start your rental properties business, you'll need to purchase all of the necessary equipment and supplies to run a successful operation. 

8. Market & Promote Your Business - Once you have all the necessary pieces in place, it’s time to start promoting and marketing your rental properties business. This includes creating a website, utilizing social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter, and having an effective Search Engine Optimization (SEO) strategy. You should also consider traditional marketing techniques such as radio or print advertising. 

Learn more about how to start a successful rental properties business:

  • How to Start a Rental Properties Business

BusinessPlanTemplate.com - The World's Leading Business Plan Template Directory

Rental Properties Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

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Rental Properties Business Plan Template

If you want to start a Rental Property business or expand your current Rental Property business, you need a business plan.

The following Rental Property business plan template gives you the key elements to include in a winning Rental Properties business plan.

You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.

Rental Property Business Plan Example

Below are the key sections of a successful rental property business plan. Once you create your plan, download it to PDF to show banks and investors.

I. Executive Summary

Business overview.

[Company Name] is a rental property agency in [location name] that specializes in managing, renting and leasing properties. [Company Name] rents homes in dozens of markets across the country and has an online platform that allows customers to search by their specific criteria (number of bedrooms, region, amenities, etc.) to find a property that’s right for them in their preferred location.

Products Served/Service offering

The Company offers a variety of rental properties, listed below:

  • 1-3 bedroom apartments
  • Single family homes
  • Multi-unit buildings
  • Short-term rentals
  • Rental of mobile homes or trailers

Customer Focus

[Company Name] will primarily provide its offerings to local renters, students and local professionals. The demographics of the customers are given as below:

  • First time renters-29%
  • Young adults-21%
  • Perma – renters-16%
  • Middle income boomers-11%
  • Families-14%

Management Team

[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s name], who has been in the rental property industry for [x] years. During his extensive experience in the rental property industry, he [founder] acquired an in-depth knowledge of the local area, local regulations, facilities, and the characteristics of different neighborhoods. He also holds rich experience in handling business management activities (i.e., staffing, marketing, etc.).

Success Factors

[Company Name] is qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:

  • There is currently a high demand for rental property services in the community. In addition, the company surveyed the local population and received highly positive feedback pointing towards an explicit demand for the products, supporting the business after launch.
  • The Company’s online marketplace offers a high-volume traffic area and will thus be highly convenient to a significant number of residents living anywhere.
  • The management team has a track record of success in the rental property business.
  • The rental property business has proven to be a successful industry in the United States.

Financial Highlights

[Company Name] is currently seeking $370,000 to launch its rental property business. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

  • Website design/build and startup business expenses: $120,000
  • Working capital: $250,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even

II. Company Overview

Who is [company name].

[Company Name], located in [insert location here], is a rental property agency focusing on providing short-term and long-term rentals, as well as leased properties to the local community. [Company Name’s] rental properties have a clean and modern appearance that appeals to the current renter’s market. The [Company]’s properties will be fully furnished and include high-end technology and modern accessories.

[Company Name] is owned by [Founder’s Name]. While [Founder’s Name] has been in the rental property industry for some time, it was in [month, date] that he decided to launch [Company Name]. He evaluates that the growing number of students, working professionals, and overseas relocations create a need and expects growth in the country’s rental property market.

[Company Name]’s History

Upon surveying the local customer base and finding the potential retail location, [Founder’s Name] incorporated [Company Name] as an S-Corporation on [date of incorporation].

[Founder’s Name] has selected an initial office location and is currently undergoing due diligence on each property and the local market to assess the most desirable location for additional offices.

[Company’s Name] operations are currently being run out of [Founder’s Name] home office.

Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:

  • Developed the company’s name, logo, and website
  • Determined rent/leasing and financing requirements
  • Began recruiting key employees with experience in the rental homes/apartment industry

[Company Name]’s Products

Iii. industry analysis.

You can download our Rental Property Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here. The market size of the rental property industry in the US increased immensely, and the market size, measured by revenue, of the rental property industry, is $174.2 billion. Rental income units are an increasingly important part of the US housing market. The return on expenditure in the property market is much better than in many economic sectors.

With tenant demand in the US increasing last year, this is thought to be related to tenants looking to downsize or move further out to save money. Most rental housing in the US is developed, financed, and owned by a diverse group of private, for-profit companies.

As the economy of the US began to grow and demand for rental apartments rose, industry revenue grew at a rapid pace, hence opening vast opportunities for rental property companies.

Another obvious trend that is common with rental property companies in the US is that most of them are improvising on more means of making money in the apartment rental industry; they are also acting as property developers and home staging agents, amongst other things.

IV. Customer Analysis

Demographic profile of target market.

[Company Name’s] target market include people of all demographics. The market [Company Name] serves is value-conscious and desires high comfort and basic amenities geared towards families, students, and the working population.

Customer Segmentation

The Company will primarily target the following three customer segments:

  • High-Income Individuals: The Company will attract individuals with higher incomes who are looking for a rental property with modern furnishings and technology.
  • Families: The Company will attract families looking for turn-key properties that are furnished and offer an array of amenities to suit their busy family life.
  • Working Professionals: [Company name] is located along a well-traveled commute route, by offering a smart property to working professionals with walking distance (not more than 10 minutes) to a means of transport.

V. Competitive Analysis

Direct & indirect competitors.

Leasing Inc Leasing Inc is a marketplace to find rental homes in the country. It originally started more than a century ago as a networking tool for real estate agents, but today it is a fully searchable online database of homes for both sale and rent. Leasing Inc offers an ideal rental property with different amenities that can best suit the customer’s requirements. Leasing Inc’s properties are well furnished with all modern accessories.

Rental Barn Rental Barn is the most visited real estate website in the United States. Rental Barn and its affiliates offer customers an on-demand experience for selling, buying, renting, and financing with transparency and nearly seamless end-to-end service. The Company provides multiple rental apartments according to the customer’s needs and requirements.

Homewood Properties Homewood Properties is a leading digital marketing solutions company that empowers millions nationwide to find apartments and houses for rent. Customers can click on the items that are important to them, from hardwood floors to walk-in closets, and select the property which they are looking for according to their needs.

Competitive Advantage

[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over its competitors. These advantages include:

  • Client-oriented service: [Company Name] will have a full-time sales manager to stay in contact with clients and answer their everyday questions. [Founder’s Name] realizes the importance of accessibility to his clients and will further keep in touch with his clients through newsletters.
  • Robust clientele base: Another possible competitive strategy for winning the competitors in this particular industry is to build a robust clientele base and ensure that the company’s properties are top-notch and trendy. The Company is well-positioned, key members of its team are highly competent, and can favorably compete with some of the best players in the industry.
  • Management: The Company’s management team has X years of business and marketing experience that allows them to market and serve customers in an improved and sophisticated manner than the competitors.
  • Relationships: Having lived in the community for xx years, [Founder’s Name] knows all leaders, newspapers, and other influencers, including the local leaders who fought the [Competitor] opening xx years ago. It will be relatively easy for the company to build branding and awareness of the rental property industry.

VI. Marketing Plan

The [company name] brand.

The [Company Name] brand will focus on the company’s unique value proposition:

  • Offering homes/apartments for rent suited for families, students, working professionals, landowners, foreign investors, and international migrants.
  • Offering a diverse range of rental homes in a prime location.
  • Providing excellent customer service.

Promotions Strategy

[Company Name] expects its target market to be students, international migrants, the working population, families mainly from surrounding locations in the [Location]. The Company’s promotions strategy to reach these individuals includes:

Phone Prospecting [Company Name] will assign salespeople to contact and work with clients to help them buy, sell or rent real estate properties. Salespeople will use their in-depth knowledge of the real estate market to help clients find rental properties and execute all the required formalities.

Advertisement Advertisements in print publications like newspapers, magazines, etc., are an excellent way for businesses to connect with their audience. The Company will advertise its offerings in popular magazines and news dailies. Obtaining relevant placements in industry magazines and journals will also help in increasing brand visibility.

Public Relations [Company Name] will hire an experienced PR agency/professional(s) to formulate a compelling PR campaign to boost its brand visibility among the target audience. It will look to garner stories about the company and its offerings in various media outlets like newspapers, podcasts, television stations, radio shows, etc.

Referrals [Company name] understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The Company will encourage its clients to refer other businesses by providing economic or financial incentives for every new client produced. This strategy will increase effectiveness after the business has already been established. Additionally, [company name] will aggressively network with useful sources such as home contractors, real estate development companies, and businesses. This network will generate qualified referral leads.

Social Media Marketing Social media is one of the most cost-effective and practical marketing methods for improving brand visibility. The Company will use social media to develop engaging content that will increase audience awareness and loyalty. Engaging with prospective clients and business partners on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn will also help understand the changing customer needs.

Pricing Strategy

Part of the [Company Name’s] business strategy is to ensure that it will work within the budget of its clients to deliver excellent properties. The real estate industry fluctuates and therefore, rental prices, for the most part, are usually out of a company’s control. However, the company will market their properties at a competitive rate to ensure they do no have vacant properties. They will also keep a tight control on costs in order to maximize profits.

VII. Operations Plan

Functional roles.

To execute on [Company Name]’s business model, the company needs to perform many functions, including the following:

Administrative Functions

  • General & administrative functions including legal, marketing, bookkeeping, etc.
  • Hiring and training staff

Service and Operations Functions

  • Rental property maintenance
  • Website maintenance, updates, and bug-fixing
  • Ongoing search engine optimization

VIII. Management Team

Management team members.

[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s Name], who has been in the rental property business for xx years. He has worked in the industry most recently as a [Position Name] and has held various different positions in the management chain over the last xx years. As such, [Founder] has an in-depth knowledge of the rental property business, including operations and business management.

[Founder] has also worked as a real estate consultant on a part-time basis over the past xx years.

[Founder] graduated from the University of ABC and has done Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate.

Hiring Plan

[Founder] will serve as the [Position Name]. In order to introduce the rental property business, the company needs to hire the following personnel:

  • Real estate agent (should have real estate sales experience in residential and commercial property)
  • Property Manager
  • Marketing and Sales Executive
  • Part-Time Bookkeeper (will manage accounts payable, create statements, and execute other administrative functions)
  • Customer Service Manager

IX. Financial Plan

Revenue and cost drivers.

[Company Name]’s revenue will come from the renting properties. The major costs for the company will be staff salaries and property maintenance. In the initial years, the company’s marketing spend will be high to establish itself in the market.

Capital Requirements and Use of Funds

[Company Name] is currently seeking $370,000 to launch its rental property business. The capital will be used for funding capital expenditures, workforce costs, marketing expenses, and working capital. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:

Key Assumptions

  5 Year Annual Income Statement

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How to Write a Rental Property Business Plan (Sample Template)

Are you about starting a rental property business? If YES, here is a complete sample rental property business plan template & feasibility report you can use for FREE . The Apartment Rental industry is a very vast industry and there are loads of businesses opening up in the industry. There are several business opportunities an aspiring entrepreneur who has good capital base can start and one of such opportunities is a rental property business.

If you want to start a rental property business, then you need to write your own business plan. The essence of writing a business plan before starting any business is for you to have a blueprint of how you want to setup, manage and expand your business. Below is a sample rental property company business plan template that will help you to successfully write yours with little or no stress.

A Sample Rental Property Business Plan Template 

1. industry overview.

Rental property business is grouped under the Apartment Rental industry and this industry is made up of companies that rent one-unit structures, two- to four-unit structures, five- to nine-unit structures, 10- to 19-unit structures, 20- to 49-unit structures and 50- or more unit structures.

In the united states, states such as Texas, New York, and Colorado, make it mandatory for rental property companies to be licensed real estate brokers if they are going to be involved in collecting rent, listing properties for rent, helping to negotiate leases and doing inspections as required by their business.

Although a property manager may be a licensed real estate salesperson but generally, they must be working under a licensed real estate broker. A few states such as Idaho, Maine, and Vermont do not require property managers to have real estate licenses.

Other states such as Montana, Oregon, and South Carolina, allow property managers to work under a property management license rather than a broker’s license. Washington State requires property rental companies to have a State Real Estate License if they do not own the property.

Landlords who manage their own property are not required by the law to have a real estate license in many states; however, they must at least have a business license to rent out their own home. It’s only landlords who do not live close to the rental property that may be required, by local government, to hire the services of a property management company.

Statistics has it that in the United States of America alone, there are about 518,271 licensed and registered apartment rental companies scattered all across the country and they are responsible for employing about 769,588 employees.

The industry rakes in a whooping sum of $154 billion annually with an annual growth rate projected at 2.4 percent within 2013 and 2018. Please note that the Apartment Rental industry has no companies with major market shares in the United States of America.

A recent research conducted by IBISWorld shows that operators in the Apartment Rental industry have performed strongly over the five years to 2018; however, industry performance softened in 2017 and 2018 as vacancy increased in those years.

Since the subprime mortgage crisis, the industry has undergone structural change. Leading up to the crisis, most investment in real estate was carried out by institutional investors (those who own 10 properties or more), whereas today, most properties for rent are single-investor owned and nonowner occupied.

Historic lows in homeownership, decreasing rental vacancy rates and surging demand for rental units have enabled landlords to increase rents, aiding revenue growth. Therefore, IBISWorld expects industry revenue to climb at an annualized 2.4 percent to $153.9 billion. In the same timeframe, the number of businesses has grown by 0.5% and the number of employees has grown by 0.4 percent.

No doubt, if an entrepreneur who intends starting his or her own property rental business has the right connections, networks, managerial skills, and takes delight in managing real estate for clients, then he or she is going to find property rental business very rewarding and lucrative.

2. Executive Summary

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is a real estate agency that will operate in all the West Coast of the United States of America but will be headquartered in San Diego – California. We intend to become specialists in owning, developing, acquiring, managing, selling and renting/leasing and disposing student accommodation, residential apartments, office apartments and hall facilities et al.

This can generally be summed up as clean, safe accommodation at an affordable price, and in our experience, the most consistent demand is for newly-built and pre-owned one and two-bedroom sectional title apartments with high tech security, parking and good access to shops and other amenities.

Part of our goal as a rental property company is to grow to become one of the top 5 largest real estate companies in the whole of West Coast in the United States of America and to rent/lease and manage properties across major cities in this region.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP will be committed when it comes to maintaining a diverse portfolio of quality apartments, office structures and hall facilities. We will also focus on providing a dynamic, proactive and vibrant work environment for all our employees such as mouthwatering bonus (commission) for every deal that comes through any of the staff member.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is going to be a self-administered and a self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT). We will work towards becoming one of the largest rental property companies in The United States of America with active presence in major cities all across the West Coast in the United States of America.

As part of our plans to make our customers our number one priority and to become one of the leading rental property companies in the United States of America, we have perfected plans to adopt international best practices that can favorable compete with the best in the industry. John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP have overtime perfected plans that will help us to become a specialist in our area of business.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP will at all times demonstrate her commitment to sustainability, both individually and as a firm, by actively participating in our communities and integrating sustainable business practices wherever possible. We will ensure that we hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards by meeting our client’s needs precisely and completely.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is founded by John Johnson, Carson Reeves and Lance Taylor. John Johnson is the company’s president and CEO. John Johnson has over 15 years’ real estate experience in significant senior management positions in the areas of sales, marketing and new technologies in the United States of America.

3. Our Products and Services

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is going to offer varieties of services within the scope of the Apartment Rental industry. We are prepared to make profits from the industry and we will do all that is permitted by the law in The United States of America to achieve our business goals, aim and ambition.

Our business offerings are listed below;

  • Rental of one-unit accommodation structures
  • Rental of two- to four-unit accommodation structures
  • Rental of five- to nine-unit accommodation structures
  • Rental of 10- to 19-unit accommodation structures
  • Rental of 20- to 49-unit accommodation structures
  • Rental of 50- or more unit accommodation structures
  • Rental of manufactured homes, mobile homes or trailers
  • Real estate consultancy and advisory services

4. Our Mission and Vision Statement

  • Our vision is to become one of the top 5 rental property companies in the West Coast of the United States within the first 10 years of starting John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP.
  • Our mission of starting a rental property business is to grow the business beyond the city where we are going to be operating from to become a national and international brand by opening offices all across key cities in West Coast of the United States of America.

Our Business Structure

Our company’s structure is not entirely different from what is obtainable in the Apartment Rental industry. We have decided to create a structure that will allow for easy growth for all our employees and also, we have created platforms that will enable us attract some of the best hands in the industry.

We will ensure that we only hire people that are qualified, honest, hardworking, customer centric and are ready to work to help us build a prosperous business that will benefit all the stake holders. As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our senior management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of five years or more depending how fast we meet our set target.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is fully aware of the modus operandi in the rental property business, hence adequate provision and competitive packages has been prepared for independent real estate agents. Our marketing department will be responsible for managing this aspect of our business structure.

Below is the business structure we will build John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP on;

  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Company’s Lawyer/Secretary

Admin and HR Manager

Real Estate Agents

  • Business Developer/Sales and Marketing
  • Customer Service Executive/Front Desk Officer

5. Job Roles and Responsibilities

Chief Executive Officer – CEO (President):

  • Increases management’s effectiveness by recruiting, selecting, orienting, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplining managers; communicating values, strategies, and objectives; assigning accountabilities; planning, monitoring, and appraising job results
  • Creates, communicates, and implements the organization’s vision, mission, and overall direction – i.e. leading the development and implementation of the overall organization’s strategy.
  • Accountable for fixing prices and signing business deals
  • Responsible for providing direction for the business
  • Accountable for signing checks and documents on behalf of the company
  • Evaluates the success of the organization

Company’s Lawyer/Secretary/Legal Counsel

  • Responsible for drawing up contracts and other legal documents for the company
  • Consults and handles all corporate legal processes (e.g. intellectual property, mergers & acquisitions, financial / securities offerings, compliance issues, transactions, agreements, lawsuits and patents et al)
  • Develops company policy and position on legal issues
  • Researches, anticipates and guards company against legal risks
  • Represents company in legal proceedings (administrative boards, court trials et al)
  • Plays a part in business deals negotiation and takes minutes of meetings
  • Responsible for analyzing legal documents on behalf of the company
  • Prepares annual reports for the company
  • Responsible for overseeing the smooth running of HR and administrative tasks for the organization
  • Maintains office supplies by checking stocks; placing and expediting orders; evaluating new products.
  • Ensures operation of equipment by completing preventive maintenance requirements; calling for repairs.
  • Defines job positions for recruitment and managing interviewing process
  • Carries out induction for new team members
  • Responsible for training, evaluation and assessment of employees
  • Responsible for arranging travel, meetings and appointments
  • Oversees the smooth running of the daily office activities.
  • In charge of leasing and renting out accommodations and other properties under our to-let list
  • In charge of inspecting and reporting on the structural attributes of a building
  • Assesses compliance with building, electrical, plumbing and fire codes
  • Evaluates building plans and permits
  • Keeps daily logs, including photographs taken during inspection
  • Handles real estate consultancy and advisory services

Marketing and Sales Executive/Business Developer

  • Identifies, prioritized, and reach out to new partners, and business opportunities et al
  • Identifies development opportunities; follows up on development leads and contacts
  • Responsible for supervising implementation, advocate for the customer’s need , and communicate with clients
  • Documents all customer contact and information
  • Represents the company in strategic meetings
  • Helps to increase sales and growth for the company
  • Responsible for preparing financial reports, budgets, and financial statements for the organization
  • Provides managers with financial analyses, development budgets, and accounting reports
  • Responsible for financial forecasting and risks analysis.
  • Performs cash management, general ledger accounting, and financial reporting for one or more properties.
  • Responsible for developing and managing financial systems and policies
  • Responsible for administering payrolls
  • Ensures compliance with taxation legislation
  • Handles all financial transactions for the company
  • Serves as internal auditor for the company

Front Desk/Customer’s Service Officer

  • Receives Visitors/clients on behalf of the organization
  • Receives parcels/documents for the company
  • Handles enquiries via e-mail and phone calls for the organization
  • Distributes mails in the organization
  • Ensures that all contacts with clients (e-mail, walk-In center, SMS or phone) provides the client with a personalized customer service experience of the highest level
  • Through interaction with clients on the phone, uses every opportunity to build client’s interest in the company’s products and services
  • Manages administrative duties assigned by the line manager in an effective and timely manner
  • Consistently stays abreast of any new information on the company’s properties that are put up for sale, promotional campaigns etc. to ensure accurate and helpful information is supplied to clients when they make enquiries

6. SWOT Analysis

Starting a rental property business in the United States of America comes with its own fair share of challenges, you would have to abide by the law and also compete with other entrepreneurs in the business value chain who also are interested in making a living and building a business in San Diego, California.

In order to compete favorably in the rental property line of business we hired the services of tested and trusted business and HR consultants to help us conduct critical SWOT analysis for us. Here is a summary from the result of the SWOT analysis that was conducted on behalf of John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP.

The strength that we will be bringing to the table in the Apartment Rental industry is our robust relations with accommodation owners and properties investment moguls. We have access to a pool of tenants and we equally have a team of experts who have cut their teeth in the Apartment Rental industry. Our commission structure and relationship with freelance real estate agents in San Diego, California will also count towards our advantage.

As a newbie in the Apartment Rental industry, we might have some challenges competing with big time realtors and other rental property companies that have been in the industry for many years; that perhaps is part of our weakness.

  • Opportunities:

As the economy of the United States of America began to grow and demand for rental apartments rose, industry revenue grew at a rapid pace hence opening vast opportunities for rental property companies. We are well – positioned to take advantage of any opportunity that comes our way.

Some of the threats that we are likely going to face as a rental property company in the United States of America are unfavorable government policies , global economic downturn and unreasonable tenants.

7. MARKET ANALYSIS

  • Market Trends

A close watch of happenings in the apartment rental industry shows that vacancy rates indicate the relationship between industry supply and demand. High rates represent an oversupply of residential rental property relative to demand.

These rates are also a good indicator of trends in industry revenue and profitability. Profit margins tend to shrink as vacancy rates grow because residential rentals are being underused. Rental vacancy rates are expected to increase in 2018, posing a potential threat to the industry.

As a matter of international best practices, the national unemployment rate is a benchmark for determining the overall health of the US economy and has had mixed effects on industry demand. As the unemployment rate falls, individuals tend to have more money to spend on living expenses and afford higher rent prices.

Simultaneously, with more money to spend, individuals may choose to purchase a home rather than rent, which can adversely affect industry demand. The national unemployment rate is expected to drop in 2018, representing a potential opportunity for the industry.

Another obvious trend that is common with rental property companies in the United States of America is that most of them are improvising on more means of making money in the Apartment Rental industry and as matter of fact they are also acting as property developers and home staging agents amongst many other functions that they are involved in.

One thing is certain for every rental property company; if they are hardworking, creative and proactive, they will always generate enough income to meet all their overhead and operational cost, keep their business going without struggle and make reasonable profits from all business deals that they are involved in.

8. Our Target Market

Our target market as a rental property company cuts across people of different class and people from all walks of life. Although finding tenants is relatively easy, but the truth is that finding qualified and law – abiding tenants can be somewhat challenging.

It is important to note that the target market for the rental property business goes beyond those who make use of the internet (Craigslist to search for properties; some of them only rely on the print media (local daily or weekly newspapers), some on word of mouth and others on street to street search. The bottom line is that the market trend for rental property business is indeed a dynamic one.

In other words, our target market is the whole of the United States of America and below is a list of the people and organizations that we have plans to do business with;

  • Families who are interested in renting/leasing or acquiring a property
  • Corporate organizations who are interested in renting/leasing or acquiring their own property/properties
  • Land Owners and landlords who are interested in renting/leasing out their properties
  • Corporate organizations (real estate agencies, property development companies et al) who are interested in renting/leasing out their properties
  • Foreign investors who are interested in owning properties or leasing properties in the United States of America
  • Managers of public facilities

Our competitive advantage

The availability of competent and reliable real estate agents under your payroll, our business process, the financial structure of the company, management of high-quality assets – portfolio, superior financial management and debt management and of course our pricing model et al are part of our competitive advantage.

Another possible competitive strategy for winning our competitors in this particular industry is to build a robust clientele base, and ensure that our properties cum apartments are top notch and trendy. Our organization is well positioned, key members of our team are highly competent and can favorably compete with the some of the best in the industry.

Lastly, our employees will be well taken care of, and their welfare package will be among the best within our category in the industry. It will enable them to be more than willing to build the business with us and help deliver our set goals and objectives. We will also engage freelance marketing agents on a commission level to help us market our services.

9. SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGY

We quite mindful of the fact that there are stiff competitions in the rental property cum real estate market in The United States of America, hence we have been able to hire some of the best business developer to handle our sales and marketing.

Our sales and marketing team will be recruited based on their vast experience in the industry and they will be trained on a regular basis so as to meet their targets and the overall goal of the organization. The training is not restricted to only our full – time employees but will include our freelance brokers.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is set to make use of the following marketing and sales strategies;

  • Introduce our rental property company by sending introductory letters alongside your brochure to tenants, corporate organizations and other key stake holders throughout the city where our company is located.
  • Print out fliers (list of accommodations for rent/lease) and business cards and strategically drop them in offices, car parks, libraries, public facilities and train stations et al.
  • Use friends and family to spread word about our business
  • Post information about our company and the services we offer on bulletin boards in places like car parks, schools, libraries, and local coffee shops et al
  • Place a small or classified advertisement in the newspaper, or local publication about our company and the services we offer
  • Leverage on referral networks such as agencies that will attract clients (tenants) who need our properties cum apartments
  • Advertise our rental property company in relevant real estate magazines, newspapers, TV and radio stations.
  • Attend relevant real estate expos, seminars, and business fairs et al to market our services
  • Engage in direct marketing approach
  • Encourage the use of Word of mouth marketing from loyal and satisfied clients
  • Join local chambers of commerce and industry to market our product and services.

Sources of Income

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is established with the aim of maximizing profits in the industry. We have successfully built a vibrant real estate network that covers the whole of the West Coast in the United States of America so as to help us build a profitable business.

Below are the sources we intend exploring to generate income for John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP;

10. Sales Forecast

It is a known fact that as long as there are tenants in the United States of America, there will always be need to for them to hire the services of rental property companies from time to time.

We are well positioned to take on the challenges in the industry, and we are quite optimistic that we will meet out set target of generating enough income / profits from our first month of operation and grow the business beyond San Diego, California to other Provinces in the United States of America within record time.

We have been able to examine the rental property business, we have analyzed our chances in the industry and we have been able to come up with the following sales forecast.

Below are the sales projections (commissions generated) for John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP it is based on the location of our business and the rental property and related services within the Apartment Rental industry that we will be offering;

  • Rent / lease a minimum of 30 housing units to clients (flats, duplexes, studio apartment et al) within the first 6 months of operation
  • Rent / lease a minimum of 20 office facilities to clients within the first 6 months of operation

N.B: Please note that we cannot put a specific amount to the projection because the prices and commissions vary for different properties. Part of our business strategy is to work within the budget of our clients to deliver quality property / properties hence it will be difficult to project what we are likely going to make from such deals.

But the bottom line is that we are definitely going to make reasonable profits from any business deal that we execute since we work based on commissions.

11. Publicity and Advertising Strategy

We have been able to work with our consultants to help us map out publicity and advertising strategies that will help us walk our way into the heart of our target market. We are set to take the Apartment Rental industry by storm which is why we have made provisions for effective publicity and advertisement of our company.

Below are the platforms we intend to leverage on to promote and advertise our rental property business;

  • Place adverts on both print and electronic media platforms
  • Sponsor relevant TV shows so as to communicate our brand and what we do
  • Maximize our company’s website to promote our business
  • Leverage on the internet and social media platforms like; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and other platforms (real estate online forums) to promote our business and list our properties for sale and for lease.
  • Install our billboards in strategic locations in and around the university community/campus in San Diego, California
  • Distribute our fliers and handbills in targeted areas from time to time
  • Attend landlord association meetings with the aim of networking and introducing our business.
  • Ensure that all our workers wear our branded shirts and all our vehicles and ambulances are well branded with our company’s logo et al.

12. Our Pricing Strategy

Part of our business strategy is to ensure that we work within the budget of our clients to deliver excellent properties to them. The real estate industry is based on commissions and properties are valued by professionals based on the area the facility is located, the type of facility and other factors.

Since we are not directly in control of the pricing system in the real estate industry, we can only abide by what is obtainable when it comes to pricing structure. Part of what we intended doing that will help us cut cost is to reduce to barest minimum all maintenance cost by renting/leasing any property under our care to responsible tenants who won’t cause damage to our facility.

  • Payment Options

At John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP our payment policy is all inclusive because we are quite aware that different people prefer different payment options as it suits them but at the same time, we will not accept payment by cash because of the volume of cash that will be involved in most of our transactions.

Here are the payment options that John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP will make available to her clients;

  • Payment by via bank transfer
  • Payment via online bank transfer
  • Payment via check
  • Payment via bank draft

In view of the above, we have chosen banking platforms that will help us achieve our plans without any hitches and we will also pay our freelance sales agents (real estate brokers) with same platforms. Our bank account numbers will be made available on our website and promotional materials to clients who may want to deposit cash or make online transfer for our services.

13. Startup Expenditure (Budget)

From our market survey and feasibility studies, we have been able to come up with a detailed budget on achieving our aim of establishing a standard and highly competitive rental property company in San Diego, California and here are the key areas where we will spend our startup capital;

  • The total fee for registering the business in the United States of America – $750.
  • Legal expenses for obtaining licenses and permits – $1,500.
  • Marketing promotion expenses (8,000 flyers at $0.04 per copy) for the total amount of – $10,000.
  • The total cost for hiring Business Consultant – $5,000.
  • The amount needed for the purchase of insurance policy covers (general liability, workers’ compensation and property casualty) coverage at a total premium – $30,800.
  • The total cost for the purchase of accounting software, CRM software and Payroll Software – $3,000
  • The total cost for leasing facility for the business – $60,000.
  • The total cost for facility remodeling to fit into the type of jet ski rental business facility – $30,000
  • Other start-up expenses including stationery – $1000
  • Phone and utility deposits – $3,500
  • Operational cost for the first 3 months (salaries of employees, payments of bills et al) – $40,000
  • The cost for the purchase of furniture and gadgets (Computers, Printers, Telephone, tables and chairs et al) – $4,000.
  • The cost of launching a Website – $600
  • Miscellaneous – $5,000

Going by the report from the market research and feasibility studies conducted, we will need about two hundred and fifty thousand (250,000) U.S. dollars to successfully set up a medium scale but standard rental property business in the United States of America.

Generating Funds/Startup Capital for John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is a business that will be owned and managed by John Johnson, Carson Reeves and Lance Taylor. They decided to restrict the sourcing of the startup capital for the business to just three major sources.

  • Generate part of the startup capital from personal savings and sale of stocks
  • Generate part of the startup capital from friends and other extended family members
  • Generate a larger chunk of the startup capital from the bank (loan facility).

N.B: We have been able to generate about $100,000 (Personal savings $80,000 and soft loan from family members $20,000) and we are at the final stages of obtaining a loan facility of $150,000 from our bank. All the papers and documents have been duly signed and submitted, the loan has been approved and any moment from now our account will be credited.

14. Sustainability and Expansion Strategy

The future of a business lies in the number of loyal customers that they have, the capacity and competence of their employees, their investment strategy and the business structure. If all of these factors are missing from a business, then it won’t be too long before the business closes shop.

One of our major goals of starting John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP is to build a business that will survive off its own cash flow without injecting finance from external sources once the business is officially running. We know that one of the ways of gaining approval and winning customers over is to rent out properties a little bit cheaper than what is obtainable in the market and we are well prepared to survive on lower profit margin for a while.

John Johnson & Co® Property Rental Agency, LLP will make sure that the right foundation, structures and processes are put in place to ensure that our staff welfare are well taken of. Our company’s corporate culture is designed to drive our business to greater heights and training and retraining of our workforce is at the top burner.

As a matter of fact, profit-sharing arrangement will be made available to all our management staff and it will be based on their performance for a period of three years or more. We know that if that is put in place, we will be able to successfully hire and retain the best hands we can get in the industry; they will be more committed to help us build the business of our dreams.

Check List/Milestone

  • Business Name Availability Check : Completed
  • Business Incorporation: Completed
  • Opening of Corporate Bank Accounts: Completed
  • Opening Online Payment Platforms: Completed
  • Application and Obtaining Tax Payer’s ID: In Progress
  • Application for business license and permit: Completed
  • Purchase of Insurance for the Business: Completed
  • Renting of Office Facility and remodeling the facility in San Diego, California: Completed
  • Conducting Feasibility Studies: Completed
  • Generating capital from the CEO / President and Business Partners: Completed
  • Applications for Loan from our Bankers: In Progress
  • Writing of Business Plan: Completed
  • Drafting of Employee’s Handbook: Completed
  • Drafting of Contract Documents and other relevant Legal Documents: In Progress
  • Design of The Company’s Logo: Completed
  • Printing of Promotional Materials: Completed
  • Recruitment of employees: In Progress
  • Purchase of furniture, office equipment, electronic appliances and facility facelift: In progress
  • Creating Official Website for the Company: In Progress
  • Creating Awareness for the business (Business PR): In Progress
  • Health and Safety and Fire Safety Arrangement: In Progress
  • Establishing business relationship with key players in the industry (networking and membership of relevant real estate bodies): In Progress

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How to Start a Rental Property Business

13 Min Read

how to start a rental property business

Forget fancy degrees or specialized skills. Real estate is a classic way people are building wealth in 2024.

As Andrew Carnegie once said, “Ninety percent of all millionaires become so through owning real estate.” He understood land is a limited resource, guaranteeing its value will only climb.

In fact, demand for rentals is off the charts — prices have risen 50% since 2008, and vacancy rates are shrinking.

With average rents for all apartment types in the U.S. at $1317 , the real estate industry is hot, forcing many to seek the stability of rental properties.

That’s why we put together this guide — to get you in on the action and show you how to start a rental property business .

What is a rental property business?

Simply put, you buy rental properties and rent them out. Tenants pay you each month, and that’s where the fun starts.

Sure, there’s the whole finding tenants and fixing leaky faucets, but you can always hire a property manager to handle those headaches.

Now, why dive into rental properties?

Well, besides that sweet passive income, one of the biggest draws is the potential for increased property value.  This means your investment grows over time.

Plus, some tax benefits are involved, and owning a rental property can be a decent way to ride out the ups and downs of inflation.

Now that you understand the basics of rental property businesses, let’s dive into the steps to start one.

How to start a rental property business?

  • Conduct a market research
  • Prepare a detailed business plan
  • Determine financing options
  • Select a location for your business
  • Register your business
  • Identify and acquire properties
  • Source the right rental property equipment
  • Obtain licensing and permits
  • Get a business insurance
  • Determine your rental pricing and profits
  • Marketing your business

1. Conduct a market research

Before starting your rental property business, you need to do your homework. We’re not talking term papers here, but you must know your market.

First, is anyone even looking to rent in your area? Figure out how many places are empty, how much they cost, and if those trends are going up or down. Boring, we know, but this tells you if the whole idea is even worth your time!

Next, figure out who you want to rent to. College kids? Families? This is key because it changes everything — do they want a dumpy pad close to campus or a nice place with a backyard?

Scope out what else people are renting out. What kind of places are in demand? Are those places fancy or basic? This shows you where there’s room to jump into the market and outshine the competition.

Finally, picture your perfect tenant. What do they care about? What makes them tick? Once you know that, you can tailor your whole rental property experience to them and practically guarantee that those leases get signed!

2. Prepare a detailed business plan

Your rental property business plan is like the foundation of your investment empire. It’s where you strategize about the perfect rental properties, figure out how to keep tenants happy, and lay out your master plan for steady profits.

A solid rental property business plan also helps you to:

  • Target the right tenants
  • Set profitable rental prices
  • Budget for repairs & upgrades
  • Anticipate problems
  • Impress investors & lenders

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3. Determine financing options

Let’s face it: buying a rental property isn’t the same as your morning coffee run. We’re talking serious investment territory.

In 2021, the average single-family home would cost you around $387,600 . Apartment complex? That jumps to an average of $12.5 million. Unless you’ve got a hidden fortune, you’ll likely need a financial boost.

The good news is that today’s landlords have plenty of financing choices. You could go with a traditional bank, a private lender, or a hard money lender, or explore other options. There might even be tax benefits tied to certain loans—definitely worth looking into!

While some alternative financing routes might have slightly higher interest rates, they could offer more flexible terms. It’s all about finding what works best for your situation.

4. Select a location for your rental property business

Location is the real estate equivalent of a make-or-break deal! Think about it: a beachfront hotel in a landlocked town? That’s a recipe for financial disaster. Or a burger joint trying to muscle in between fast-food giants? Not going to last long. Location is just as crucial in the real estate business.

Choosing the right neighborhood is like playing a high-stakes strategy game. The rules change depending on whether you’re dealing with commercial or residential rental properties.

Cracking the commercial code means thinking like your customers:

  • Can they easily reach your rental property business?
  • Is there enough parking?
  • Will those pesky zoning laws let you operate the way you need to?
  • And don’t forget the long game — will this spot still be hot in 10 years?

5. Register your business

Okay, you’ve found your spot; now it’s time to make your rental property business official! First, choose a name that stands out. It should be memorable, web-friendly, and one that will stay visible in the crowd of competitors.

Now, let’s dive into the necessary paperwork:

  • Each state has its own rules, so figure out how to register your rental property business where you’ll be operating.
  • Get that federal tax ID number
  • Choose your business structure
  • Set up payment systems to streamline the income flow.

If legal jargon gives you a headache, consider hiring a lawyer to help navigate the complexities.

6. Identify and acquire rental properties

You don’t need fancy detective gear, but getting your first rental property right takes some smarts. Here’s how to find that perfect deal:

Step 1: Know the Turf

Before you start flipping through listings, understand the local market like the back of your hand.

What are houses selling for?

How much rent can you realistically command?

Are there neighborhoods on the rise?

This isn’t about guesswork—consult property reports, chat up local realtors, and get a sense of the market and its direction.

Step 2: Money Matters

Next, it’s crunch time with your budget. The sticker price on a property is just the start—remember those pesky closing fees, inspections, and maybe even a renovation or two.

Get those numbers down on paper before you fall in love with a place.

Step 3: The Hunt is On

Now the fun part — the property hunt! Go beyond just the online listings. A good real estate agent can tap into their network, find those hidden gems, and even give you the inside track on auctions.

Remember, sometimes the best deals aren’t even advertised.

Step 4: Is it a Money Maker?

Not every property is worth investing in. Therefore, you have to carefully analyze the financials of each potential investment.

Here’s what to consider:

  • Can you charge enough rent to cover costs and turn a profit?
  • How much are property taxes, insurance, and ongoing maintenance? These expenses impact your profit.
  • Be realistic and thorough in your analysis.

Step 5: Perform due diligence

Found a place that you really like? Before you sign the official paperwork, it’s important to perform due diligence.

Hire inspectors to look for problems, an appraiser to ensure it’s worth the price, and maybe even a lawyer to check those confusing legal papers. Dig into the details and uncover any hidden risks.

If everything checks out, seal the deal! Your agent or lawyer will help you get the best price and handle all the paperwork.

7. Source the right rental property equipment

Before you hang that “For Rent” sign, you’ll need to consider the equipment and supplies needed to attract (and keep) the right tenants.

The kind of rental you offer will dictate a lot of your equipment needs:

Residential Rentals

With long-term residential leases, forget about tenants taking care of maintenance. Government regulations are strict — your property needs to be safe and livable.

This means working utilities, leak-free spaces, clean common areas, and all those structural basics like safe floors and railings.

Long-term tenants usually only call with significant issues; unless it’s their fault, you’re responsible for repairs.

Short-Term Rentals

Short-term rentals are a whole different ball game. You still have to meet those regulations, but now you’re also in whirlwind mode — constant cleaning and restocking between guests.

These renters expect perks like toiletries, spotless kitchens, and even those little spice packets. This is where inspections become crucial—they let you catch damage and top off supplies.

But if all this makes you break out in a sweat, hire a reliable cleaning service or even a full-blown property management company (they’ll take a cut of that rent, but peace of mind can be worth it!).

8. Obtain licensing and permits

Being a landlord means navigating some official paperwork, just like with any other business. This usually involves registering your rental properties and getting specific licenses—it ensures everything’s on the up and up.

With that being said, here are some essential licenses you might need to get started:

  • Certificate of occupancy
  • Housing business license
  • Zoning permits

9. Get a business insurance

Insurance can be a snooze-fest. But when it comes to your rental property, it’s non-negotiable. Think of it like a force field protecting your investment from those “uh-oh” moments.

Here’s how to find the coverage that makes sense:

Step 1: Know Your Risks

Picture this: fires, floods, a lawsuit from a tenant who took a tumble… not fun, but good to keep in mind. Knowing the potential risks helps you tailor your insurance accordingly.

Step 2: Coverage Options 101

Here’s the gist of landlord insurance:

  • Property Insurance: Covers damage to your building and possibly belongings inside.
  • General Liability Insurance: Protects against lawsuits stemming from injuries on your property.
  • Loss of Income Insurance: Replaces rent if the property becomes uninhabitable.
  • Umbrella Insurance: Offers extra liability coverage beyond other policies.

Step 3: Shop Around

Get quotes from different insurance companies. An agent who understands rental properties can help guide you toward the best fit for your needs.

Step 4: The Fine Print Matters

Before signing, carefully review the policy details. Understand what’s covered, what isn’t, and the process for filing a claim if necessary.

10. Determine your rental pricing and profits

Figuring out how much money you could make from a rental property isn’t complicated. It’s basically your expected rent minus all those pesky expenses.

Now, for the good part — figuring out the potential income! Check out what similar rentals in your area are going for.

Look for places with the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and those essential amenities. This gives you a solid idea of what the market will bear.

Once you’ve got a good grasp of both income and expenses, you can start to see how much profit you might realistically make.

Wondering what kind of returns are typical? Here’s the general idea:

  • Single-Family Homes: Typically see a 1%-4% average yearly return on the price you paid.
  • Commercial Rental Properties: Can offer a bigger return, generally in the 6%-12% range.

Tip: The rental market isn’t set in stone. Demand changes, the local economy shifts, and you might make upgrades. So, reevaluate your rental rate regularly to make sure you’re staying competitive and maximizing your profit.

11. Marketing your business

Getting your rental property seen by the right people takes a strategic approach. Here’s how to create a plan that works:

Step 1: Choose Your Channels Wisely

Your marketing needs to go where your potential renters are. Consider these:

  • Online: Listing sites, social media, a simple website, email marketing — ensure you’re present and easy to find.
  • Offline: Local newspapers, flyers, and community events can still be influential, depending on your target audience.

Step 2: Define Your Brand

What makes your rental property business unique? Is it modern, cozy, pet-friendly? Understanding your key selling points helps you craft a consistent message and look (think logo, colors, etc.).

Step 3: Spread the Word

Choose how you’ll attract your ideal tenant. Here are some ideas:

  • Online Ads: Targeted campaigns can be a great way to get qualified leads.
  • Grassroots Marketing: Think of partnering with local businesses, distributing flyers, or getting involved in community events that attract your type of tenant.

Remember, as a rental property business owner, your budget and timeline matter! Pick strategies that make sense for your rental property business.

Step 4: Did It Work?

Don’t just guess at what’s working—track your results. Website analytics and simple lead tracking (even just a spreadsheet!) will tell you where your renters are finding your rental property business. Focus your efforts on the strategies that bring the best results.

How profitable is a rental property business?

Being a landlord is all about the numbers. Location, the market, how much rent you charge, your costs — it all adds up to profit or loss.

That’s why smart rental property investors use the “1% rule” — a quick test for potential rentals. The idea is simple: monthly rent should at least be 1% of the purchase price.

For example, if you buy a house for $200,000, you’d aim to rent it out for at least $2,000 monthly. But the 1% rule is just the first act.

Location, market trends, repairs—you have to factor those in. It’s not a magic formula, but it cuts the deadweight fast.

Meeting the 1% rule means you’re more likely to have cash left after bills. The challenge arises when property prices are high, but rents don’t match. That’s when successful landlords need to get clever.

Features that make a rental property successful

Forget trying to reinvent the wheel in the real estate business — instead, study what works! Successful rental property businesses have some key things in common. Here’s the shortlist:

Location, location, location

This isn’t just a cliche. Where your rental property sits is everything. Near a big employer? You’ll attract reliable working folks. Good schools nearby? Families will flock. Do your homework—this decision sets the stage for your whole investment.

Property Taxes

Rental property taxes vary wildly — they can make or break your profit margin. Don’t get blindsided! A little research upfront reveals what you’re in for, letting you price your rental accordingly.

Safety Sells

Everyone wants to feel secure. Avoid areas with rising crime. Your tenants (and their stuff!) need to feel safe. A little online sleuthing paints a clear picture.

Managing a rental property business takes careful planning and execution. Success means mastering logistics, addressing tenant issues, and staying financially healthy.

It’s a big leap from casually renting out an extra space — if you’re serious, that means considering amenities and maybe even multiple rental properties.

So, for a rock-solid launch, explore detailed rental property business plan examples at Upmetrics. They’ll help you navigate every step of this exciting venture.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much profit can you make on a rental property.

Real estate investing can be incredibly profitable, but it depends on factors like location, property type, and your management approach. A good profit margin for rental properties typically exceeds 10% , making this venture even more attractive.

What rental properties are most profitable?

Consider multiple tenants (apartments, offices) and high-demand locations for maximum profit. Areas with growth potential also mean long-term property value. Research online for rental price comparisons.

Do I need experience to start a rental property business?

Experience helps, but it’s not a dealbreaker. To succeed, do your homework—know the market, understand the rules, and build a solid rental property business plan.

How do I choose the right rental property?

Look for growing populations, great amenities, and low crime. Online tools help you analyze potential rental income.

Should I manage the property myself or hire a property manager?

Self-management saves on costs, but property managers offer expertise and convenience. Weigh the pros and cons based on your time, resources, and experience level.

About the Author

rental property business plan template free

Upmetrics Team

Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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How to create a rental property business plan

  • Annabelle Amery

How to create a rental property business plan

In the dynamic realm of real estate and rental properties, a well-designed business plan is the cornerstone of starting a thriving rental property venture . It goes beyond a mere document, serving as a strategic guide that shapes your goals, operations and adaptability.

Your business plan plays a vital role in making informed decisions and navigating market shifts. Moreover, it enhances your credibility with potential partners and investors, showcasing your grasp of the industry. When you’re starting a business in the real estate industry, a solid business plan can truly pave the way for rental property triumph.

Looking to expand your business online by making a website ? Check out Wix’s website builder .

How to write a rental property business plan in 6 steps

Writing a comprehensive business plan for your rental property business is crucial for setting a solid foundation and ensuring long-term success. It provides a roadmap for your business, outlining your goals, strategies, and financial projections. Here are the six main parts of a rental property business plan:

Executive summary

Business and domain names

Market analysis and research

Operation plan

Marketing and advertising plan

Financial plan

01. Executive summary

The executive summary is the first section of your rental property business plan. It provides an overview of your business and highlights the key points from each section of the plan. The executive summary should be concise, clear and engaging to capture the reader's attention. It should include:

A brief description of your rental property business

Your mission statement and vision for the business

A summary of your target market and competition

An overview of your marketing and growth strategies

Your financial projections and funding requirements

Example of an executive summary for rental property businesses

“ABC Rentals is a leading provider of high-quality rental properties in the city. Our mission is to provide comfortable and affordable housing solutions for individuals and families. With a strong focus on customer satisfaction, we aim to exceed our tenants' expectations by offering well-maintained properties, excellent customer service and competitive rental rates.

In an increasingly competitive rental market, ABC Rentals stands out by offering unique amenities such as on-site laundry facilities, secure parking and pet-friendly options. Our marketing strategies include targeted online advertising, partnerships with local businesses and word-of-mouth referrals. With an initial investment of $500,000 from private investors, we project steady growth over the next five years.”

02. Business and domain names

Choosing the right business name for your rental property is crucial for building brand awareness and trust. Start by brainstorming ideas that reflect the essence of your business and resonate with your target market. You can use a business name generator tool for inspiration and to check the availability of domain names .

When choosing a domain name make sure to keep it short, memorable and easy to spell. Include relevant keywords and avoid numbers, hyphens or special characters.

After you’ve decided on a name and the right legal structure, make sure to register your business .

03. Market analysis and research

Including a market analysis and research section in your rental property business plan is essential for understanding the competitive environment and developing effective business strategies. Conduct market research to identify trends, demand and competition in the rental property market.

Your market analysis should cover:

An overview of the rental property market in your target area

Demographic information about your target audience

Competitor analysis, including their strengths and weaknesses

Pricing strategies and rental rates in the market

Opportunities for differentiation and unique selling propositions

04. Operations plan

The operations plan outlines the logistical aspects of your rental property business. It covers important details such as location, premises, equipment and staffing needs.

Detail the ideal location for your rental properties based on target market preferences and accessibility to amenities. Include in this the size and layout of the premises, including the number of units and common areas. Remember to list all of the necessary equipment for property management, maintenance and tenant services.

You should also include staffing requirements. This includes property managers, maintenance personnel and administrative staff.

05. Marketing and advertising plan

Your rental property business plan should include a detailed marketing and advertising plan to attract tenants. Some strategies to consider: online advertising through rental listing websites, social media platforms and targeted online ads.

You can also look into traditional advertising methods like print ads in local newspapers or magazines—and at the same time partnerships with local businesses or organizations for referral programs. Don’t forget to create a business website to showcase your services and land more leads.

No matter where you promote your business, you’ll want to keep your branding consistent. As a first step, use a logo maker to generate real estate logo ideas .

06. Financial plan

When it comes to a rental property business, the financial plan lays out the money side of things, like how much it'll cost to start up, where the funds are coming from, how much you expect to earn and when you're likely to start making a profit. This section isn't just about showing your business's money smarts, but it's also a way for potential backers and lenders to figure out what they might get out of investing in your business.

steps to developing a business plan

Rental property business plan examples

Creating a business plan for your rental property business is essential for setting a solid foundation and ensuring long-term success. To help you get started, here are two draft business plans for a hypothetical rental property business.

Business plan template 1: Urban Rentals

Urban Rentals is a premier rental property business specializing in providing high-quality urban living spaces for young professionals and students in the city. Our mission is to offer modern, well-designed apartments in desirable locations at competitive rental rates. With a focus on customer satisfaction, we aim to create a hassle-free rental experience for our tenants.

Company and domain names

The company name, Urban Rentals, reflects our target market and the type of properties we offer. We have secured the domain name urbanrentals.com, which aligns perfectly with our brand identity and makes it easy for potential tenants to find us online.

We have conducted extensive market research to understand the demand for rental properties in urban areas. Our target audience consists of young professionals and students seeking convenient, stylish and affordable apartments. We have identified several competitors in the market but believe that our unique amenities and competitive pricing will set us apart.

Operations plan

Urban Rentals plans to acquire properties in desirable urban neighborhoods close to public transportation, restaurants, and entertainment options. We will renovate these properties to meet modern standards and provide essential amenities such as high-speed internet, laundry facilities, and secure access. Our dedicated property management team will handle tenant inquiries, maintenance requests, and ensure that all properties are well-maintained.

To attract tenants, we will utilize a multi-channel marketing approach. This includes online advertising through rental listing websites and social media platforms, as well as targeted online ads. We will also establish partnerships with local colleges and universities to reach student tenants. Additionally, we will implement referral programs and incentivize word-of-mouth marketing through satisfied tenants.

Urban Rentals will be initially funded through a combination of personal savings and a small business loan. We project steady growth over the next five years, with a focus on maintaining high occupancy rates and increasing rental income. Our financial plan includes detailed revenue projections, expense forecasts and cash flow analysis.

Business plan template 2: Coastal Properties

Coastal Properties is a rental property business specializing in providing beachfront vacation homes for tourists and travelers seeking a luxurious coastal experience. Our mission is to offer premium properties with stunning ocean views, top-notch amenities and exceptional customer service. We aim to create unforgettable vacation experiences for our guests.

The company name, Coastal Properties, reflects our focus on beachfront locations and coastal living. We have secured the domain name coastalproperties.com, which perfectly represents our brand and helps potential guests find us easily online.

We have conducted extensive market research to understand the demand for vacation rentals in popular coastal destinations. Our target audience consists of affluent travelers seeking high-end accommodations with breathtaking views. We have identified competitors in the market but believe that our exclusive properties and exceptional service will attract discerning guests.

Coastal Properties plans to acquire premium beachfront properties in sought-after coastal destinations. These properties will be fully furnished with upscale amenities like private pools, beach access and concierge services. We will work with reputable property management companies to handle guest inquiries, reservations and property maintenance.

To reach our target audience, we will implement a comprehensive marketing and advertising plan. This includes online advertising through vacation rental platforms and luxury travel websites. We will also collaborate with travel influencers and establish partnerships with local businesses to promote our properties. Additionally, we will leverage social media platforms to showcase stunning visuals of our properties and engage with potential guests.

Coastal Properties will be initially funded through a combination of personal investments and private investors. We project strong revenue growth based on high occupancy rates and premium rental rates. Our financial plan includes detailed income projections, expense forecasts and return on investment analysis.

Benefits of a rental property business plan

Writing a business plan for your rental property business is a crucial step in setting yourself up for success. It provides numerous benefits that can help attract investors and funding, ensure you have the necessary resources and staff, and create a plan to achieve long-term success.

Attracting funding: A well-written business plan is essential for attracting investors and raising money for your business . Investors want to see a clear and comprehensive plan that demonstrates your understanding of the market, your target audience and your strategies for success. A business plan that outlines your financial projections, marketing strategies and competitive analysis will give potential investors confidence in your ability to generate returns on their investment.

Resource requirements: Creating a business plan helps you understand the resources, supplies and staff required to start and operate your rental property business. It allows you to assess the upfront costs of acquiring properties, renovating them if necessary, and furnishing them with the necessary amenities. Additionally, it helps you determine the ongoing expenses like maintenance costs, property management fees and marketing expenses. By having a clear understanding of these resource requirements, you can budget effectively and avoid unexpected financial challenges.

Business success: A rental property business plan serves as a roadmap for achieving long-term success. It allows you to set specific goals and outline actionable steps to reach those goals. By identifying potential challenges and developing strategies to overcome them, you can mitigate risks and increase the likelihood of success. A well-thought-out business plan also helps you stay focused on your objectives and track your progress over time.

Guiding decision-making: A comprehensive business plan provides a framework for making informed decisions in your rental property business. It helps you evaluate potential investment opportunities, assess risks and prioritize tasks. When faced with important decisions, you can refer back to your business plan to ensure alignment with your overall vision and goals. This ensures that you make decisions that are in the best interest of your business's long-term success.

Financial forecasting: A crucial part of any business plan is the financial plan, which includes information on how your rental property business will be funded initially and its projected profitability over time. By outlining your sources of funding, such as personal savings or loans, you can ensure that you have the necessary capital to start and grow your business. Financial forecasting allows you to estimate future revenue, expenses and cash flow, helping you make informed financial decisions and plan for growth.

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Rental Property Business Plan Template

Whether you are a new investor entering the rental property market or a seasoned landlord looking to expand your portfolio, having a well-crafted business plan is crucial for achieving your goals. Our comprehensive template is specifically designed to guide you through the process of creating a strategic plan that will maximize your rental property's profitability and set you on the path to success.

rental property business plan template free

Download the template today!

Our Free Rental Property Business Plan Template is a valuable resource that provides you with a step-by-step framework to develop a comprehensive and effective business plan for your rental property venture. It covers all the essential elements, from market analysis to financial projections, to help you make informed decisions and create a solid roadmap for success in the rental property industry.

Features of the Rental Property Business Plan Template

Our Rental Property Business Plan Template offers a range of features to support your business planning process:

  • Market Analysis: Gain a deep understanding of the rental property market in your target area. Analyze trends, identify your target market, and assess competition to make informed investment decisions.
  • Financial Projections: Create realistic financial projections that outline your revenue streams, operating expenses, and expected profitability. Our template includes easy-to-use financial tools that will help you forecast cash flow, track expenses, and assess the financial viability of your rental property business.
  • Marketing and Tenant Acquisition Strategy: Develop a comprehensive marketing and tenant acquisition strategy to attract and retain high-quality tenants. Our template guides you in creating effective marketing campaigns, setting competitive rental rates, and implementing tenant screening processes to ensure a profitable and sustainable rental property business.

Benefits of Using Our Template

By using our Rental Property Business Plan Template, you can enjoy a range of benefits, including:

  • Strategic Guidance: Our template provides a structured approach to developing your business plan, ensuring that you consider all the key elements necessary for success in the rental property industry. It guides you through the process, helping you clarify your goals, identify opportunities, and create a roadmap to achieve them.
  • Time and Effort Savings: Rather than starting from scratch, our template saves you valuable time and effort. It provides a ready-to-use framework that you can customize to suit your specific needs, eliminating the need to research and create a business plan from scratch.
  • Investor Attraction: A well-crafted business plan increases your chances of attracting investors or securing financing for your rental property business. Our template helps you present a professional and compelling plan that showcases the potential for profitability and growth, making it more appealing to potential investors or lenders.

Rental Property Business Plan Frequently Asked Questions

Q: how can a rental property business plan help me attract and retain quality tenants.

A: A well-crafted rental property business plan includes a marketing and tenant acquisition strategy. This strategy outlines how you will target and attract desirable tenants for your properties. It may involve utilizing online advertising, networking with local real estate agents, and showcasing the unique features and benefits of your rental properties. By attracting quality tenants, you can minimize vacancies, enhance rental income, and maintain a positive rental experience.

Q: Can a rental property business plan help me secure financing for my investment properties?

A: A rental property business plan is instrumental in securing financing for investment properties. It serves as a detailed roadmap that outlines your business strategy, market analysis, and financial projections. Lenders and investors value a well-prepared business plan as it demonstrates your professionalism, market knowledge, and potential for financial success. By including a Comprehensive Financial Projection in your rental property business plan, you provide a clear and realistic projection of your property's income and expenses. This helps lenders and investors assess the profitability and potential return on investment

Q: How can a rental property business plan help me make informed decisions about property expansions?

A: A rental property business plan includes a property acquisition strategy and can guide your decision-making process regarding property acquisitions and expansions. It helps you evaluate potential properties based on factors such as location, market demand, rental potential, and return on investment. By analyzing these factors and aligning them with your business goals, you can make informed decisions that maximize your portfolio's growth and profitability.

Q: Is it necessary to update my rental property business plan regularly?

A: Yes, it is essential to review and update your rental property business plan periodically. The real estate market and economic conditions can change, and your business goals may evolve over time. By revisiting your business plan regularly, you can ensure its relevance and make necessary adjustments to stay aligned with your objectives. Regular updates allow you to adapt to market trends, implement new strategies, and maintain a competitive edge in the rental property industry.

We Know a Good Business Plan When we See One

Collectively, our team has reviewed thousands of business plans and has nearly 20 years of experience making SBA loans. We've also helped more than 50,000 businesses create financial projections across many industries and geographies.

rental property business plan template free

Adam served as Executive Director for a SBA microlender in Indiana for over 10 years helping businesses and reviewing thousands of business plans.

rental property business plan template free

Grace has built hundreds of custom financial models for businesses as well as our projection templates which are used by thousands of businesses every year.

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Kyle served as an SBA loan officer for 7 years working directly with startups and business owners to review their business plans, projections, and prepare their loan package.

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How to Write a Business Plan as a Landlord

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in April 2020 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Buying investment properties and renting them out to tenants is a great way to diversify your real estate portfolio and earn passive income. If you are considering becoming a landlord, writing a rental property business plan is vital to make your investment thoughtfully and deliberately. A well-crafted business plan can help you secure financing from lenders. A business plan demonstrates that you clearly understand your business and its potential, making you more attractive to potential lenders. Let's begin! This piece will walk you through what a rental property business plan is, why you should create one, and how to put one together.

What is a rental property business plan?

Most simply, a rental property business plan is a document that describes the following:

  • You and your rental business.
  • What your intentions and goals are with a property.
  • Your plan for executing these goals.

Your rental property business plan will outline the strategies and goals for managing your properties.

Why should you develop a rental business plan?

Here are some reasons why you should create a rental property business plan:

  • Provides a clear direction: A business plan outlines the goals and objectives of the rental property business, which helps you stay focused on achieving your vision. It also provides a roadmap for decision-making and ensures all activities align with the overall strategy.
  • Helps secure financing: A business plan shows that you understand your business well, making your business more appealing to lenders.
  • Identifies potential risks: A business plan identifies potential risks associated with the rental property business and provides strategies to mitigate them. This helps to avoid costly mistakes and ensures that you're well-prepared for any challenges that may arise.
  • Enhances property management: A business plan includes a strategy outlining how you will manage your rental properties effectively.
  • Enables monitoring and evaluation: A business plan provides performance metrics that will help you to monitor and evaluate your progress. This also allows you to identify areas for improvement and adjust your strategy accordingly.

First things first — set your business plan objectives.

Before creating your business plan, consider your specific objectives for your rental business. By setting your objectives, you're providing yourself with a target to aim for. A SMART goal incorporates all of these criteria to help focus your efforts and increase the chances of achieving your goal. This is a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound goal commonly used in business and project management to set and achieve goals.

The acronym SMART stands for:

  • S - Specific: The objective should be clear and well-defined so everyone involved understands what they need to accomplish.
  • M - Measurable: The objective should be quantifiable to measure and track progress over time.
  • A - Achievable: The objective should be realistic and achievable based on available resources and the timeframe.
  • R - Relevant: The objective should be relevant to your business's or project's overall mission or goals.
  • T - Time-bound: The objective should have a specific deadline or timeframe for completion so you can monitor progress and make adjustments as needed.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_1_SMART

Here are some examples of SMART goals for a rental investment business:

  • Own four properties by the end of the year
  • Earn $5k in rental revenue per month
  • Earn $150k in rental profit by the end of year 5
  • Hire a team of 4 business partners and open an office in Nashville, TN, in the next five years
  • Find 15 tenants by the end of next year

You may only have one key objective or multiple, but each goal should have strategies and tactics to help achieve it.

Strategies and tactics for your SMART objectives

Let's take the relatively straightforward objective — own four properties by the end of the year. Easier said than done, right? Your strategy will be your rough game plan to achieve this goal. Here are some examples of strategies you may employ:

  • Study local housing markets to find undervalued neighborhoods.
  • Use hard money lending groups and meetups to help secure capital.
  • Specialize in and become a master of a specific housing type (single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, townhouses, etc.)

You can then drill down each strategy into specific tactics. Here's what that looks like:

Study local housing markets to find undervalued neighborhoods:

  • Study Zillow and MLS listings to see locations and figures of sales.
  • Physical drive-thrus of neighborhoods to see house styles, number of For Sale signs
  • Attend foreclosure auctions in different Tennessee counties
  • Leverage social media to identify potential properties
  • Try creative methods to find undervalued properties beyond the MLS

Use hard money lending groups and meetups to secure affordable and scalable financing:

  • Join online hard money communities and see which lenders offer low rates, good terms, etc.
  • Go to real estate conferences and network with lenders, wholesalers, etc.

Specialize in and become a master of a specific housing type:

Focus on 3br/2b single-family homes between 1500-2500 sq feet

How to write a rental property business plan

Now that you've thought about precisely why and how you will structure your business and execute your investment, it's time to write it! A rental property business plan should have the following components: The business plan typically includes the following elements:

  • Executive Summary
  • Business Description
  • Market Analysis
  • Marketing and Advertising
  • Tenant Screening

Property Management

  • Financial Projections

Risk Management

  • Exit Strategy

Let's go through each of them separately.

Executive summary

The executive summary of a rental property business plan provides an overview of the key points of the plan, highlighting the most critical aspects. Here's an example of an executive summary:

[Your Business Name] is a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and managing rental properties in [location]. The business aims to provide tenants high-quality rental properties while generating a steady income stream for investors. The rental property portfolio comprises [number] properties, including [type of properties]. These properties are located in [location], a growing market with a high demand for rental properties. The market analysis shows that rental rates in the area are stable, and the demand for rental properties is expected to increase in the coming years. The business's marketing and advertising strategies include online advertising, signage, and word-of-mouth referrals. The tenant screening process is thorough and includes income verification, credit checks, and rental history verification. The property management structure is designed to provide tenants with excellent service and to maintain the properties in excellent condition. The business works with a team of experienced property managers, maintenance staff, and contractors to ensure that the properties are well-maintained and repairs are made promptly. The financial projections for the rental property portfolio are promising, with projected revenue of [revenue] and net income of [net income] over the next [timeframe]. The risks associated with owning and managing rental properties are mitigated through careful screening of tenants, regular maintenance, and appropriate insurance coverage. Overall, [Your Business Name] is well-positioned to succeed in the rental property market in [location], thanks to its experienced team, careful management, and commitment to providing high-quality rental properties to tenants while generating a steady stream of income for investors.

Your executive summary is the Cliff Notes version of the complete business plan. Someone should be able to understand the full scope of the project just by reading this section. When writing your executive summary, assume it is the only part of your plan that someone reads. Aim for a half-page to full-page in length.

Business description

The business description section of a rental property business plan provides an overview of the company, including its mission, history, ownership structure, and management team. Here's an example of a company description section:

[Your Company Name] is a real estate investment company focused on acquiring and managing rental properties in [location]. The company was founded in [year] by [founder's name], who has [number] years of experience in the real estate industry.

Mission: Our mission is to provide high-quality rental properties to tenants while generating a steady income stream for our investors. We aim to be a trusted and reliable partner for tenants, investors, and stakeholders in our communities.

Ownership structure: [Your Company Name] is a privately held company with [number] of shareholders. The majority shareholder is [majority shareholder name], who holds [percentage] of the company's shares.

Management team: The management team of [Your Company Name] includes experienced professionals with a proven track record of success in the real estate industry. The team is led by [CEO/Managing Director's name], who has [number] years of experience in real estate investment and management. The other members of the management team include:

[Name and position]: [Brief description of their experience and role in the company] [Name and position]: [Brief description of their experience and role in the company]

Market analysis

Researching neighborhood trends can help you identify areas poised for long-term growth. This can enable you to make strategic investments that will appreciate over time, providing a stable source of income for years to come. The Market Analysis section of a rental property business plan for landlords should provide a comprehensive overview of the local rental market. Below are some key elements you should include in the Market Analysis section of your rental property business plan.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_2_Market_Analysis

  • Property Value: The value of a rental property is highly dependent on its location. By researching neighborhood trends, landlords can stay updated on changes in property values, both positive and negative. They can make informed decisions about whether to purchase, hold or sell their properties based on changes in the area.
  • Rental Rates: Knowing the rental rates in a neighborhood can help landlords determine how much to charge for rent. Understanding how much other landlords charge for similar properties in the area can help a landlord price their property competitively and attract quality tenants.
  • Tenant Preferences: Different neighborhoods appeal to different types of tenants. For example, families with children may prefer neighborhoods with good schools and parks, while young professionals may prefer areas with trendy restaurants and nightlife. By understanding neighborhood trends, landlords can cater to the preferences of their target tenants.
  • Neighborhood Safety: Safety is a significant concern for tenants, and landlords can be held liable for any harm that befalls their tenants due to unsafe conditions on the property. Competitive landscape: There are several steps that landlords can take to research the competitive landscape of a rental market. These include identifying competitors, analyzing rental rates, researching amenities offered by competitors, and checking their online reviews.
  • Growth potential: Consider external factors that may affect the rental market, such as population growth, job growth, or changes in zoning laws. This can help landlords identify potential growth opportunities in the market.

Marketing strategy

The marketing strategy section of your rental property business plan outlines how you will promote and advertise your rental properties to potential tenants. Below are some key elements to include in this section.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_3_Marketing_Strategy

  • Target Market: Identify the target market for rental properties, such as young professionals, families, or retirees. Describe their demographics, interests, and needs, and explain how the rental properties cater to these groups.
  • Unique Selling Proposition: Identify the unique selling proposition of the rental properties, such as location, amenities, or affordability. Explain how these factors differentiate the properties from competitors in the market.
  • Advertising Channels: Describe the advertising channels you'll use to promote the rental properties, such as online rental listings, social media, or local newspapers. Explain how you'll use these channels to reach the target market.
  • Promotion Strategy: Describe the promotion strategy to attract tenants to the rental properties, such as discounts, referral bonuses, or move-in incentives. Explain how you'll communicate promotions to potential tenants and how they will be tracked and measured for effectiveness.
  • Branding: Develop a branding strategy for the rental properties, including a logo, website, and promotional materials. Explain how the branding will reflect the unique selling proposition of the properties and how it will be used consistently across all marketing channels.
  • Budget: Develop a marketing budget outlining each advertising channel's expected costs and promotion strategy. Explain how you'll track and adjust the budget as needed to ensure maximum return on investment.

Tenant screening

This section should outline the steps you or your property manager will take to evaluate potential tenants and ensure they fit your rental property well. This can ensure that your company has a thorough and fair process for evaluating potential tenants and selecting the best fit for their rental property. B elow are some critical components to include in this section.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_4_Tenant_Screening

  • Criteria for Screening: Define the criteria you will use to evaluate potential tenants. This includes credit score, income, employment, criminal, and rental history.
  • Application Process: Detail the application process that potential tenants will go through. This may include the application form, application fee, and required documentation such as pay stubs, rental history, and references.
  • Background Checks: Describe the background checks you'll conduct on potential tenants. This may include a credit check, criminal background check, and reference checks with previous landlords.
  • Approval Process: Outline the process for approving or denying a tenant application. This may include a review of the applicant's qualifications, background check results, and a decision based on the landlord's discretion.
  • Fair Housing Compliance: Include a statement about compliance with fair housing laws. Landlords and property managers must ensure they do not discriminate against applicants based on protected classes such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status.

This section should outline the steps you or the property manager you have hired will take to manage the rental property effectively and ensure a positive experience for tenants. Below are some key components to include in the property management section of a rental property business plan.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_5_Property_Management

  • Maintenance and Repairs: Outline the process for addressing maintenance and repair issues. This may include a description of how tenants can report problems, the timeline for responding to requests, and the types of repairs that are the landlord's responsibility versus the tenant's responsibility.
  • Rent Collection: Detail the process for collecting rent from tenants. This may include the due date for rent payments, late fees, and consequences for non-payment.
  • Lease Agreement: Describe the lease agreement that tenants will sign. This may include the length of the lease, rent amount, security deposit, and rules and regulations for the property.
  • Tenant Communications: Outline your approach to communicating with tenants. This may include regular newsletters or updates on property maintenance, a process for addressing tenant concerns, and emergency contact information.
  • Compliance and Risk Management: Include a statement about compliance with regulations and risk management. This may include descriptions of insurance coverage, safety protocols, and any regulatory requirements the business must follow.

The financials section of your rental property business plan is crucial for demonstrating the business's financial feasibility and potential profitability of the investment. Let's take a look at what you can include.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_6_Financials

  • Income projections: Start by estimating the expected rental income from the property. This should be based on market rates for similar properties in the area, considering location, size, amenities, and condition. Consider any potential income streams beyond rent, such as laundry facilities or parking fees.
  • Expense projections: Next, estimate the ongoing expenses associated with owning and managing the property, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance and repairs, and property management fees, if applicable. Be sure to factor in seasonal or irregular expenses, such as snow removal or landscaping.
  • Cash flow projections: Based on the income and expense projections, calculate the expected net cash flow for the property monthly and annually. This will give you a sense of how much income the property will likely generate after paying expenses.
  • Financing plan: If you plan to finance the purchase of the property, outline your financing plan, including the loan amount, interest rate, and repayment terms. Be sure to calculate the impact of financing on your cash flow projections.
  • Return on investment: Calculate the property's expected ROI based on the initial investment and projected cash flows over a specified time (e.g., five years). This will give you a sense of whether the investment will likely be profitable in the long term.
  • Sensitivity analysis: Conduct sensitivity analysis to assess the potential impact of changes in key assumptions (e.g., vacancy rate, rental income, expenses) on your cash flow projections and ROI. This will help you identify potential risks and make informed decisions about the investment.

As a landlord, you must include a risk management section in your rental property business plan to address potential risks and establish strategies for mitigating them. Below are some key steps you can take to create a risk management section for your business plan.

BLOG_Rental_Property_Business_Plan_Infographic_7_Risk_Management

  • Identify potential risks: Identify risks associated with your rental property business. This may include risks related to property damage, tenant safety, liability, financial loss, and legal compliance.
  • Assess the likelihood and impact of each risk: Once you have identified potential risks, assess the likelihood and potential impact of each risk on your rental property business. This will help you prioritize which risks to address first and determine the resources you must allocate to manage each risk.
  • Establish risk management strategies: Develop a plan for managing each identified risk. This may include measures to prevent the risk from occurring, as well as steps to mitigate the impact of the risk if it does happen. For example, you may establish a routine property inspection program to identify and address maintenance issues before they become significant problems. You may also require tenants to carry renters' insurance to mitigate financial loss if they cause damage to the property.
  • Review and update your risk management plan regularly: Risks can change over time, so it's essential to review and update your plan regularly. This will help you ensure that your strategies are still effective and that you are prepared to manage new risks as they arise.
  • Seek professional advice: Consider seeking professional advice from a lawyer, insurance agent, or another expert to help you identify potential risks and develop effective risk management strategies. This can help you ensure your business is well-protected and minimize risk exposure.

By including a comprehensive risk management section in your rental property business plan, you can demonstrate to potential investors, lenders, and tenants that you are committed to running a safe and sustainable rental property business.

Exit strategy

An exit strategy is integral to any rental property business plan as it helps you plan for the future and maximize your ROI. You most likely plan on renting out your property for a long or indefinite time. If you have a shorter or more definite timeline, like renting it out for ten years and then selling it, mention it here. Should your property go vacant for a long time, or economic circumstances, cause rent prices to fall dramatically, maintaining your property may no longer be sustainable. You should have a plan, or at least a framework, to decide what to do if this happens. Otherwise, your exit strategy should be your backup plan if things don't go as planned.

Final thoughts

Creating a comprehensive rental property business plan provides you with a clear direction for your business, helps secure financing, identifies potential risks, enhances property management, and enables monitoring and evaluation of performance. A business plan is valuable for landlords who want to run a successful rental property business.

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How To Start A Rental Property Business Like A Pro

rental property business plan template free

What is a rental property business?

Starting a rental property business

Writing a business plan

Is a rental property business a good investment?

As Antoine de Saint-Exupery once said, “A goal without a plan is just a wish.” Consequently, the best plans have developed a reputation for helping people in every industry realize their own goals, no matter how lofty they may be. There literally isn’t a single professional who couldn’t benefit more from a well-crafted strategy, and real estate investors are no exception. When learning how to start a rental property business , buy-and-hold investors in particular stand to improve their long term outlook by establishing a rental property business plan.

A proven rental property business plan can help layout the systems and benchmarks investors need to realize success at a higher level. That said, only one question remains: what does a rental property business plan look like?

If you are interested in starting a rental property business, there are several valuable lessons to take away from experience. Meanwhile, here’s a guide for developing a bullet-proof rental property business plan; it may be just what you have been waiting for.

On the FortuneBuilders Real Estate Investing Show , join our host, Jeffrey Rutkowski, as he talks to Gregg Cohen, the Co-Founder of JWB Real Estate Capital, on the subject of passive income and rental properties. Listen to the podcast here:

What Is A Rental Property Business?

A rental property business is a venture through which an investor will purchase and manage one or more income-producing properties. These properties can have one or more units leased out to tenants in exchange for monthly rental fees. Investors can have an effective rental plan without directly managing these properties; property management companies can be hired to carry out the duties often associated with landlords, such as rent collection and maintenance.

Is My Rental Property A Business?

Renting a house may be considered a business endeavor, depending on who you ask. This may seem like a controversial question, and there are at least two answers to consider. From a financial standpoint, renting a residential property may result in passive income. It is important to note that investors do not have to pay self-employment taxes when reporting their rental properties. Therefore, many would argue that owning a rental property is not considered a “business,” specifically in the lens of tax filing. However, from a career standpoint, many individuals live on passive income derived from their rental property companies; in this lens, renting a house can be considered a business. It’s entirely possible to manage a rental property portfolio as a business. Still, those with a single rental property may not need to start a company to collect passive income. It’s only once the portfolio starts to grow that turning the practice of renting into a business becomes more important.

business

How To Start A Rental Property Business

Learning how to start a rental property business isn’t all that different from just about every other entrepreneurial endeavor. Investors need to identify several key elements before getting started; that way, they can start their business on a solid foundation. Here are some of the most important steps to consider when drafting a rental property business plan and becoming a real estate entrepreneur:

Join a local REI club and start networking

Pick a niche and choose your rental property market

Figure out the proper financing and secure it

Conduct the appropriate research and hire a manager

Implement systems to improve efficiency

Manage the properties and scale the business at a sustainable pace

1. Join A Real Estate Investor Club

Joining a local real estate investing club or association provides networking opportunities, not the least of which may actually help rental property investors find a partner—or perhaps anyone else who may help them further their rental property business plan. Nathan Hughes at DiggityMarketing suggests that “investors need to identify various factors before entering the rental property business. Investors should join some real estate investors clubs as a beginner”. There’s absolutely no reason to think new investors, specifically aspiring rental property owners, can’t find a helpful hand at a real estate investor club. These types of meet-ups are specifically designed to help their attendees, and there’s always someone willing to lend a hand. At the very least, investors will gain insight into local professionals who are most likely already doing the one thing they want to do.

2. Pick A Niche & Choose A Market

Determining where to invest can often be more important to investors than how much capital or experience they bring to the table. After all, the golden rule of real estate persists: location, location, location. There is perhaps no more influential factor to a rental property investor’s success than the location in which they choose to invest. The location will determine everything from demand and price, not to mention the property’s long-term potential. Therefore, a truly great rental property business plan will want to make sure it answers these questions and many more like them:

How distant a market am I willing to invest in?

Do I have a team in place to handle the day-to-day, or will I have to commute back-and-forth?

How much will commute and market research cost me?

How stable and diverse is the economy in a market? Are there various business sectors that can help keep jobs and businesses? Is there one main employer?

What’s the average market price for property acquisition?

What’s the average rental price?

No rule says investors need to live in the markets they invest in, but there is no excuse for neglecting to mind due diligence and research the local housing market. To invest successfully, investors need to know every detail about a specific area, not to mention the specific niche they intend to serve.

Jordon Scrinko, the Founder & Marketing Director of Precondo states that “Investors’ decisions on where to invest are frequently more significant than their capital or experience. After all, when it comes to real estate, location is the most important. The area in which a rental property owner chooses to invest is possibly the most important aspect in determining their success”.

If for nothing else, investors need to know their renters just as much as the area they are investing in. Picking a niche, not unlike focusing on college housing or single-family homes, is the easiest way to target a specific audience. Therefore, at this time, rental property investors should decide who they will serve; only then will they be able to tailor their rental property business plan to see their audience’s needs.

3. Figure Out Financing

Securing financing is probably the biggest hurdle rental property investors face. However, financing a real estate deal isn’t nearly as hard as many new investors make it out to be. As it turns out, there are countless lenders just waiting for an opportunity to give savvy investors the money they need to invest in real estate. Like institutionalized banks, today’s real estate investors have access to more funding sources outside of traditional sources than ever before. Private money lenders and hard money lenders, in particular, have become synonymous with the best ways to secure funding and are as willing to work with investors as investors are eager to work with lenders.

These “alternative” sources tend to coincide with higher interest payments (often three to four times higher than traditional banks), but the added cost is well worth it. In exchange for their higher rates, investors not only receive the money they need to complete a deal, but they also receive it a lot faster than they would if they went through a bank. Whereas banks can take upwards of a few months to distribute funds, alternative lenders can have the money in investors’ hands in as little as a few days—if not hours.

It is also important to note that securing financing should be done before even looking for a home. That way, the investor will know exactly how much home they can afford and which investments are worth pursuing further.

4. Conduct Research & Hire A Property Manager

Becoming a landlord means investors will be responsible for maintaining the appearance and function of the rental property. However, whether or not the investor is a handyman is a moot point, as hiring a property manager is highly recommended. While it helps to know everything about a subject property, enlisting a third-party property manager’s services is an essential step in a rental property business plan. Through their help, investors may expand their portfolio without adding on countless hours of work. If for nothing else, a property manager will take care of everything. From finding tenants to collecting rent, property managers will see to it that everything is covered. Meanwhile, the investor is free to add more assets to their portfolio and increase their passive income cash flow.

5. Systemize

There are many rental plan options for landlords, such as specializing in low-income neighborhoods or university towns. Alternatively, they can choose to specialize in higher-income, urban neighborhoods. Different strategies require different skill sets, so landlords may find better success if they pick a niche in which they specialize. However, landlords will need to set up a system for running applications, credit, and background checks regardless of the niche. Adding proven systems to a rental property business plan is the surest way to make success habitual. Therefore, investors will need to create a system for every single process associated with rental property investing. That way, there will always be an appropriate course of action, regardless of the situation. Property managers, for that matter, make it a lot easier to implement systems.

6. Manage The Properties

Managing a rental property is about far more than just hiring a property manager; it’s about figuring out exactly what systems will be put in place to keep the properties in good shape and the cash flowing in. This means answering queries like:

Are you going to be a landlord? (Or will you hire a property manager?)

Who will find and select tenants?

Will you perform repairs to maintain the property? (Or hire a contractor?)

Who will perform yard maintenance and other duties?

Your answers will depend on your budget and available time. The key is to use your rental property business plan to map out all management systems beforehand and ensure no last-minute surprises.

rental

Why Write A Business Plan

A well-crafted business plan will help in more ways than one as you learn to navigate the real estate industry. You can establish a clear framework of your goals and overall mission by writing a business plan. It should also include the reason why you want to start investing. This will ensure you remain focused as you make investment decisions and eventually grow your business. Think of a business plan as a roadmap for your future.

A business plan is also highly useful when speaking to potential lenders, designing marketing campaigns, and hiring new employees. These tasks will be made easier if you have a clear outline of what your business does (and how). For example, when you begin raising funds for your first deal, you will likely need to present your business goals to potential investors. A business plan can help take the pressure off — as the information will already be written down. If you are even slightly considering opening a rental real estate business, learning how to write a business plan is a great first step.

How To Write A Rental Property Business Plan

Starting a rental property business is one thing, but learning how to write a rental property business plan is entirely different. While the two sound similar, the latter is critical to making the former even stronger. At the very least, knowing how to start a rental property business must come before actually starting one. As a result, investors will need to familiarize themselves with the most important steps first:

Determine a vision and write a mission statement

Set passive income and business goals

Build a team structure that is conducive to success

Gain a high-level overview perspective of the company as a whole

Develop marketing systems and funnels tailored to a specific audience

1. Vision & Mission

A truly great rental property business plan must emphasize one thing above everything else: the investor’s vision or mission. What an investor hopes to achieve by investing in real estate may simultaneously serve as motivation and a guide when times are less than ideal. Therefore, investors must take a minute to think about why they are investing. Is it to retire comfortably? Is it to spend more time with family and friends? Is it both of these things? Knowing their “why” will help investors build out a sound business strategy, one that gets them closer to their goals with every investment. Consequently, those without a mission won’t know what direction to head, which doesn’t bode well for any rental property business.

2. Passive Income Goals

While closely related to one’s own vision or mission, passive income goals identify how much cash flow will be necessary to satiate investors’ appetites. That said, passive income goals should help investors meet their own mission statement. Likewise, if an investor wants to retire comfortably, they will need to set their passive income goals high enough to facilitate their desired retirement. While everyone’s passive income goals will be different, a general rule of thumb accounts for how much cash flow will be necessary to maintain their preferred lifestyle.

Remember, goals should be realistic and directly related to the reason someone wants to invest. Seeing overly ambitious goals can deter many investors from progressing, so the goals must be achievable. The sense of accomplishment developed from realizing a goal is, oftentimes, a powerful motivator.

Determining passive income goals will also help answer the most important question of them all: what type of rental property will I focus on? Residential? Commercial? Multi-family? Start from the end and work backward for better results; it’s the best and most efficient way to build a business.

3. Structure

Starting a rental property business may lead many investors to hire a team. After all, it’s true what they say: many hands make light work. The more qualified individuals investors have worked towards a common goal, the more likely they are to realize success. Not only that but hiring a competent real estate team is simply one more step towards investors removing themselves from the equation and earning more passive income. That said, it’s not enough to hire just anyone; the employees need to bring something new to the table. Investors need to hire a team that complements their skills—not that replicates them. That way, the team structure is more well-rounded and capable of accomplishing more tasks.

4. High-Level Overview

Investors need to look beyond the prospects of a single investment property and towards the potential of an entire portfolio. While a single home can produce encouraging cash flow levels, an entire portfolio can help investors realize financial freedom. Therefore, it’s important not to forget the “bigger picture.” Sure, start with a single home, but plans should inherently be scalable. When writing a rental property business plan, see that everything can be expanded to include future growth.

5. Marketing

Buying a rental property is just the first step on a passive income investing journey. At some point, investors need to figure out how to find tenants to bring in cash flow. More often than not, investors will rely on their property managers to fill vacancies. However, in the event an investor neglects to hire a property manager, there are various ways to find tenants, not the least of which include:

Rental websites

Social media

Print media/newspaper

Local bulletin boards

Local Realtors

Word-of-mouth marketing

Direct mail campaigns

Previous renters

Is A Rental Property Business A Good Investment?

Investors will know if a rental property is a good investment if their net cash flow remains consistently positive. Seasoned real estate investors know that to have a solid rental plan and business, they must first mind their due diligence and ensure that a rental property is indeed a good investment. There are several measurements available to help investors get an idea of the profit-making potential for a property. Make use of 10 real estate calculators that are helpful for any type of real estate investor.

Features of Successful Rental Properties

You don’t have to reinvent the wheel to be successful. Many successful rental properties can serve as a model for your business. Here are some distinct features of profitable rental properties:

Location: Real estate is always about location. The location of your rental property will be a major determinant of the type of tenants you will attract. For example, if you purchase a rental property at the edge of a university, you’ll naturally get applications from many college students. Consider the neighborhood and how it could influence your tenant profile, behavior, income, and vacancies.

Taxes: The location will also influence the property taxes that you end up paying. High property taxes may be well-worth it if your property is located in a great area that attracts high-paying tenants. However, property taxes could be a burden if your financials don’t make sense. Find out your property tax rate by contacting the local assessor’s office.

Schools: The ratings of local schools will help indicate what type of tenants you’ll attract. Rental properties near distinguished school systems will help draw in families willing to pay higher rental rates.

Safety: No one wants to walk home while constantly checking over their shoulder, or living in fear that their car will get broken into. Check local crime statistics and pay attention to trends. A reg flag could be a stead increase in criminal activity, even if it’s in a neighborhood that was known to be safe in the past.

Employment: A hot job market can help draw in larger groups of tenants, thus creating a healthy demand for your property. This could bring in benefits such as higher rental rates and lower vacancy rates. Growing employment opportunities can also boost your local economy and local amenities.

Local amenities: Tenants are constantly looking to balance rental rates with quality and easy of life. If your rental property is located near public transit systems, shopping, restaurants, gyms, and entertainment, you may find yourself having to field competitive offers from many tenants.

Economy: The local economy and horizon of industrial developments can also be a good indicator of rental property performance in a given area. The resulting improvement of local infrastructure could vastly improve the neighborhood and tenant pool. However, watch out for noisy construction that could hurt rental rates temporarily, plus new housing developments that could put a strain in competition.

Rental rates: Be sure to research a local neighborhoods average rental rate. This number can help you conduct a financial analysis to determine whether owning a rental property in the area would be feasible. Be sure to factor in costs such as property taxes, maintenance, repairs, and mortgage payments.

Vacancy rates: If you notice that the neighborhood has an abnormally high number of listings, it could signal that demand is low and vacancy rates are up. You may not want to invest in an area that is on the decline.

How To Determine Rent

Rent can typically be determined by analyzing other properties in the area. Start by reviewing the average rental rates, and then look at similar units to see what they go for. Pay attention to properties with the same number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and amenities. This will give the best idea of what you can charge.

Another approach is to take your monthly loan repayment as a baseline, and raise the rate to cover maintenance and repairs. Maintenance costs can vary significantly, so again pay attention to the typical market. If your rental property is in a college town, you may want extra room for maintenance. However, if you already know you are renting to a tenant you know you may be able to leave less room for repairs.

The final number should stay in the range of other properties in the area. However, they may be some wiggle room to decide exactly where to land for your own property. Just remember: charge too much and you risk vacancies, charge too little and you lose out on valuable income. If you want to learn more about determining rent , be sure to read our guide.

business plan for rental properties

Confidence isn’t simply a positive mood based on affirmations and “feel-good” mantras. Confidence, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is the “state of feeling certain about something.” As you learn how to start a rental property business , there may be no greater confidence-booster than a business plan that comes to fruition. By mapping out your precise goals—and the systems you’ll employ to achieve them—you’ll find wealth-building objectives more attainable than you ever thought possible.

Click the banner below to take a 90-minute online training class and get started learning how to invest in today’s real estate market!

rental property business plan template free

Guide to Portfolio Building

Starting and growing a real estate portfolio the right way, how to start a real estate business in 10 steps [updated 2024], investor's guide to the real estate contingency contract.

Rental Property Business Plan Template & Guidebook

If you're looking to get into the rental property market, you need a plan that is comprehensive and easy to follow. This is where The #1 Rental Property Business Plan Template & Guidebook comes in: an invaluable resource that provides you with everything you need to launch a successful rental business venture. The guidebook will give you step-by-step instructions on the basics of creating a business plan, as well as additional resources to help you make your plan a success. Whether it's providing financial projections or outlining the goals for your business, this guidebook will ensure that your rental property business is on the right path.

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Get worry-free services and support to launch your business starting at $0 plus state fees.

  • How to Start a Profitable Rental Property Business [11 Steps]
  • 25 Catchy Rental Property Business Names:
  • List of the Best Marketing Ideas For Your Rental Property Business:

How to Write a Rental Property Business Plan in 7 Steps:

1. describe the purpose of your rental property business..

The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your rental property business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers. This is a quick way to get your mind thinking about the customers’ problems. It also helps you identify what makes your business different from others in its industry.

It also helps to include a vision statement so that readers can understand what type of company you want to build.

Here is an example of a purpose mission statement for a rental property business:

Our purpose is to provide quality rental properties to the defined target market in the desired areas, at competitive prices that maintain a fair return on investment. We strive to build a positive relationship with tenants and owners, providing superior service and developing trust in our brand. We are committed to providing excellent customer service, ethical business practices and growing our business through innovative solutions and personalized attention.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

2. Products & Services Offered by Your Rental Property Business.

The next step is to outline your products and services for your rental property business. 

When you think about the products and services that you offer, it's helpful to ask yourself the following questions:

  • What is my business?
  • What are the products and/or services that I offer?
  • Why am I offering these particular products and/or services?
  • How do I differentiate myself from competitors with similar offerings?
  • How will I market my products and services?

You may want to do a comparison of your business plan against those of other competitors in the area, or even with online reviews. This way, you can find out what people like about them and what they don’t like, so that you can either improve upon their offerings or avoid doing so altogether.

Image of Zenbusiness business formation

3. Build a Creative Marketing Stratgey.

If you don't have a marketing plan for your rental property business, it's time to write one. Your marketing plan should be part of your business plan and be a roadmap to your goals. 

A good marketing plan for your rental property business includes the following elements:

Target market

  • Who is your target market?
  • What do these customers have in common?
  • How many of them are there?
  • How can you best reach them with your message or product?

Customer base 

  • Who are your current customers? 
  • Where did they come from (i.e., referrals)?
  • How can their experience with your rental property business help make them repeat customers, consumers, visitors, subscribers, or advocates for other people in their network or industry who might also benefit from using this service, product, or brand?

Product or service description

  • How does it work, what features does it have, and what are its benefits?
  • Can anyone use this product or service regardless of age or gender?
  • Can anyone visually see themselves using this product or service?
  • How will they feel when they do so? If so, how long will the feeling last after purchasing (or trying) the product/service for the first time?

Competitive analysis

  • Which companies are competing with yours today (and why)? 
  • Which ones may enter into competition with yours tomorrow if they find out about it now through word-of-mouth advertising; social media networks; friends' recommendations; etc.)
  • What specific advantages does each competitor offer over yours currently?

Marketing channels

  • Which marketing channel do you intend to leverage to attract new customers?
  • What is your estimated marketing budget needed?
  • What is the projected cost to acquire a new customer?
  • How many of your customers do you instead will return?

Form an LLC in your state!

rental property business plan template free

4. Write Your Operational Plan.

Next, you'll need to build your operational plan. This section describes the type of business you'll be running, and includes the steps involved in your operations. 

In it, you should list:

  • The equipment and facilities needed
  • Who will be involved in the business (employees, contractors)
  • Financial requirements for each step
  • Milestones & KPIs
  • Location of your business
  • Zoning & permits required for the business

What equipment, supplies, or permits are needed to run a rental property business?

  • Rental Property Licenses/Permits
  • Real Estate Listing Services
  • Property Management Software or Systems
  • Lease or Rental Agreements
  • Maintenance Tools and Supplies
  • Advertising Materials and Services
  • Security Deposits and Insurance Coverage

5. Management & Organization of Your Rental Property Business.

The second part of your rental property business plan is to develop a management and organization section.

This section will cover all of the following:

  • How many employees you need in order to run your rental property business. This should include the roles they will play (for example, one person may be responsible for managing administrative duties while another might be in charge of customer service).
  • The structure of your management team. The higher-ups like yourself should be able to delegate tasks through lower-level managers who are directly responsible for their given department (inventory and sales, etc.).
  • How you’re going to make sure that everyone on board is doing their job well. You’ll want check-ins with employees regularly so they have time to ask questions or voice concerns if needed; this also gives you time to offer support where necessary while staying informed on how things are going within individual departments too!

6. Rental Property Business Startup Expenses & Captial Needed.

This section should be broken down by month and year. If you are still in the planning stage of your business, it may be helpful to estimate how much money will be needed each month until you reach profitability.

Typically, expenses for your business can be broken into a few basic categories:

Startup Costs

Startup costs are typically the first expenses you will incur when beginning an enterprise. These include legal fees, accounting expenses, and other costs associated with getting your business off the ground. The amount of money needed to start a rental property business varies based on many different variables, but below are a few different types of startup costs for a rental property business.

Running & Operating Costs

Running costs refer to ongoing expenses related directly with operating your business over time like electricity bills or salaries paid out each month. These types of expenses will vary greatly depending on multiple variables such as location, team size, utility costs, etc.

Marketing & Sales Expenses

You should include any costs associated with marketing and sales, such as advertising and promotions, website design or maintenance. Also, consider any additional expenses that may be incurred if you decide to launch a new product or service line. For example, if your rental property business has an existing website that needs an upgrade in order to sell more products or services, then this should be listed here.

7. Financial Plan & Projections

A financial plan is an important part of any business plan, as it outlines how the business will generate revenue and profit, and how it will use that profit to grow and sustain itself. To devise a financial plan for your rental property business, you will need to consider a number of factors, including your start-up costs, operating costs, projected revenue, and expenses. 

Here are some steps you can follow to devise a financial plan for your rental property business plan:

  • Determine your start-up costs: This will include the cost of purchasing or leasing the space where you will operate your business, as well as the cost of buying or leasing any equipment or supplies that you need to start the business.
  • Estimate your operating costs: Operating costs will include utilities, such as electricity, gas, and water, as well as labor costs for employees, if any, and the cost of purchasing any materials or supplies that you will need to run your business.
  • Project your revenue: To project your revenue, you will need to consider the number of customers you expect to have and the average amount they will spend on each visit. You can use this information to estimate how much money you will make from selling your products or services.
  • Estimate your expenses: In addition to your operating costs, you will need to consider other expenses, such as insurance, marketing, and maintenance. You will also need to set aside money for taxes and other fees.
  • Create a budget: Once you have estimated your start-up costs, operating costs, revenue, and expenses, you can use this information to create a budget for your business. This will help you to see how much money you will need to start the business, and how much profit you can expect to make.
  • Develop a plan for using your profit: Finally, you will need to decide how you will use your profit to grow and sustain your business. This might include investing in new equipment, expanding the business, or saving for a rainy day.

rental property business plan template free

Frequently Asked Questions About Rental Property Business Plans:

Why do you need a business plan for a rental property business.

A business plan for a rental property business is important because it provides an overall strategy for the business. It outlines the goals and objectives of the business and serves as a roadmap to guide the business owners in achieving them. It also provides guidance on topics such as market analysis, competitive analysis, financing, funding, operations and more. Ultimately, a well-crafted plan can help entrepreneurs reduce risk, increase their success rate and better manage their investments.

Who should you ask for help with your rental property business plan?

You should ask a professional business plan consultant or advisor for help with your rental property business plan. You should also contact your local Small Business Administration or Chamber of Commerce for resources and assistance. Additionally, you may want to consult a financial advisor who specializes in rental property investments.

Can you write a rental property business plan yourself?

Yes, you can write a rental property business plan yourself. Writing a business plan is an important step in planning and presenting your rental property business ideas. It should include details like market analysis, financial projections, competitive landscape, and strategies for success. Your plan should also identify the key goals you have for your rental property business and the milestones you will use to measure progress. Additionally, it should outline how you will source and manage properties, how you will generate revenue, how you will attract tenants, and what marketing strategies and tactics you will use to promote your business. Finally, it should also address any legal or regulatory considerations that may be relevant to your specific type of rental property.

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I'm Nick, co-founder of newfoundr.com, dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs succeed. As a small business owner with over five years of experience, I have garnered valuable knowledge and insights across a diverse range of industries. My passion for entrepreneurship drives me to share my expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to turn their business dreams into reality.

Through meticulous research and firsthand experience, I uncover the essential steps, software, tools, and costs associated with launching and maintaining a successful business. By demystifying the complexities of entrepreneurship, I provide the guidance and support needed for others to embark on their journey with confidence.

From assessing market viability and formulating business plans to selecting the right technology and navigating the financial landscape, I am dedicated to helping fellow entrepreneurs overcome challenges and unlock their full potential. As a steadfast advocate for small business success, my mission is to pave the way for a new generation of innovative and driven entrepreneurs who are ready to make their mark on the world.

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FREE 10+ Rental Property Business Plan Templates in PDF | MS Word

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What do you think of having your property rented? Sounds like a good business idea, doesn’t it? There is a high demand for rental properties nowadays that starting your own rental property business seems like a very promising idea. Would you start this kind of business? And if you do, what would you actually do?

Rental Property Business Plan Pdf Word

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You will need enough knowledge and expertise on how to run a business, especially one related to rental properties and other related things. It is also important that you have a rental property business plan to ensure that your business will be manageable and successful. You may use the rental property business plan samples and templates in this article as your own or as reference.

Rental Property Business Plan Template

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A Business Plan for Investing in Rental Properties

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Real Estate Management Business Plan

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Sample Single-Paged Business Plan

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What Is a Rental Property Business Plan?

A business plan is referred to as a document that describes what a business is. Included in its description are the main goals and objectives if the business, the industry under which they operate in, the strategies that they use to operate or manage the business, their sales, and their financial and marketing forecasts. Through a business plan, your ideas about a particular business can be clarified and soon visualized.

A rental property business is just one of the many types of businesses that needs or requires a business plan. The business plan covers details that are specific to renting properties and other related businesses. It is important for anyone who wishes to start their own rental property business and other related businesses to know about the uses of a business plan. What are these uses? We have gathered a lit of these uses below.

  • A business plan is used to create an outline of the entire business starting from the big tasks and then breaking them down into smaller tasks. This makes it possible to start the business.
  • With the use of a business plan, potential risks to the business can be identified so that an action plan or contingency plan can be provide both to avoid taking the risks and to minimize the risks.
  • Starting a business is not only risky but costly. Through a business plan, both costs and risks in running and managing a business can be identified. This allows for a plan to be created to find alternate ways on how to lower costs and counter the risks.
  • By creating a business plan, small details that may be missing are identified.
  • Proper management and organization can also be prepared ahead of time when the business is planned appropriately.

For you to consider yourself to be truly ready to start your own rental property business, it is essential that you know what it is as well as its uses. Other related articles you may be interested in are Business Plan Templates, Short Business Plan Templates , and  Essential Parts of a Retail Business Plan .

Ways to Be Successful in Your Rental Property Business

What does it take to be successful in a rental property business? What must you have and what do you need? Well, you just got yourself in the right article. Why? It is because we know some ways on how you can be successful in your rental property business.

Know your target market.

The factors that will help you determine who your target market should be include the type of property that will have for rent and its location. If you have a condominium unit in the heart of the city, then most probably your target market will consists single professionals, expats or small families. This is because it will be accessible for them to go to malls and other nearby establishments. If the property you own is one that is intended for commercial use then your target market will consist of businesses needing a commercial space to use. Whatever property you will be having for rent, just make sure that you know who you should be marketing it to.

How much is your budget?

You can’t start or run a business without setting aside a budget for it. Even big companies and other large corporations set aside a budget for their business. Why not do the same for your rental property business. What is this budget going to be used for? You need to be maintain the properties that you have for rent so cleaning services, repair services and renovation services should be done whenever necessary. It also works as an emergency fun when some parts of the property needs to be fixed or repaired, especially if it is something that may put your tenants at risk.

Put your plan in writing.

A written plan can be easily realized compared to that of verbal plans. With a written plan you will have something to review and check anytime you need to. And it is not just a business plan that you need to put in writing, you should also have your contracts and agreements in writing. All these are necessary for your business to run legally. This way confusion, disagreements and false claims can be avoided.

Know who your prospective tenants are.

Before approving a tenant application, make sure that you do a thorough background check of the applicants. You can’t just accept applicants randomly. You need to do your part in selecting your tenants. Doing so will help you avoid any future problems, like late payments, damages in your property or having to pay for a large sum to get them evicted. It is an additional task that a landlord or owner must take and it may seem like a total hassle, but it is definitely worth it in the long run.

Mind your business’ cash flow.

You meed to keep track your cash flow. Your expenses for the business should not be more than the cost of maintaining and running it. If this happens then there is something wrong with your planning and it need to be corrected immediately before you become in debt with the maintenance of the business. A good cash flow means that your business is doing just fine and that it is generating the expected or forecasted business income.

Be a responsible landlord or owner.

Do your part as the landlord or owner of the rental property. If you keep this in mind, your tenants will follow your example and they will also do their part as tenants in your agreement. You can prevent late payments, damages to your property and conflict with your tenants if you keep this mind. You will even more gain their respect and trust, which will lead to more tenant referrals.

Monitor regularly.

For you to be able to point out the needs of your tenants related to the property, like what must be fixed or renovated or maintained, you will need to conduct routine check to your rental properties. Provide a timetable or schedule of maintenance to each of your tenants and give them notice at least two weeks ahead of time. This will allow them enough time to prepare for it.

You may also want to check out other business plan related articles on our website, like  Sample Restaurant Business Plan ,  Service Business Plan Templates , and  Sample Bar Business Plans .

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Why Is a Business Plan Important?

A business plan is important because it is used as the basis for running and managing your business, aside from providing an outline of the structure of the business. Planning is the very first step when you want to do something and if you intend to increase the chances of being successful with it. A business plan will help build the foundations of the business as well as help in establishing good business relations with other related businesses.

Another reason why a business plan is important is that it helps businesses demonstrate their commitment and road map to success. These are the primary things that investors would be looking for when selecting candidates to invest their money on. This is how investors will be able to tell if they have the same values with the business, if they share the same ideals with the business, and if they can profit from that business.

It is very clear how important a business plan is both to starting business and to already existing businesses. There is no better way to manage and run a business than with the use of a business plan. We hope that you are able to learn something from this article. If you want to explore more about business plans and other plans in general, then you can check out our website. The topics we offer, include  Elements of a Business Plan ,  Sample Professional Business Plan Templates , and  Personal Business Plan Templates .

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How to Create Property Management Business Plan [Free Template]

Photo of Shannon Hurlman

Shannon Hurlman

Sales Manager - Second Nature

rental property business plan template free

There are as many different perspectives on property management business plans as there are different PM businesses. But one thing holds true – in the classic adage usually attributed to Dwight D. Eisenhower – it’s not the plan that matters so much as the planning . 

Outlining a detailed business plan isn’t just important for defining your own goals, it’s key to communicating those to potential clients and investors. It also requires deep insight into what residents want and are willing to pay for.

Whether you’re new to property management, have been managing properties for years and are ready to start your own business, or own property management business but are looking for greater investment, we’ll cover important topics to address business plan creation.

We’ll explain why business planning can be so important, as well as who to target with your plan. We’ll also share a free template to get you started.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • How to identify and find your ideal clients
  • How to articulate your value proposition
  • What to include in your business plan
  • How to outline your business plan
  • A free property management business plan template

Meet the Expert: Peter Lohmann , CEO RL Property Management

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What to Know before Creating a Property Management Business Plan  

Not to get too deep down the rabbit hole, but the first step to creating a high-quality business plan is – you guessed it – to make a plan for the plan. For entrepreneurs, planning is the key to success.

Going through the following steps first will make the process much easier and more effective in the long run. Here’s what you need to get clear at the outset.

State Laws governing property management business 

As you know, each property management company’s approach is very dependent on regional or state regulations. Before taking any steps to either start or change your business, you need to have a clear understanding of the local laws governing your business venture.

We highly recommend hiring an attorney who can help you navigate those laws and regulations. 

Who are your ideal clients  

Lohmann lays out three critical steps to crystalizing a successful business plan:

  • Identify your ideal clients.
  • Articulate your unique value proposition for those clients.
  • Go out and find leads.

So, first: Who are your ideal new clients? 

“Get really clear on who your ideal customer is,” Lohmann says. “Are you managing associations, office buildings, big apartments, single-family rentals, etc.? The narrower and more specific you can be, the better your life is going to be and the more money you’re going to make.”

In other words, anything outside of this target market is going to be a waste of your time. That’s why this is the first step.

“The more narrow and specific you can be here, the more directly you can speak to your prospects in a way that’s compelling,” Lohmann says. “Everything becomes easier – content strategy, sales conversations, even operations become easier – if you know who you want to manage for and what types of properties you want to manage.”

What type of property management company you are 

The next step is to identify your unique value proposition. There are tons of property management companies out there. Why should your ideal client choose you?

In Lohmann’s words: “Your second step is to ask, ‘Why should anyone care?’ Property management isn’t a new concept; there are tons of property managers. So, identify what your unique value proposition is.”

This is key to figuring out not just who to pitch to but how to pitch to them.

“What are you going to talk about?” Lohmann says. “You can’t just say, ‘Oh, hire us, we’re the best!’ You need clear examples that say, ‘Our company does something a little different.’”

For RL Property Management, that started as a promise that they would never charge a leasing fee. 

“Sure, it’s kind of crazy, and I don’t know anyone else who doesn’t charge that, but it worked,” Lohmann says. “We were trying to figure out why everyone hated their property manager. And we decided that it might be an incentive problem where the property manager’s incentive is to fill the unit as quickly as possible so they can get that big leasing fee, and that was creating bad outcomes for property owners. So we decided that we weren't going to charge a leasing fee, and we've stuck with it ever since.”

How to find your ideal clients 

The third and final step of preparation is to identify where you need to go out and find leads and engage property management marketing .

“Given what you know about how you defined your ideal prospect and your company and what they offer, the next question is where you go and get these leads,” Lohmann says.

“A lot of property managers start with this third step. They just say, ‘How can I get more leads?’ But that’s the wrong question. Why do you deserve those leads? Answer that first. Downstream of that is ‘Where are those people hanging out, and how can I get this to them?’”

Getting this step right involves researching property management and real estate property in your area and getting familiar with industry news, conferences, and listings.

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What should a property management business plan include?

Now, let’s talk about the actual outline of your PM business plan. If you’re starting a new business and aiming to present a business plan to investors, or even business partners, you should outline each section below as a presentation deck. The information presented in this section needs to read like it is designed for investors and should highlight key terms and concepts they care about. 

Here’s a sample property management business plan outline, followed by a detailed explanation:

Executive Summary

Company overview, market analysis (industry, customer, and competitive analysis).

  • Marketing Plan & Sales Strategy

Operations Management 

Management team, financial plan .

  • Growth Opportunities 

This is a high-level overview of your entire presentation. As such, it should be the last section that you write. You want to be concise but interesting and hook the reader quickly. Outline the following in broad strokes:

  • The type of property management company you are operating
  • Your target market
  • Your objectives
  • Your plan for meeting these objectives 

The company overview will dive deeper into your property management niche and business model. Explain what types of properties you manage and how you operate. Options include single-family residential property management (SFR), multi-family property management (MFR) or residential apartments, HOA management, and commercial property management.

Give a brief history of your company and your legal business structure. Other important information might include: 

  • Your key competitive differentiators and core competencies
  • Your metrics for success
  • Your management team
  • Financial details
  • Mission and vision statements

This section benefits you almost as much as it does your audience. Researching for this section will help you more deeply understand the industry, customers, and competition. 

  • Industry analysis should include details on the trajectory of the market, its size, and key trends, along with challenges and opportunities.
  • Customer analysis should include details about your target customers, their wants and needs, etc.
  • Competitive analysis should outline direct competitors (PMCs in your area) and indirect competitors like in-house managers, automated tools, etc. Explain why your value proposition is unique. Ideally, present a thorough SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats) analysis.

This section should describe the property management services the company plans to offer, such as leasing, maintenance, and rent collection. Depending on the jurisdiction, legal compliance and documentation services may be relevant as well. This section should also discuss the pricing strategy for these services.

This section should describe the company's marketing plan and sales strategy, including how it plans to attract and retain clients. It should also discuss any advertising or promotional campaigns the company plans to undertake. Promotions could include paid advertising in print and on websites, social media marketing, radio advertising, SEO marketing, and more.

Here, it’s important to document your marketing channels (organic online, targeted online, print advertising, professional networking) as well as ongoing sales and marketing programs.

Outline your short-term processes and long-term business goals, as well as estimate day-to-day operations. What property management software are you using in the business? What bottlenecks slow down work that’s moving through the organization? How will you structure your company and your teams? 

It may also be helpful to include details on critical process workflows, risk mitigation strategies, and technology integrations and updates.

Outline your management structure and the skills and experience of your management team. You’ll particularly want to highlight property management and real estate experience. This is a key moment for you to consider who you have in the company, who is a right fit, and who needs to be looked at as not a great fit.

This is where you give your financial projections and approach. Outline your major cost centers and revenue drivers. What management fees are you going to charge? You should include a profit and loss statement, balance sheets, and a cash flow statement.

Growth Opportunities  

Identify and outline the most targeted growth opportunities for your business right now and over the next five and ten years. Knowing your long-term goals requires you to gain a deep understanding of the real estate and property management market in your area and to understand clearly where you fit in and how you can generate growth and value for years to come. 

Typically, in this section you might include:

  • Expansion plans
  • Strategic alliances
  • Technology upgrades
  • Emerging market trends

Property Management Business Plan Free Template

Although you may prefer to draft your own property management business plan from scratch, there are a couple of options for short-cutting the process. 

You can use the checklist below to organize your plan, or else simply download our free PMC business plan template to customize as you see fit. 

  • Your property management niche and business model
  • How you operate
  • Company history 
  • Your legal business structure
  • Financial overview

Market Analysis 

  • Industry assessment
  • Customer analysis
  • Competitive analysis
  • Outline of sales and marketing plans
  • Marketing channels
  • Ongoing sales and marketing programs
  • Long-term business goals
  • Current processes
  • Critical process workflows
  • Risk mitigation strategies
  • Technology integrations and updates
  • Management structure
  • Skills and experience
  • Financial projections
  • Cost centers and revenue drivers
  • P&L statement
  • Balance sheet
  • Cash flow statement
  • Targeted growth opportunities

Get your free PMC business plan template here.

Beyond the business plan: Focus on retention with the Second Nature RBP    

At Second Nature, we work with property managers around the country to develop better resident experiences that will generate more value for their clients and more profit for their companies. 

The product we have found most helpful to property managers at every stage of their company’s growth is a fully managed resident benefits package or RBP. Each product in this package aims to deliver something residents want or need and a service that helps set your PMC apart. We want to help make running your business as easy as second nature.

Operational Efficiency

Keep learning

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How to Optimize Operational Frequency with Processes and Software

Property management software is currently helping property managers establish efficient and reliable processes at a higher rate than ever before in the PM industry. With that development in the proptech industry has come the development of tech for self-managers that has changed the capacity of the accidental landlord. Thus, the demand for efficiency at scale has risen in order to separate the professional from the amateur, and the establishment of processes that allow such a thing has become a critical topic for professional property managers. Optimizing property management processes Carter Fleck of Triton Property Management, a growth-oriented firm out of northern Virginia that is approaching 300 units with larger goals for 2024, joins us to share his expertise on process definition. Fleck is the General Manager responsible for operations and strategic growth, and he has been developing effective processes to ensure efficiency at Scale at Triton, and in the process, he has garnered an understanding of how to do so. “A lot of failing,” says Fleck. “In the early days, we were getting a lot of good and bad feedback, but typically the bad feedback is what you adjust off of.” Fleck believes that assumptions are the enemy when it comes to defining procedures and sourcing software for your PMC. “The image that we use is if you're going to build a sidewalk before people even start walking on a field, it's kind of dumb. You have to see where people will walk first, and then you'll build a gravel path. So number one, you see where they walk, see where their intentions are in the grass, then you build a gravel path. And then eventually, once that walkway is established, that's where you build your processes and procedures.” The analogy is a visualization of the concept that you have to see how people operate before you can establish processes to make how they operate more efficient. Fleck encourages the negative experiences of process breakdown and cites them as the only way to really nail down what your processes should look like. “Over time, between the tenants giving feedback and owners giving feedback, we adjusted our processes. It's a mix between figuring out where the owners walk and where the tenants walk, and then building paths that align.” Fleck details an example of how Triton adjusted its process after an assumption it made got challenged: "We had an assumption that payment plans were helpful for residents," says Fleck. "And so the way we handled delinquency is we would reach out to them and would be like, ‘you need to pay this. Do you have a payment plan option?’ And they would always say yes. Our process was we'll put you on a payment plan, we'll invite you to a payment plan, you'll accept the payment plan, and then we'll monitor the payment plan. That in itself was a lot of work, but we thought it was doing well. But some of the owners that we had managed for mentioned that another property manager doesn't allow any payment plans. And if you're not fully paid up by the end of the month, then the eviction process starts if you’re over $500 due. So we're like 'alright, well, we'll serve you in that we'll change our processes.' And we did, and our delinquency percentage shrunk significantly. So, consistently, by the end of every month, we're around 5% APR. Whereas with payment plans we're like 5 to 10%.” Fleck obviously credits seeing the assumptions in motion as what prompted the need for process iteration, and he firmly believes that making too many of these assumptions is one of the biggest mistakes growing property management companies make. Like any business experiencing growth, process definition is critical to achieve efficiency at larger volumes. What Fleck is essentially advocating for is processes based on what you know, not what you think, and there is a big distinction. Managing property management software Fleck has installed both general and tech-based processes, and cites that understanding of how people interact with processes as the key in both areas. "They don't focus on user experience. That's really important. Number one, how the tenants like the tech, but specifically how the people who are using the tech are gonna adopt it. So when we were choosing a rent inspection software, we had so many people recommend one, software and I, we almost pulled the trigger on it. But then I was like, let's do a trial run on both these two. And we chose the other one because it was way better user experience for property managers. So user experience, both for us and for residents." Tech is a tool that is ultimately as good as its users, and if it's not used correctly or at all, its potential is wasted. An over-reliance on technology can actually go hand-in-hand with an under-reliance, as both often spring up from a lack of understanding of how to choose, implement, and manage it. In this vein, Fleck can't recall many property managers who operate with too much tech. As long as you're not purchasing redundant software and you've done and continue to do your due diligence, tech-based process can make your business more efficient. "I more often find myself having that conversation," says Fleck. "When I'm talking to property managers in my sub-market, who aren't connected with like a NARPM, who aren't connected with like a Crane group, or who aren't connected with a Second Nature, aren't connected to the tune of what the property management industry is doing and the cutting edge of it, I'm just like, 'you could save so much of your time and you could scale this so much more if you only even if you just had tenant Turner, or if you had LeadSimple.'" No matter what your story is a property manager, if growth is in the cards, so is process and technology refinement. Hopefully, Fleck's experience in these areas can help you stay efficient and organized as door counts grow.

rental property business plan template free

Why offer a tenant benefits package?

In the residential real estate sector, like everywhere else, residents and property investors alike are getting younger – and with this generational shift comes expectations for a certain level of convenience and support. To put it bluntly, today’s residents want their needs proactively anticipated. It’s something they're willing to pay (and stay) for. That’s where a tenant benefits package comes in. In this article, we’ll explore what a tenant benefit package is, how it improves the experience for both property managers and tenants, and crucial mistakes to avoid. Before we get into the details, we want to give a shoutout to our very own “Resident Benefits Package” – which is how we refer to the benefits comprised in the “tenant benefits package.” “Tenant” is not yet a legacy term, but we here at Second Nature are trying to evolve it. That’s because, in our experience, property managers work hard to make renters feel like they’re not just parties to a contract – they’re residents. On one hand, this is just humans being humans, but on the other hand, it also encourages them to invest in care for their new home and add value to the property. Ready to get started now? Build your Resident Benefits Package today. What is a tenant benefits package? A tenant benefits package is typically a bundle of services, conveniences, and provisions offered by a property manager on top of the basic lease agreement. They represent a triple-win situation for property managers, residents, and property owners, as they enhance the overall rental experience, generate additional income, and protect the real estate investment. It might include conveniences such as online monthly rent payment options, or portals for submitting maintenance requests and tracking their status. It could also include various financial perks, such as credit rating improvements that are contingent on on-time rental payments, or discounts on nearby services such as fitness centers. It might also include amenities ranging from move-in concierge or utility set-up services, to identity protection services, to HVAC filter delivery. The cost for resident benefits packages is typically included in the lease and added as a monthly fee, with the fee being dependent on the specific benefits. Indeed, the benefits contained in a tenant benefits package will vary depending on the property manager and the type of rental property. The overall goal is to provide tenants with an enhanced quality of life while simplifying the experience of renting. At Second Nature, we pioneered the only fully managed resident benefits package, in response to PMs who wanted to make their business stand out. Our RBP includes an array of services and supports for residents, from filter delivery to credit building to maintenance. Why should property managers offer a tenant benefits package? Beyond the triple-win considerations mentioned just above, there are compelling and concrete reasons why property managers should offer tenant benefit packages. We'll turn to these now. Ancillary revenue Some tenant benefit packages include optional services or add-ons that can generate additional revenue streams for the property manager. This might include things like renter insurance or HVAC filter delivery. Resident experience Tenant benefit packages deliver numerous savings and value to tenants, beyond the value they would get if they were obtaining the same benefits "à la carte." Additionally, by offering additional services and conveniences, benefit packages can make tenants feel valued and more satisfied with their living experience. For instance, maintenance hotline requests, tenant portals, and air filter replacements all make life easier. Add-on services like identity theft protection can offer a sense of security. And discounted renters insurance coverage, utility concierge services, or other perks can save tenants money. Decrease tenant turnover and vacancy rates In a competitive rental market, tenant benefit packages can be a major differentiator toward boosting retention rates and reducing vacancy rates. Properties that offer these packages can also attract a wider pool of qualified tenants, and potentially command higher rents. Note that certain benefits in the package, like online rent payments and maintenance requests, can automate tasks and free up the property manager's time. This allows them to focus on more value-added initiatives. How does the tenant benefits package improve the tenant experience? Tenant benefit packages can significantly improve tenant satisfaction in several ways, by making life easier, more convenient, and potentially more affordable. For instance, if an online portal (a baseline feature for most property management software) is included for rent payments and maintenance issues and requests, this eliminates the hassle of writing checks or waiting on hold to speak with someone about a clogged drain. In other words, tenants have the peace of mind of knowing they can manage their tenancy 24/7 from the comfort of their own devices. Some packages might include features like filter delivery services or regularly scheduled HVAC maintenance. This frees tenants from having to remember these tasks – and ensures their apartment is well-maintained. Certain packages might also offer "verified vendor" services – in other words, a vetted vendor network that can help provide a more secure feeling to residents when service providers are on-site. On the financial side of things, a benefits package might offer discounts with local suppliers for various goods and services, or on a renters insurance policy obtained through the property manager (with applicable waivers for residents who have their own insurance). This can save tenants money on a necessary expense. Some packages also help residents with their credit scores via credit reporting and credit building services, so they can transition from renting to home buying when the time is right. The idea is that the credit reporting program reports on-time rent payments automatically to all credit bureaus, helping residents build their credit simply by paying their rent on time. Some benefit packages include resident rewards programs that represent a powerful and positive incentive for on-time rent payments, including gift cards or cash. As far as living perks go, packages sometimes include added benefits such as access to fitness centers or community events. This provides tenants with additional spaces to relax, socialize, or stay healthy. Packages can include security deposit alternatives that serve to provide a means for residents to be financially liable for damages without having to pay a significant lump sum upfront, such as pure insurance, surety bonds, and ACH authorization programs. Ultimately, tenant benefit packages create a more professional and responsive image for the property management company, which helps tenants feel valued and allows them to experience a smoother, more stress-free rental experience. What are the mistakes to avoid when offering tenant benefits packages? Property management companies should take care to avoid certain pitfalls when implementing tenant benefit packages to ensure they are providing true value to tenants as well as delivering profitability to the PM company itself. For instance, it's important to ensure that the services you're offering are actually relevant to your target renters. For example, young professionals might appreciate discounts on gym memberships, while families might prefer pet-sitting services. You should also take care to clearly communicate what's included and not included in the package to new residents. Don't oversell the benefits – focus on how they genuinely improve the living experience. It's also very important to set realistic expectations for response times on standard maintenance requests, emergency maintenance requests, or virtual concierge services. Likewise, be clear on all available payment methods, as well as rent due dates, late fee structures, and any associated payment processing fees. If your package includes services from third-party vendors, ensure that these vendors are reputable and reliable. Research their customer service record and responsiveness to ensure a smooth partnership and a positive experience for tenants. Above all, regularly monitor the usage of different benefits within your benefits package. This can help you refine your offerings and ensure you're not spending where spending is not required. Looking for a Resident Benefits Package? If you’re looking for a “plug and play” resident benefits package, Second Nature’s RBP is the way to go. Designed to be easy to implement and simple to use, all the services it includes are managed by Second Nature – which means there’s no day-to-day upkeep required from the property manager: Second Nature keeps it running. It’s a simple way to grow your business and create great experiences that residents will pay and stay for. Learn more about our fully-managed Resident Benefits Package.

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Real Estate Investing & Rental Management | How To

How to Write a Real Estate Investment Business Plan (+ Free Template)

Published September 22, 2023

Published Sep 22, 2023

Gina Baker

REVIEWED BY: Gina Baker

Jealie Dacanay

WRITTEN BY: Jealie Dacanay

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This article is part of a larger series on Investing in Real Estate .

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  • 1 Write Your Mission & Vision Statement
  • 2 Conduct a SWOT Analysis
  • 3 Choose a Real Estate Business Investing Model
  • 4 Set Specific & Measurable Goals
  • 5 Write a Company Summary
  • 6 Determine Your Financial Plan
  • 7 Perform a Rental Market Analysis
  • 8 Create a Marketing Plan
  • 9 Build a Team & Implement Systems
  • 10 Have an Exit Strategy
  • 11 Bottom Line

A real estate investment business plan is a guide with actionable steps for determining how you’ll operate your real estate investing business. It also indicates how you’ll measure your business’ success. The plan outlines your mission and vision statement, lets you conduct a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis, and sets goals in place. It’s similar to a business plan for any business, but the objectives are geared toward how you will manage the business, grow your investment, and secure funding.

We’ve created a free real estate investment business plan template for you to download and use as a guide as you read through the article and learn how to write a business plan for real estate investment:

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1. write your mission & vision statement.

Every real estate investment business plan should begin with a concrete mission statement and vision. A mission statement declares actions and strategies the organization will use—serving as its North Star in achieving its business or investment objectives. A strong mission statement directs a real estate business, keeps teams accountable, inspires customers, and helps you measure success.

Before you compose your mission statement, you need to think about the following questions to do it effectively:

  • What exactly is our business? The answer should encompass the essential functions of your real estate organization.
  • How are we doing it? The response must explain your real estate goals and methods based on your core principles.
  • Who are we doing it for? The response explains who your primary market is.
  • What are our guiding principles? The “why” for your real estate company’s existence.

Oak Tree Capital website mission statement header.

Mission statement example (Source: Oak Tree Capital )

The example above provides the mission statement of Oak Tree Capital. As a real estate investment business, it’s clear what its ultimate business objective is and how it will approach investing with integrity to maximize profit. Essentially, the investment company will drive monetary results—while maintaining its moral principles.

On the other hand, vision statements differ slightly from mission statements. They’re a bit more inspirational and provide some direction for future planning and execution of business investment strategies. Vision statements touch on a company’s desires and purpose beyond day-to-day operational activity. A vision statement outlines what the business desires to be once its mission statement is achieved.

For more mission statement examples, read our 16 Small Business Mission Statement Examples & Why They Inspire article and download our free mission statement template to get started.

If you want to write a vision statement that is truly aspirational and motivating, you should include your significant stakeholders as well as words that describe your products, services, values, initiatives, and goals. It would be best if you also answer the following questions:

  • What is the primary goal of your organization?
  • What are the key strengths of your business?
  • What are the core values of your company?
  • How do you aim to change the world as a business?
  • What kind of global influence do you want your business to have?
  • What needs and wants does your company have?
  • How would the world be different if our organization achieved its goals?

In the example below from Aguila Real Estate, it hopes to be the preferred real estate company in its market.

Example of a real estate vision statement.

Example of a vision statement (Source: Aguila Real Estate )

To make it easier, download our free template and follow our steps to create a vision statement for your small business. Take a look also at our 12 Inspiring Vision Statement Examples for Small Businesses in 2023 article to better understand how to create an impactful vision statement.

2. Conduct a SWOT Analysis

A SWOT analysis section of your real estate investing business plan template helps identify a business’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. This tool enables real estate investors to identify internal areas of improvement within their business through their strengths and weaknesses.

The opportunities and threats can assist with motivating a team to take actions that keep them ahead of an ever-changing real estate landscape. For a real estate business investor, the SWOT analysis is aimed at helping grow and protect investments over time.

Strengths & Weaknesses

Specifically for real estate investing, strengths and weaknesses correlate with the investment properties’ success and touch on items that will drive investment growth. The strengths can be the property’s location, condition, available amenities, and decreased vacancy. All of these items contribute to the success of a property.

On the contrary, the weaknesses include small unit sizes, excessive expenditures (finances to repair, upgrade, properties to acquire), low rents, and low cap rates. These weaknesses indicate less money is being collected and a lower overall return on investment (ROI). They are all factors that limit cash flow into the business and are internal factors that an investor can change.

See below for an example of strengths and weaknesses that could be included in a SWOT analysis:

Opportunities & Threats

Opportunities and threats are external factors that can affect an investment business. You don’t have control over these items, but you can maneuver your business to take advantage of the opportunities or mitigate any long-term effects of external threats. Opportunities relating to investment properties can be receiving certification with a city as a preferred development or having excess equity.

However, threats to an investment property do not need to be particularly connected to the property itself. They can be factors that affect your overall business. For example, interest rates may be high, which cuts your profits if you obtain a mortgage during that time frame.

An example of possible opportunities and threats for an investment business could be:

After creating your SWOT analysis, an investor can use these factors to develop business goals to support your strengths and opportunities while implementing change to combat the weaknesses and threats you anticipate. It also helps investors prioritize what items need to be addressed to succeed. These factors in a SWOT can change as the business grows, so don’t forget to revisit this portion and continuously reevaluate your SWOT.

3. Choose a Real Estate Business Investing Model

The core of real estate investing is to purchase and sell properties for a profit. How to make that profit is a factor in identifying your investment model. Different investing models are beneficial to an investor at different times.

For example, when interest rates are low, you may consider selling your property altogether. When interest rates are high and it is more difficult for people to obtain a mortgage, you may choose to rent out your properties instead. Sometimes, you must try a few models to see what works best for your business, given your area of expertise.

We’ve identified some investment business models to consider:

  • Buy and hold: This strategy mainly involves renting out the property and earning regular rental income. This is also considered the BRRRR method : buy, rehab, rent, refinance, and repeat until you have increased your portfolio.
  • Flipping properties : Flipping a property entails purchasing, adding value, and selling it higher than the investment costs. Many investors have a set profitability number they would like to hit but should consider market fluctuations on what they can realistically receive during the sale.
  • Owner-occupied: Investors can live in the property while renting out extra units to reduce their housing costs and have rental income coming in simultaneously. This model is best if you own multifamily units, especially duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes . It’s also a great way to understand the complexities of being a landlord. You can transition your unit to another renter when you want to move.
  • Turnkey: Buying a turnkey property is the best option for investors who wish to enter the real estate market without having to deal with renovations or tenant management. It’s a practical way for seasoned investors to diversify their portfolios with fewer time commitments.

Investors don’t have to stick to one model, and they can have a few of these investment models within their portfolio, depending on how much effort they would like to put into each property. Before choosing an investment model, consider which will help you meet your investing goals most efficiently.

Read our Investing in Real Estate: The 14-Tip Guide for Beginners article to learn how real estate investment works and other investing business models. Also, if you’re new to real estate investing and are looking for foundational knowledge to get started or seeking information about the best online courses for real estate investing, look at our The 13 Best Real Estate Investing Courses Online 2023 article.

4. Set Specific & Measurable Goals

The next step to completing a real estate investment business plan for real estate investing is to set SMART goals. SMART is an acronym that stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. Creating goals that contain all of the criteria of SMART goals results in extremely specific goals, provides focus, and sets an investor up for achieving the goals. The process of creating these goals takes some experience and continued practice.

An investor’s goals can consist of small short-term goals and more monumental long-term goals. Whether big or small, ideal goals will propel your business forward. For example, your end goal could be having a specific number of properties in your portfolio or setting a particular return on investment (ROI) you want to achieve annually.

Remember that your SMART goals don’t always have to be property-related just because you’re an investor. They can be goals that help you improve your networking or public speaking skills that can also add to a growing business.

Example of improving goals with SMART in mind:

Begin creating SMART goals with an initial goal. Then, take that initial goal and break it down into the different SMART components. SMART goals leave no room for error or confusion. The specific, measurable, and time-bound criteria identify the exact components for success.

However, the relevant and achievable parts of the goal require a little extra work to identify. The relevancy should align with your company’s mission, and extra research must be performed to ensure the goal is attainable.

Initial goal: Receive a 5% return on investment from the property

Smart goal:

  • Specific: I want to achieve a 5% return on the 99 Park Place property.
  • Measurable: The goal is to sell it for greater than or equal to $499,000.
  • Achievable: The current market value for a two-bedroom in Chicago is selling for $500,000 and growing by 1% yearly.
  • Relevant: I aim to meet my overall portfolio returns by 20% annually.
  • Time-bound: I want to offload this property in the next three years.

5. Write a Company Summary

The company summary section of a business plan for investors is a high-level overview, giving insight into your business, its services, goals, and mission, and how you differentiate yourself from your competition. Other items that can be included in this overview are business legal structure, business location, and business goals. The company summary is beneficial if you want to involve outside investors or partners in your business.

Choueri Real Estate company summary

​​Example company profile from Choueri Real Estate

A company summary is customizable to your target audience. If you’re using this section to recruit high-level executives to your team, center it around business operations and corporate culture. However, if you’re looking to target funding and develop investor relationships for a new project, then you should include investor-specific topics relating to profitability, investment strategy, and company business structure.

Partners and outside investors will want to consider your company’s specific legal business structure to know what types of liabilities are at hand. Legal business structure determines how taxes are charged and paid and what legal entity owns the assets. This information helps determine how the liabilities are separated from personal assets. For example, if a tenant wants to seek legal damages against the landlord and the property is owned by an LLC, personal assets like your personal home will not be at risk.

6. Determine Your Financial Plan

The most essential part of creating a real estate investing business is the financial aspect since much of the business involves purchasing, managing, and selling real estate. To buy real estate initially, you’ll have to determine where funding will come from. Funding can come from your personal assets, a line of credit, or external investors.

A few options are available to real estate investors when obtaining a loan to purchase properties. The lending options available to most real estate investors include the following:

  • Mortgage: This is one of the most common means of obtaining financing. A financial institution will provide money based on a borrower’s credit score and ability to repay the loan.
  • Federal Housing Authority (FHA) loans : This loan is secured by the FHA to assist with getting you a low down payment or lower closing costs, and sometimes easily obtain credit. There are some restrictions to qualify for this loan—but it could be suitable for newer investors who want to begin investing starting with their primary home.
  • Home equity line of credit (HELOC) : If you currently have property, obtain a HELOC by using your current property to secure the line of credit and borrow against the equity in your property. As you repay the loan, your available balance on the line of credit gets replenished.
  • Private lenders : These are lenders who are not financial institutions. These individual lenders typically have fewer restrictions than traditional lenders and will lend money to individuals who can grow their investments.
  • Hard-money loans : This loan requires a hard asset to be leveraged for money. For example, you can put up the home you want to purchase as the asset for cash upfront, and the hard-money loan will be paid back once the home is sold or other funding is secured. This is great for short-term deals due to quick approval and little upfront money.

After funding is obtained to purchase property, financial projections help investors understand their financial standing. These projections can tell you potential income, profits, and when you may need additional funding in the future. Similar to lending options, these calculations are specific to your investing model. If you’re not planning to rent out the property, then calculations like gross rent multiplier are not applicable.

For more information on what is needed to obtain financing, read our articles Investment Property Financing & Requirements and 5 Best Crowdfunding Sites for Investors 2023 .

Additional Investment Calculations

In a rental property business plan, it’s important to use a rental property calculator to determine a property’s potential return on investment. The calculator considers various factors, such as purchase price, operating expenses, monthly income, or vacancy rates, to determine whether a property is a good investment.

Click on the tabs below for the other important calculations all investors should be aware of when purchasing and managing rental properties :

  • Gross Operating Income
  • Gross Rent Multiplier
  • Vacancy Rate

The gross operating income (GOI) calculates the amount of rent and income received from a property minus any vacancy. It doesn’t take into account other expenses. It tells an investor how much income they’ll make after some assumed losses with vacancy.

GOI = Total rent + Other income – Vacancy losses

The capitalization (cap) rate calculates the return on investment (ROI) of a property. This equation is used to compare the return of one building to another. The higher the cap rate, the better since the purchase price is low.

Cap Rate = Net operating income / Purchase price

The gross rent multiplier (GRM) is a factor that helps determine a property’s potential profitability. It can be used to compare perspective buildings to determine which one is the better deal.

GRM = Property price / Gross annual income

The vacancy rate calculates the vacancy percentage of all your investment properties during a specific period. Percentage helps an investor determine how their property performs given current market conditions. If you have a high vacancy rate, you must determine the cause. Perhaps your asking rents are too high for the current housing market.

Vacancy Rate Formula = # of Vacant Units x 100 / Total # of Units

Cash flow is the movement of money in and out of your business, also known as net operating income. In an ideal scenario, investors will bring in more income than expenses, thus showing profit and a positive cash flow. Positive cash flow allows investors to decide how to use that profit. They can invest it in growing their portfolio or increasing their cash reserves for unexpected expenses.

Cash Flow = Gross rental income – Total expenses

Investors can use their current cash flow to forecast future cash flows, which will give you an idea of how much profit you will see over a specific period. Use past cash flow information to determine if there are any trends. For example, during the summer, your water expenses increase, or possibly every few months, you see an increase in property repairs. Consider these trends when estimating future cash flows and compare actual numbers to determine if your forecasting is accurate.

Use the template below to forecast future cash flow for six months and determine how much cash flow reserves you will have:

Cash Flow Template

Cash flow forecast template.

💡 Quick tip:

In addition to the template, investing in property management software like TenantCloud will set you up for success. The free plan from TenantCloud will help you list apartments, collect rent payments, and screen applicants to maximize profits and minimize vacancies.

7. Perform a Rental Market Analysis

While determining what properties to purchase, investors should perform a rental market analysis (RMA) to gauge the investment potential of a rental property. The RMA consists of running comparables against current units on the market and collecting data that may affect your rental rate to understand if the rental property in question is a solid long-term investment. The analysis helps determine the average rental rate and future rent if you want to make any property upgrades.

Fit Small Business rental market analysis template.

Investors can use resources like Zillow to pull comparable property information and gather information on unit layout, building amenities, rental concessions offered, or listing prices. Once the information is gathered, the spreadsheet itemizes the average, median, highest, and lowest rent. When such information is available, it also provides an average price per square foot compared to the subject property. With this information, investors can decide whether the subject property is worth the investment.

Read our 10 Best States to Invest in Real Estate (& 5 Worst) in 2023 article to better understand which states yield a positive cash flow, build equity, and have long-term profitability.

8. Create a Marketing Plan

Once you determine which property to invest in, investors should identify a marketing plan to list the vacant units. Some investors offload the marketing and advertising to real estate agents and brokerages, which will also collect a fee for renting out the property. Refer to some of the best real estate marketing materials to get started, or use our free real estate marketing plan template to lay out your objectives and tactics.

Image of Fit Small Business' free real estate marketing plan template.

A real estate marketing plan should include your goals, budget, target market, competitors, feasible marketing strategies, and unique selling offers. In addition, it’s crucial to balance your strategy and split your potential marketing plans into categories, like print materials, online ads, email, and social media, so that you can be very specific with your goals and metrics.

Here are some of the real estate marketing mediums to include as you set your marketing goals:

  • Real estate website and landing pages
  • Email marketing
  • SMS and text message marketing
  • Real estate ads
  • Social media marketing
  • Print marketing materials
  • Real estate signs

Download our marketing plan template by visiting our article Free Real Estate Marketing Plan Template & Strategy Guide .

9. Build a Team & Implement Systems

As a new investor, you may be unable to hire an entire team of employees to help perform research, run analysis, property management , and accounting duties. It is best to have a list of vendors you can rely on to assist you with purchasing, rehabilitating, and buying or selling your investment properties. Find vendors you trust so you can free yourself from having to micromanage them and know they have your best interest and the interest of your investments in mind.

Here are a few people you want to include on your team:

  • Contractors
  • Electricians
  • Property managers
  • Accountants

You should also utilize real estate investing apps and property intelligence software like Baselane that relieve you of manually performing daily duties to keep your investments profitable.

 .

Automated rent collection feature (Source: Baselane )

Baselane is an all-in-one solution—from banking to rent collection, bookkeeping, reporting, and analytics. This software will help you efficiently manage your portfolio and eliminate the need for manual tasks. Learn more about how Baselane can make you a better property owner.

Visit Baselane

If you’re looking for more tools to help you get started, improve your portfolio management, and streamline your operations, read our 6 Best Real Estate Software for Investors 2023 article. We listed the six best software tools available for real estate investing based on affordability, customer reviews, features, and support to assist you in finding the best software that suits your needs.

10. Have an Exit Strategy

Since an investor’s money is tied up in the properties they own until they choose to sell, deciding when to sell or liquidate to get access to your money is part of an investor’s overall real estate exit strategy. The exit strategy for a real estate investment business is a plan for when an investor would like to remove themself from a deal or the business altogether. It helps weigh the different scenarios to minimize business risks and maximize the total return on investments.

A few exit strategy examples are:

The factors that an investor should consider when devising an exit strategy are minimizing financial loss, recouping as much of their original investment as possible, and avoiding any unseen fees that will cut into profits like tax consequences. An investor’s plan should always be to grow their original investment, but unforeseen circumstances may occur that will require you to plan on when to cut your losses as well.

Bottom Line

Before launching a successful real estate investment business, you must have an efficient business plan, aligning your strategies with your business objectives. Our real estate investment business plan template can help get you started. These plans act as a roadmap so you can focus on the steps required to grow your business. Business plans evolve, so continuously revisit and improve your strategies. There is no right or wrong way to write a real estate investor business plan as long as it is used to achieve your goals.

About the Author

Jealie Dacanay

Find Jealie On LinkedIn

Jealie Dacanay

Jealie is a staff writer expert focusing on real estate education, lead generation, marketing, and investing. She has always seen writing as an opportunity to apply her knowledge and express her ideas. Over the years and through her internship at a real estate developer in the Philippines, Camella, she developed and discovered essential skills for producing high-quality online content.

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  • Making a property investment business plan
  • Rental yield calculations
  • Property investment strategies
  • How to quit your job and invest in property

Setting investment goals

  • Are property training courses worth the money?
  • Do you need a property mentor?
  • The process of buying an investment property
  • How to evaluate a property investment
  • Property assessment checklist
  • The 4 types of property deal I look for (and why)
  • How to find a property sourcer
  • Deciding where to invest
  • How to flip a house: the ultimate guide
  • Rent-To-Rent: The ultimate guide
  • Lease Options explained
  • Lending against property
  • Lessons from running a letting agency
  • How to get started with limited funds
  • Mortgages: The ultimate guide
  • Mortgages for limited companies
  • New mortgage rules: rental cover and portfolio landlords
  • Interest-only vs repayment mortgages
  • Bridging finance: the ultimate guide
  • Property joint venture agreements – The ultimate guide
  • Recycling your cash
  • Self-manage or use a letting agent?
  • Landlord insurance guide
  • How to find tenants
  • Writing a tenancy agreement
  • What does self-managing a property involve?
  • Rent guarantee insurance
  • The 18-year property cycle
  • Will London house prices crash?
  • Avoiding Inheritance Tax
  • Exit strategies
  • Mortgage interest relief
  • Buying through a company

How to create a rental property business plan (and why you need one)

Last updated: 21 October 2022

Take it from someone who’s spoken to a lot of investors over the last few years: almost everyone who achieves great success started out with a solid plan.

All businesses start out with a plan . Even if that plan is just “I think I can buy this widget for £1 and sell it for £1.50”, it’s still a statement of what the business will do and how it will make a profit.

But many – in fact, most – wannabe property investors start out without even the most basic of plans. Often, people have nothing more than vague thoughts like “ property prices go up, so it’s a good investment ” or “ most wealthy people seem to own property ”.

It might feel like sitting around planning is just delaying you from getting out to look at properties and start making money. But take it from someone who’s spoken to a lot of investors over the last few years: almost everyone who achieves great success started out with a solid plan.

(Or to put it another, more painful way: almost everyone who didn’t start with a plan ends up disappointed with where they end up – however much effort, money and time they put in.)

What does a rental property business plan look like?

It certainly doesn't need to be 100 spiral-bound pages of projections and fancy charts. In fact, the best plan would be so simple that it fits on the back of an index card – meaning that you can commit it to memory and use it to drive every decision you make.

In order to get to that simplicity though, you might need to do some seriously brain-straining thinking first.

It's not easy, but it is simple: your plan basically just needs to set out…

Where you are now

  • Where you want to get to, and
  • What actions you're going to take to bridge the gap

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To give a cheesy analogy, you can't plan a route unless you know where you're starting from.

Working out your starting point is the easiest part, because it involves information that's either known or easily knowable to you.

You'll need to be clear about:

  • The amount of money you've got to invest
  • The amount of savings you can allocate to property investment in future years
  • The time you can invest each week or month
  • The skills and knowledge you can apply to your property business

Note that I said it was the easiest part, but still not easy – because it involves honesty about what you can commit, and self-knowledge to determine where your strengths lie.

Knowing how much money you've got to invest should be straightforward, but it's probably worthwhile speaking to a mortgage broker to check that you'll have borrowing options – because this will determine your total investment figure. A broker will also be able to tell you about your options around releasing equity from your own home, if that's something you want to consider.

I'd also strongly encourage you to consider what “emergency fund” you want to keep in cash, and deduct that from your total investable funds. I suggest having at least six months' expenses in the bank at all times: the last thing you want is to plough every last penny into investments, then lose your job the next day and be unable to pay your bills.

Where you want to get to

So now you know where you're starting from, where do you want to end up? In other words, what's your goal?

Yes, you want to be “rich”, or “secure”, or “build a future” – but what does that actually mean, in pounds and pence terms, for you?

And just as importantly, when do you want to have achieved that?

You might be surprised by how much thought is involved in answering these questions properly. It's easy to throw around terms like “enough to fund my lifestyle” and assume that it might involve an income of £10,000 per month, but it's another matter entirely to look honestly at your ideal lifestyle and determine what a genuinely meaningful figure is.

The same is true for “when” – and it's an often-ignored factor that actually cuts to the heart of the most basic of investment decisions.

For example, take a choice between two properties:

  • Property 1 will give a return on your investment of 15% but will probably never increase in value
  • Property 2 will give a return of 7% but has the potential to double in value over the next decade.

If your goal is to create a certain monthly income within three years, the Property 1 is likely to be a better choice. Growth is unlikely to happen to any great extent over that time, so you need to optimise for cash in the bank right now.

On the other hand, if you have a decade before you want to have achieved your goal, Property 2 is probably the better bet. It very much is a “bet” because you're taking something of a gamble on capital growth, but it's got a lot of time to happen – and when it does, your returns will dwarf the higher rental income you'd have made from the other property.

That's just one example of why making even simple decisions in your property business are impossible without having that most basic ingredient of your plan: where you ultimately want to end up, and when.

So, by this point in the plan you need to:

  • Assess your finances to build up an honest picture of where you are now
  • Put some serious thought into where you want to get to, and when

If you need help with this goal-setting process, I co-own Property Hub Invest which offers free strategy meetings . It's often easier to work this stuff out in conversation with someone who knows their stuff, rather than doing it all in your own head.

That's a great start, but for most people it'll produce an uncomfortable insight: the gap between where you are and where you want to be seems impossibly large! With the resources you've got now, how are you possibly going to reach your goal in a sensible period of time?

Well, that's where it's time to start thinking about the details of the third step: the strategy you'll use to pursue your goal.

A strategy to bridge the gap

The steps you take to get from Point A to Point Z are what's commonly referred to as your strategy – and strategy is a vital component of your business plan.

The way I like to think about strategy is the way you compensate for a lack of cash . It's an unusual way to look at it, but I find it useful – because it tells you (given your timeframe and your goal) how much heavy-lifting your strategy will need to do to keep you on track.

Think of it like this: if you had £10m in the bank and your goal was to make an income of £5,000 per month within a year, you wouldn't need any strategy at all . You could just use your £10m to buy any properties, anywhere – you wouldn't need to maximise the rent, manage them well or even keep them all occupied at all times! You'd be able to buy so much property that you really couldn't fail.

Sure, it'd be a pretty stupid thing to do – you should really have had a more ambitious goal – but you get the point.

Obviously, most of us aren't in that position – and that's why we need a strategy.

So, just what position are you in?

A rule of thumb

A handy way of looking at it is to take the amount of money you've got to invest in property, and assume that you can get a 5% annual return on that money (ROI) – which is a rough rule-of-thumb for a normal property bought with a 75% mortgage.

So, if you've got £100,000, you can generate a (pre-tax) profit of £5,000 per year – or £416 per month.

That's unlikely to be enough to hit most people's goals – but then there's the time factor. If you save up the rental income for 20 years, you'll be able to buy another batch of properties just like the first – so you'll now have income of £832 per month.

If you're happy with that, then you've already got your strategy: buy properties that will give you your desired ROI, then wait!

Portfolio-building strategies

But most people will want more than that: we've hardly been talking about life-changing sums, and 20 years is a long time to wait before you can buy again!

This is where more of an advanced strategy comes in, allowing you to get better results, faster.

This might include:

  • Buying properties and adding value, so you can refinance at the higher value and buy your next property more quickly ( learn more about this strategy )
  • Buying properties at a discount, allowing you again to refinance at the higher value and move on to the next one
  • Turning properties into HMOs, so you can generate a higher ROI on them
  • “Flipping” properties for a profit, so you can replenish your cash more quickly ( read my guide to flipping )

…or something else entirely.

I go into different strategies in enormous detail in my book, The Complete Guide To Property Investment .

Simply appreciating the need for one of these strategies from the start is a really big deal.

Most people don't: they'll rush in, use all their money to buy properties that generate (say) £500 profit per month, then…what? They'll be stuck – because they didn't go in with a plan for how they were going to get to their target number . They'll effectively be starting from scratch, having to scrape together the money to go again.

It's extremely common, and it doesn't surprise me – but it does frustrate me. If they'd started with just a bit of time making a plan, they wouldn't have made this mistake – because it would have become very obvious that they wouldn't reach their goal without applying some strategy.

Any of the strategies I listed (or a different one, or a combination of several of them), when applied effectively, can get you to where you need to be. But that's not to say that all of them will be equally good for you. Each of them has different risk factors, requires different time commitments, are suited to different skill sets, and so on.

That's why this is your business plan: copying someone else's homework isn't going to do you any good, because their skills, attributes and preferences will be different from yours.

For example, one person's plan might be to get their hands dirty by renovating properties for resale – completing two projects per year, and using the profits to buy an HMO. Within five years they'll have five HMOs, which will give them all the income they need.

Someone else might be hopeless at anything hands-on, but a master negotiator. Their plan could be to buy at enough of a discount that they can pull at least half of their funds back out again by refinancing – and keep doing that until in ten years' time they have 15 single-let properties giving them their target income figure.

(That's why when someone emails me asking if their strategy “sounds good”, I have to say that I don't know: usually it sounds like on paper like it would work for someone , but I have no idea if they're the right person to execute it.)

So, coming up with your strategy involves:

  • Starting with an assessment of where you are now
  • Deciding where you want to get to, and by when
  • Seeing how far you'll fall short by just buying “normal” properties
  • Thinking about your own skills, time and preferences to choose which strategy (or strategies) you'll use to fill in the gap

It might take a while, and that's OK – it's not an easy decision . To take the pressure off though, remember: your plan isn't set in stone. It's important to start with a clear vision and not get distracted by every new opportunity that comes your way, but every plan is just a starting point: you'll be seeing what works, reviewing and adjusting course along the way.

Once you've got a strategy down on paper, that's a huge step – and you should congratulate yourself, because it's a step that most people will never make (and will suffer for).

But of course, the act of writing the plan isn't going to magic it into existence: you need to get out there and execute on the plan.

Turning your property business plan into action

Having an appropriate goal and a solid strategy to get you there are essential, sure – but nothing is going to happen until you actually take the steps that are necessary to execute that strategy.

If you don't take the time to identify the steps and make a plan to carry them out, you'll end up in “pulling an all-nighter the day before your homework is due in” mode. And you don't want that: it's no good setting a five-year goal, feeling all virtuous for being such a strategic and big-picture thinker, then realising in four years and 364 days that you've not actually got any closer towards making it a reality!

So let's get those steps in place. And the good news is…it's really simple. (The best things usually are.)

Breaking it down

However big, ambitious and far in the future a goal seems to be, all goals are achieved in exactly the same way : by breaking them down into individual tasks, and working through those tasks one by one.

As you work through those tasks, it’s important to have sub-goals as “checkpoints” along the way.

Sub-goals are how you stay on track: by setting a deadline for each sub-goal, you can make sure that your progress is fast enough. They also keep you motivated, because it means you’ll always have a small “win” on the horizon: you won’t just be looking at the main goal (potentially) years off in the future. Think of them as mile markers at the side of a marathon course.

To put it another way:

Small task + Small task + Small task = Sub-goal Sub-goal + Sub-goal + Sub-goal = Overall goal

It's those small daily tasks that are the foundations of your achievement. And that's the beauty of a good plan: all you need to concentrate on is ticking off your tasks each day, and your overall goal is achieved automatically!

So, this final step in your plan is about breaking that big goal down into sub-goals, and those sub-goals down into bite-sized individual tasks. That's it!

As you break it down, there are a few things I find are useful to think about…

One-off tasks v recurring tasks

Your business will have two types of task:

  • One-off tasks , like finding a mortgage broker
  • Recurring tasks , like viewing properties and making offers

These two types of task will both appear in your weekly, monthly and quarterly to-do lists. A useful way of planning your time is to start by filling in your recurring tasks – like going through portals to find new potential acquisitions every day, and calling agents to follow up on offers once per week – then adding your recurring tasks on top.

By thinking about both types, you'll make sure you're not dropping the ball on the important day-by-day stuff, but you're also not ignoring the big-picture one-offs that are going to make a huge difference to your business in the long run.

The first, simplest step

Just like you break a goal down into sub-goals and sub-goals down into tasks, I favour breaking every one-off task down into the smallest possible unit .

For example, “find a mortgage broker” could be an important one-off task for you, but it's not something you can just sit down and do until it's done. Because it seems nebulous and you can never identify a block of time when you can do it from start to finish, you can end up never doing it at all.

Instead, you'll make yourself feel better by ticking off smaller tasks that seem easier – but are often less important.

The solution is to break every task down into as many sub-tasks as possible. So instead of “find a mortgage broker”, the tasks become :

  • Email 3 contacts to ask for recommendations
  • Post on The Property Hub forum to ask for recommendations
  • Email everyone who is recommended to set up a quick call
  • Draw up a shortlist of 2-3 people to have a longer conversation with
  • Pick a winner

Doesn't that seem much easier already? You can imagine sitting down and bashing out the first task in five minutes right now, then you're underway!

Who will do each job?

Here's a potential lightbulb moment: you don't have to do everything in your business yourself.

Any business has different “functions”, or departments – like sales, manufacturing, and admin. A property business is no exception.

The basic functions of all property businesses are the same:

  • Acquisition
  • Refurbishment
  • Refinancing/selling

The types of task that fall within each function will depend on your business plan. For example, if your aim is to find properties you can buy “below market value”, acquisition could be a major part of the business – involving direct-to-vendor marketing, networking with estate agents, and attending auctions.

On the other hand, if your model involves buying properties that you think will experience strong capital growth, there could be a lot more tasks in the “research” part of the business – and acquisition could be very straightforward once you’ve identified the opportunity itself.

Could you do every task within every function yourself? Maybe.

Could the business achieve better results if you bring in specialists to do what they do best? Definitely .

You could go big and employ an assistant to view properties and make offers for you, or just make sure you outsource functions like management and accountancy to the relevant professionals.

Whatever you do, once you start thinking about your property venture as a business with various departments, you'll start to break away from the idea that this is something you have to do all on your own – and that's a very powerful insight.

OK, this has been a long one – but we've covered a lot of ground.

To recap, those critical steps are:

  • Assess where you are now
  • Work out where you want to be, and by when
  • Outline a strategy to get you there
  • Fill in the detail, to get you from “big picture” to individual steps

It's a process that's worked for me, and I've seen it work for many investors I've encouraged to put it into action too.

Its power is in its simplicity: you take the time to intelligently decide exactly what you need to do, then you figure out a way to (to borrow a registered trademark) just do it . As long as you show up and work through your to-do list each day, the big, scary, long-term goal takes care of itself!

Of course, you'll need to assess your progress and adjust course along the way: nothing will pan out exactly as expected, and there's a lot that can change over a timespan of several years.

But by having your plan, what you won't do is get distracted by every new idea that comes your way – researching HMOs one day, and holiday lets the next – and end up getting nowhere.

(You'd be amazed by how many plan-less people that description fits to a tee.)

So now you know how to put a property business plan together. It's not a plan that will necessarily get you funding from the bank, but it's something more important than that: a plan you can use every day to make sure you stay on track to hit your goals.

The one thing that every successful investor does

8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

Kody Wirth

8 min. read

Updated April 10, 2024

A business plan template can be an excellent tool to simplify the creation of your business plan. 

The pre-set structure helps you organize ideas, covers all critical business information, and saves you time and effort on formatting.

The only issue? There are SO many free business plan templates out there. 

So, which ones are actually worth using? 

To help remove the guesswork, I’ve rounded up some of the best business plan templates you can access right now. 

These are listed in no particular order, and each has its benefits and drawbacks.

What to look for in a business plan template

Not all business plan templates are created equal. As you weigh your options and decide which template(s) you’ll use, be sure to review them with the following criteria in mind:

  • Easy to edit: A template should save you time. That won’t be the case if you have to fuss around figuring out how to edit the document, or even worse, it doesn’t allow you to edit at all.
  • Contains the right sections: A good template should cover all essential sections of a business plan , including the executive summary, product/service description, market/competitive analysis, marketing and sales plan, operations, milestones, and financial projections. 
  • Provides guidance: You should be able to trust that the information in a template is accurate. That means the organization or person who created the template is highly credible, known for producing useful resources, and ideally has some entrepreneurial experience.
  • Software compatibility: Lastly, you want any template to be compatible with the software platforms you use. More than likely, this means it’s available in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or PDF format at a minimum. 

1. Bplans — A plan with expert guidance

Preview of Bplans' free business plan template download asset.

Since you’re already on Bplans, I have to first mention the templates that we have available. 

Our traditional and one-page templates were created by entrepreneurs and business owners with over 80 years of collective planning experience. We revisit and update them annually to ensure they are approachable, thorough, and aligned with our team’s evolving best practices.  

The templates, available in Word, PDF, or Google Doc formats, include in-depth guidance on what to include in each section, expert tips, and links to additional resources. 

Plus, we have over 550 real-world sample business plans you can use for guidance when filling out your template.

Download: Traditional lender-ready business plan template or a simple one-page plan template .

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2. SBA — Introduction to business plans

rental property business plan template free

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers two different business plan templates along with a short planning guide. 

While not incredibly in-depth, it’s enough to help you understand how traditional and lean plans are structured and what information needs to be covered. The templates themselves are more like examples, providing you with a finished product to reference as you write your plan.

The key benefit of using these templates is that they were created by the SBA. While they may provide less guidance, you can be assured that the information and structure meet their expectations.

Explore: The SBA’s planning guide and free templates

3. SCORE — Planning workbook

rental property business plan template free

SCORE’s template is more like a workbook. It includes exercises after each section to help you get your ideas down and turn them into a structured plan.

The market research worksheets are especially useful. They provide a clear framework for identifying your target market and analyzing competitors from multiple angles. Plus, they give you an easy way to document all the information you’re collecting.

You will likely have to remove the exercises in this template to make it investor-ready. But it can be worth it if you’re struggling to get past a blank page and want a more interactive planning method.

Download: SCORE’s business plan template

4. PandaDoc — A template with fillable forms

rental property business plan template free

PandaDoc’s library offers a variety of industry-specific business plan templates that feature a modern design flair and concise instructions. 

These templates are designed for sharing. They include fillable fields and sections for non-disclosure agreements, which may be necessary when sending a plan to investors.  

But the real benefit is their compatibility with PandaDoc’s platform. Yes, they are free, but if you’re a PandaDoc subscriber, you’ll have far more customization options. 

Out of all their templates, the standard business plan template is the most in-depth. The rest, while still useful, go a bit lighter on guidance in favor of tailoring the plan to a specific industry.

Explore: PandaDoc’s business plan template library  

5. Canva — Pitch with your plan

A sample of the 696 free business plan templates available from Canva. The templates represented here are for a restaurant and two options designed around a minimalist beige aesthetic.

Canva is a great option for building a visually stunning business plan that can be used as a pitch tool. It offers a diverse array of templates built by their in-house team and the larger creative community, meaning the number of options constantly grows.

You will need to verify that the information in the template you choose matches the standard structure of a traditional business plan. 

You should do this with any template, but it’s especially important with any tool that accepts community submissions. While they are likely reviewed and approved, there may still be errors.

Remember, you can only edit these templates within Canva. Luckily, you only need a free subscription, and you may just miss out on some of the visual assets being used. 

To get the most value, it may be best to create a more traditional planning document and transfer that information into Canva. 

Explore: Canva’s business plan gallery

6. ClickUp — The collaborative template

Preview of ClickUp's business plan template within the project management platform. It includes a number of fillable cells to help guide the creation process.

Out of all the project management tools that offer free business plan templates, ClickUp’s is the most approachable.

Rather than throwing you into all the features and expecting you to figure it out—ClickUp provides a thorough startup guide with resource links, images, and videos explaining how to write a plan using the tool. 

There’s also a completed sample plan (structured like an expanded one-page plan) for you to reference and see how the more traditional document can connect to the product management features. You can set goals, target dates, leave comments, and even assign tasks to someone else on your team. 

These features are limited to the ClickUp platform and will not be useful for everyone. They will likely get in the way of writing a plan you can easily share with lenders or investors. 

But this is a great option if you’re looking for a template that makes internal collaboration more fluid and keeps all your information in one place.

Sign Up: Get a free trial of ClickUp and explore their template library

7. Smartsheet — A wide variety of templates

A preview of the Smartsheet business plan template. It provides a preview of the cover page, directory, and small views of the remaining template pages.

I’m including Smartsheet’s library of templates on this list because of the sheer number of options they provide. 

They have a simple business plan template, a one-page plan, a fill-in-the-blank template, a plan outline, a plan grading rubric, and even an Excel-built project plan. All are perfectly usable and vary in visual style, depth of instructions, and the available format.

Honestly, the only drawback (which is also the core benefit) is that the amount of templates can be overwhelming. If you’re already uncertain which plan option is right for you, the lengthy list they provide may not provide much clarity.

At the same time, it can be a great resource if you want a one-stop shop to view multiple plan types.

Explore: Smartsheet’s business plan template library  

8. ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan

Preview of the ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template. It just represents the cover page of the full template.

I’m adding ReferralRock’s template to this list due to its specificity. 

It’s not your standard business plan template. The plan is tailored with specific sections and guidance around launching an affiliate marketing business. 

Most of the template is dedicated to defining how to choose affiliates, set commissions, create legal agreements, and track performance.

So, if you plan on starting an affiliate marketing business or program, this template will provide more specific guidance. Just know that you will likely need to reference additional resources when writing the non-industry sections of your plan.

Download: ReferralRock affiliate marketing business plan template

Does it matter what business plan template you use?

The short answer is no. As long as the structure is correct, it saves you time, and it helps you write your business plan , then any template will work. 

What it ultimately comes down to, is what sort of value you hope to get from the template. 

  • Do you need more guidance? 
  • A simple way to structure your plan? 
  • An option that works with a specific tool?
  • A way to make your plan more visually interesting?

Hopefully, this list has helped you hone in on an option that meets one (or several) of these needs. Still, it may be worth downloading a few of these templates to determine the right fit. 

And really, what matters most is that you spend time writing a business plan . It will help you avoid early mistakes, determine if you have a viable business, and fully consider what it will take to get up and running. 

If you need additional guidance, check out our library of planning resources . We cover everything from plan formats , to how to write a business plan, and even how to use it as a management tool . 

If you don’t want to waste time researching other templates, you can download our one-page or traditional business plan template and jump right into the planning process.

See why 1.2 million entrepreneurs have written their business plans with LivePlan

Content Author: Kody Wirth

Kody Wirth is a content writer and SEO specialist for Palo Alto Software—the creator's of Bplans and LivePlan. He has 3+ years experience covering small business topics and runs a part-time content writing service in his spare time.

Start your business plan with the #1 plan writing software. Create your plan with Liveplan today.

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3+ Rental Property Business Plan Templates – PDF

If ever you decide to run your own business, then you should know just how important it is that you learn everything that there is to in regards to running one. That means understanding how much it’s going to cost, what you’re going to need, who your business is going to cater to and much more. You may also see Rental Plan Templates free business plans .

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How to Make Your Very Own Rental Property Business Plan

1. know the mission and vision of your rental property business, 2. understand who your market is, 3. determine who you’re going to need, 4. make sure that you have a budget, 5. come up with your marketing strategies, more in business, rental property realtor tri-fold brochure template, rental property spreadsheet template, printable property management template, property management inspection checklist template, monthly property management template, tenancy schedule template, landlord property management template, sample property management template, property management kpi template, rental property realtor flyer template.

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10 Free Printable Rental Application PDF Templates 2024

Whether it is for home or business use, renting out real estate is a popular activity all over the world. In order to determine a prospective tenant's fitness as a renter, landlords and property owners frequently ask them to fill out a rental application. However, both landlords and tenants have some difficulties in the absence of a standardized rental application format.

10  Professional Rental Application Templates for Free

It might be difficult to rent a house, especially if you don't know where to begin. Filling out a rental application is one of the crucial elements in the procedure. The property management or landlord will be able to learn more about you and your qualifications as a tenant through this document.

1.  Format Rent Agreement Template

The Format Rent Agreement Template is a thorough and standardized application format that contains all the crucial details that a landlord or tenant needs to know, including the address of the property, the rent due, the security deposit, and the length of the lease. Landlords that wish to establish a polished and structured rental application procedure should definitely consider it.

Template highlight:

Comprehensive and standardized application format

Includes all the essential information that a landlord or tenant needs to know

Great option for landlords who want to create a professional and organized rental application process

2.  Receipt of House Rent Template

The Receipt of House Rent Template is a straightforward and user-friendly document that can be used to keep track of rent payments and maintain a tenant's rental history. It is a fantastic choice for landlords who want to monitor their finances and make sure rent is paid on time.

Simple and easy-to-use template

Can be used to track rent payments and keep a record of the tenant's rent history

Great option for landlords who want to keep track of their finances and ensure that rent payments are made on time

3.  National Landlords Assoc. Version

The National Landlords Association created a template with additional information that may be useful to landlords, such as the tenant's right to peaceful enjoyment and the landlord's right to enter the property. This version is called the "National Landlords Assoc." For landlords who want to safeguard their interests and make sure they are in accordance with the law, it is a fantastic alternative.

Template that is designed by the National Landlords Association

Includes additional information that may be relevant to landlords, such as the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment and the landlord's right to enter the property

Great option for landlords who want to protect their interests and ensure that they are in compliance with the law

4.  Vehicle Rent Quotation Form

The Vehicle Rent Quotation Form is a template that may be used to provide an estimate of the cost to rent a vehicle and to include further details such the brand, model, and year of the vehicle. Landlords who want to rent out a car while ensuring that they are getting a reasonable price have a lot of options with this one.

Template that can be used to quote the rent price for a vehicle

Includes additional information, such as the make, model, and year of the vehicle

Great option for landlords who want to rent out a vehicle and ensure that they are getting a fair price

5.  White Shareholder Agreement

The White Shareholder Agreement is a template that can be used to create a shareholder agreement for a rental property. It is a great option for landlords who want to protect their interests and ensure that they are in compliance with the law.

Template that can be used to create a shareholder agreement for a rental property

6.  Green Rental Agreement

The Green Rental Agreement is a template that is designed to be environmentally friendly and includes a section for the tenant to agree to recycling and other green practices. It is a great option for landlords who want to reduce their environmental impact and ensure that their tenants are environmentally conscious.

Template that is designed to be environmentally friendly

Includes a section for the tenant to agree to recycling and other green practices

Great option for landlords who want to reduce their environmental impact and ensure that their tenants are environmentally conscious

7.  Residential Tenancy(1)

The Residential Tenancy(1) template is a basic residential tenancy agreement that can be used for most rental properties. It is a great option for landlords who want to create a simple and easy-to-use rental application process.

Basic residential tenancy agreement that can be used for most rental properties

Great option for landlords who want to create a simple and easy-to-use rental application process

8.  Residential Tenancy(2)

The Residential Tenancy(2) template is a more comprehensive residential tenancy agreement that includes additional information, such as the tenant's right to sublet the property. It is a great option for landlords who want to protect their interests and ensure that they are in compliance with the law.

More comprehensive residential tenancy agreement that includes additional information, such as the tenant's right to sublet the property

9.  Residential Tenancy(3)

The Residential Tenancy(3) template is a short-term residential tenancy agreement that is designed for tenants who are only renting the property for a short period of time. It is a great option for landlords who want to create a flexible and easy-to-use rental application process.

Short-term residential tenancy agreement that is designed for tenants who are only renting the property for a short period of time

Flexible and easy-to-use template

Great option for landlords who want to create a flexible and easy-to-use rental application process

10.  Residential Tenancy(4)

The Residential Tenancy(4) template is a student residential tenancy agreement that is designed for students who are renting a property for the academic year. It is a great option for landlords who want to protect their interests and ensure that they are in compliance with the law.

Student residential tenancy agreement that is designed for students who are renting a property for the academic year

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Why Choose WPS Office

WPS Office is the ideal tool for creating and editing rental application templates. A PDF editor is part of WPS Office, a free and simple office program. This indicates that WPS Office makes it simple to generate, amend, and print rental application templates.

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose WPS Office templates and PDF editor:

Free and easy to use:  WPS Office is a free and easy-to-use office suite , which means that you can create, edit, and print rental application templates without having to spend any money or learn any complicated software.

Wide variety of templates:  WPS Office includes a wide variety of rental application templates that you can use as a starting point. This means that you can find a template that fits your specific needs without having to start from scratch.

Customizable:  WPS Office allows you to customize your rental application templates to meet your specific needs. This means that you can add or remove sections, change the font and color, and even add your own logo.

Compatible with all major operating systems:  WPS Office is compatible with all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This means that you can create, edit, and print rental application templates on any computer.

1. How do I write an application letter for a rental property?

Introduce yourself and say why you are interested in the property.

Highlight your qualifications as a tenant.

Explain why you would be a good fit for the property.

Proofread your letter carefully.

2. What short information about you to make your renter profile stand out?

Hobbies and interests.

Pet policy.

Smoking policy.

Quiet hours.

Availability to move in

3. What should be included in a rental application bio?

Name and contact information.

Employment history.

Rental history.

References.

Ten free printable rental application PDF templates are included in this article and may be utilized with WPS Office. A PDF editor is part of WPS Office, a free and simple office program. The templates include all the pertinent details that a landlord or tenant needs to know, including the address of the property, the rent due, the amount of the security deposit, and the length of the lease. It is free, simple, and adaptable to use WPS Office to generate and change rental application templates.

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  2. 20 Rental Property Business Plan Template

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  3. FREE 10+ Rental Property Business Plan Templates in PDF

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  4. FREE 10+ Rental Property Business Plan Templates in PDF

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  5. Rental Property Business Plan

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  6. Rental Property Business Plan Template Pdf

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  3. How To Create A Rental Property Management Application-Demo

  4. Have A Rental Property Business Plan!

  5. How to Start a Home Rental Business

  6. How to do property Business in Pakistan / property Business without investment

COMMENTS

  1. Rental Property Business Plan

    Utilize this free Rental Property Business Plan Template to outline a detailed strategy for your rental property venture, covering areas like property acquisition, tenant management, and financial projections. It serves as a valuable guide to ensure your rental property business is well-prepared for success in the competitive real estate market. .

  2. Rental Property Business Plan: Guide & Template (2024)

    Download Template. Create a Business Plan. A rental property business is a great way of earning a passive income. It can help you have great finances if you go about it in the right way. The rental property market stood at a size of 174.2 bn dollars in the US in 2021. And with the subsiding pandemic isn't about to shrink any time soon.

  3. Rental Properties Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Traditionally, a marketing plan includes the four P's: Product, Price, Place, and Promotion. For a rental property business plan, your marketing plan should include the following: Product: in the product section you should reiterate the type of rental property business that you documented in your Company Analysis.

  4. How to Write a Rental Property Business Plan

    Here's how to create a business plan for your rental property investment in five steps. 1. Identify the Main Goal of Your Rental Business. The first page of your rental property business plan typically consists of an executive summary, which briefly covers the different topics you'll be explaining in your document.

  5. Rental Properties Business Plan Template (2024)

    Six months of overhead expenses (payroll, rent, utilities): $350,000. Marketing costs: $50,000. Working capital: $60,000. Easily complete your Rental Properties business plan! Download the Rental Properties business plan template (including a customizable financial model) to your computer here <-.

  6. Rental Properties Business Plan Template [Updated 2024]

    Financial Highlights. [Company Name] is currently seeking $370,000 to launch its rental property business. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows: Website design/build and startup business expenses: $120,000. Working capital: $250,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even.

  7. Rental Property Business Plan (Sample Template for 2022)

    A Sample Rental Property Business Plan Template 1. Industry Overview. Rental property business is grouped under the Apartment Rental industry and this industry is made up of companies that rent one-unit structures, two- to four-unit structures, five- to nine-unit structures, 10- to 19-unit structures, 20- to 49-unit structures and 50- or more unit structures.

  8. Start a Rental Property Business: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Identify and acquire properties. Source the right rental property equipment. Obtain licensing and permits. Get a business insurance. Determine your rental pricing and profits. Marketing your business. 1. Conduct a market research. Before starting your rental property business, you need to do your homework.

  9. How to create a rental property business plan

    01. Executive summary. The executive summary is the first section of your rental property business plan. It provides an overview of your business and highlights the key points from each section of the plan. The executive summary should be concise, clear and engaging to capture the reader's attention. It should include:

  10. Rental Business Plan Template

    Our Free Rental Property Business Plan Template is a valuable resource that provides you with a step-by-step framework to develop a comprehensive and effective business plan for your rental property venture. It covers all the essential elements, from market analysis to financial projections, to help you make informed decisions and create a ...

  11. How to Write a Business Plan as a Landlord

    Here are some examples of SMART goals for a rental investment business: Own four properties by the end of the year. Earn $5k in rental revenue per month. Earn $150k in rental profit by the end of year 5. Hire a team of 4 business partners and open an office in Nashville, TN, in the next five years.

  12. How To Start A Rental Property Business

    Pick a niche and choose your rental property market. Figure out the proper financing and secure it. Conduct the appropriate research and hire a manager. Implement systems to improve efficiency. Manage the properties and scale the business at a sustainable pace. 1.

  13. The #1 Rental Property Business Plan Template & Guidebook

    How to Write a Rental Property Business Plan in 7 Steps: 1. Describe the Purpose of Your Rental Property Business. The first step to writing your business plan is to describe the purpose of your rental property business. This includes describing why you are starting this type of business, and what problems it will solve for customers.

  14. FREE 10+ Rental Property Business Plan Templates in PDF

    Starting a business is not only risky but costly. Through a business plan, both costs and risks in running and managing a business can be identified. This allows for a plan to be created to find alternate ways on how to lower costs and counter the risks. By creating a business plan, small details that may be missing are identified.

  15. How to Create Property Management Business Plan [Free Template]

    A free property management business plan template; Meet the Expert: Peter Lohmann, CEO RL Property Management . What to Know before Creating a Property Management Business Plan . Not to get too deep down the rabbit hole, but the first step to creating a high-quality business plan is - you guessed it - to make a plan for the plan.

  16. How to Write a Real Estate Investment Business Plan (+ Free Template)

    Download as PDF. 1. Write Your Mission & Vision Statement. Every real estate investment business plan should begin with a concrete mission statement and vision. A mission statement declares actions and strategies the organization will use—serving as its North Star in achieving its business or investment objectives.

  17. How to create a rental property business plan (and why you need one)

    Property 1 will give a return on your investment of 15% but will probably never increase in value. Property 2 will give a return of 7% but has the potential to double in value over the next decade. If your goal is to create a certain monthly income within three years, the Property 1 is likely to be a better choice.

  18. 8 Business Plan Templates You Can Get for Free

    The rest, while still useful, go a bit lighter on guidance in favor of tailoring the plan to a specific industry. Explore: PandaDoc's business plan template library. 5. Canva — Pitch with your plan. Canva is a great option for building a visually stunning business plan that can be used as a pitch tool.

  19. Geometric Rental Property Business Plan. Free PPT & Google Slides

    Geometric Rental Property Business Plan. Shine in your real estate business proposal using our Modern Geometric Property Proposal PowerPoint template! Ideal for real estate agencies, property managers, and marketers, this template utilizes playful geometric design in vibrant purple and yellow, bringing a fresh look to your professional ...

  20. 3+ Rental Property Business Plan Templates

    The more information it contains, the better it will be for the business owner, its employees, and the entire business in general. With all that in mind, here are the steps that will allow you to create a proper rental property business plan: 1. Know the Mission and Vision of Your Rental Property Business.

  21. 20 Profitable Rental Business Ideas You Can Start Now

    5. Party rental business. Party rentals are a profitable and versatile rental business idea. Start a full-service business that provides lighting, decorations, catering equipment, seating, linens, and tableware. You can also offer tents and shelters for outdoor events or a bounce house rental business for kid parties.

  22. 10 Free Printable Rental Application PDF Templates 2024

    Ten free printable rental application PDF templates are included in this article and may be utilized with WPS Office. A PDF editor is part of WPS Office, a free and simple office program. The templates include all the pertinent details that a landlord or tenant needs to know, including the address of the property, the rent due, the amount of ...

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    The Washington Hall is a versatile space that can be used with a number of seating arrangements for up to 70 people. This room has elegant interiors and state-of-the-art presentation equipment. More details ›››. Square: 77 m 2. Maximum capacity: 70 people. 5 (3) Superior conference space at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Moscow. Explore ...

  25. Rental Listings in Moscow ID

    This is a list of all of the rental listings in Moscow ID. Don't forget to use the filters and set up a saved search. ... Create a free agent account; Real estate business plan; Real estate agent scripts; Listing flyer templates; Manage Rentals Open Manage Rentals sub-menu. Rental Management Tools. List a rental; My Listings; Messages ...

  26. Moscow ME Single Family Homes For Sale

    7 single family homes for sale in Moscow ME. View pictures of homes, review sales history, and use our detailed filters to find the perfect place.