Being a landlord in Green Bay can seem straightforward—find tenants, collect rent, and handle maintenance as needed. But many landlords who try the DIY approach discover that managing rentals is far more complex than it looks. Small mistakes can quickly add up to lost income, legal issues, and major stress. At Team First Property Management, we’ve worked with dozens of owners who came to us after learning these lessons the hard way. Here are the top 5 mistakes we see DIY landlords make—and how you can avoid them.
1. Inconsistent Tenant Screening
Many landlords rush to fill vacancies and skip proper tenant screening. Without background checks, credit reviews, and rental history verification, you risk late payments, property damage, or costly evictions. Solution: Use a professional system to ensure reliable, long-term tenants.
2. Ignoring Rental Laws and Regulations
Wisconsin landlord-tenant laws can be complex, and even a small mistake—like mishandling a security deposit—can lead to penalties. Solution: Stay compliant with help from property managers who understand state and local laws.
3. Underestimating the Cost of Vacancies
Every vacant day is lost revenue. DIY landlords often struggle with marketing, leading to longer gaps between tenants. Solution: Proactive marketing and multiple showing strategies help properties rent faster.
4. Delaying Maintenance and Repairs
Postponing repairs may save money in the short term but often leads to bigger, more expensive problems later. Solution: Regular inspections and trusted vendor relationships keep costs under control and tenants satisfied.
5. Treating Property Management as “Passive”
DIY landlords often underestimate the time commitment. From 2 a.m. maintenance calls to rent collection issues, managing rentals is rarely hands-off. Solution: Partner with a management team that handles the day-to-day, so you can focus on your investment goals.
DIY property management may seem like a way to save money, but the reality is often more costly—in time, stress, and actual dollars. Avoiding these common mistakes can protect your investment and improve your ROI.
👉 Contact Team First Property Management in Green Bay today at (920) 328-5168 or info@teamfirstrents.com to schedule a free consultation and discover how we make rental ownership stress-free.
Team First Property Management Blog 
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