Deciding how to rent out your house can feel like a leap—turning the place you once called home into a steady paycheck while someone else mows the lawn. Done right, it’s one of the best ways to build wealth or cover a mortgage while you relocate for work or downsize. Done wrong, it can become a nightmare of late rent and repair bills. In this guide, we’ll walk through every step with real landlord examples, current 2025 pricing strategies, and the exact tools thousands of successful owners use to sleep peacefully at night knowing their property (and income) is protected.

Step 1: Decide If Landlording Is Right for You

Before listing, ask yourself the big questions. Are you okay with 2 a.m. calls about a leaky faucet? Do you live nearby or will you need a property manager (typically 8–12% of rent)? Many first-timers underestimate the emotional side.

Take Mike, who moved to Florida but kept his Louisville house. He tried self-managing for six months, then hired a manager after a tenant stopped paying. “I got my sanity back and still net $1,400 monthly,” he says. If you’re relocating more than two hours away or simply hate confrontation, budget for professional help from day one.

Step 2: Get Your House Rent-Ready

Curb appeal and fresh interiors rent fastest. A $3,000–$5,000 refresh—paint, new carpet, modern fixtures—can boost rent $150–$300/month and attract better tenants.

Actionable checklist:

• Deep clean or hire pros ($300–$600)
• Repaint in neutral greige or light gray
• Replace old appliances if over 10 years
• Add smart locks and thermostat (tenants love them)

Sarah spent $4,200 updating her 3-bedroom and raised rent from $1,650 to $1,975—payback in under a year.

Step 3: Price It Right from Day One

Overpricing leaves you vacant; underpricing leaves money on the table. Use Rent.com, Zillow Rental Manager, and local Facebook landlord groups to see what identical homes lease for this week—not last year.

Pro tip: Look at “leased” comps, not just active listings. Add $50–$100 for every upgrade (garage, fenced yard, new HVAC). In most markets today, well-priced homes rent in 7–14 days.

Step 4: Market Like a Pro (Without Spending a Fortune)

Great photos are non-negotiable—hire a pro for $150–$250 or use a smartphone with natural light. Write descriptions that sell the lifestyle: “Fenced backyard perfect for kids and dogs” beats “big yard.”

Post everywhere:

• Zillow, Apartments.com, and HotPads (free syndication via Zillow Rental Manager)
• Facebook Marketplace and local “for rent” groups
• Yard sign with QR code linking to a virtual tour

One landlord got 47 inquiries in 48 hours just by adding a 60-second iPhone walk-through video.

Step 5: Screen Tenants Like Your Mortgage Depends on It

Bad tenants cost thousands. Use a consistent system:

• Minimum credit 600 (or 550 with higher deposit)
• Income 3× rent
• Rental references and eviction history check
• Full background via TransUnion SmartMove or Cozy.co ($40 per adult)

Never skip the previous landlord call—current landlords may lie to get rid of someone, but past ones rarely do.

Step 6: Choose the Right Lease and Protect Yourself

Use your state’s landlord-tenant association lease (or Avail.co, $99/year unlimited leases). Key addendums:

• Pet policy and fees
• Early termination clause
• Maintenance responsibilities

Require renters insurance naming you as additional interested party—costs tenants $15/month and protects everyone.

Step 7: Move-In Day and Ongoing Management

Do a detailed walk-through with video and photos. Use the same form at move-out to protect your deposit.

Set up auto-pay via Cozy or AppFolio—90% of late payments disappear. Respond to maintenance within 24 hours; happy tenants renew and take care of your house.

Conclusion

Learning how to rent out your house doesn’t have to be scary when you follow a proven system: prep the property, price smart, market aggressively, screen thoroughly, and protect yourself legally. Thousands of everyday owners now bring in $1,000–$3,000+ monthly with minimal headaches because they treat it like the business it is. Ready to turn your house into income? Start today at LangleyStation, get instant rental comps for your address, free lease templates, and connect with vetted property managers so your first (or next) tenant is a winner. Your rental empire starts with one click.

FAQs

How much can I rent my house for in 2025? Check Zillow Rent Zestimate + local comps. Most markets: 0.8%–1.2% of home value monthly ($250K house = $2,000–$3,000).

Should I hire a property manager or self-manage? Self-manage if you live <2 hours away and like control. Hire pros if you want truly passive income (8–12% fee).

How long does it take to rent out a house right now? Well-priced, well-photographed homes lease in 7–21 days nationwide.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time landlords make? Skipping tenant screening, poor photos, and using weak leases—avoid all three.

Do I need landlord insurance when renting out my house? Yes—switch from homeowners to dwelling fire/landlord policy (adds $300–$800/year).

Can I refuse tenants with bad credit? Yes, if your criteria are consistent and non-discriminatory. Offer higher deposit as alternative.

How much security deposit can I charge? Most states allow 1–2 months’ rent. Charge the max—you can always return part.

What’s the fastest way to rent my house out? Price 5% below market, pro photos + video, list everywhere, respond within the hour.