What are the Pros and Cons of Renting Out Your Home?

USDA Loans

USDA loans are home loans that are administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. There are two types of USDA loans, guaranteed loans, and direct loans.

When you take out a USDA loan, you are required to occupy the property personally. But if you have owned the property for at least three years, then you can use it as a rental. However, this only applies to a USDA guaranteed loan. A property with a USDA direct loan can’t be used as a rental. If you decide to rent your house, you will no longer be eligible for subsidy assistance and other servicing options. Since owner occupancy is a must, any payment subsidy you’re receiving will be canceled.

• It lets you live elsewhere without having to pay for an unoccupied home.
• It offers you an additional source of income.
• It’s a good source of income if you can’t sell your house.

• You have to cover the costs of preparing your house for tenants.
• You will be responsible for repairing and maintaining the rental property.
• You need to accept that there are risks of property damage and missed rental payments.

What Do You Need to Do Before Renting a House With a Mortgage?

Renting out a house with a mortgage is more complicated than one without an existing loan. Here are some tips that you need to do before you start looking for tenants.

1. Research for Mortgage Restrictions

What kind of loan do you have? Whether it’s a conventional loan or a government-backed mortgage, check for restrictions for renting out your home. Read your loan agreement carefully to know if rentals are allowed or prohibited.

2. Talk to Your Lender

After doing your research and reading your loan agreement, talk to your lender about your plan to rent out your property. Your lender can explain the rental restrictions and requirements better.

3. Check Your HOA’s Rental Policy

Find out if your homeowner’s associations (HOA) allow or prohibit rentals in your neighborhood. HOAs may either prohibit rentals outright or place restrictions such as vetting the potential tenants. Some HOAs visit the site right here only allow a certain percentage of houses in the area to be used as rentals. While others allow rentals if the homeowner proves that they’re experiencing financial hardship. Knowing these rules will help you avoid getting fined.

4. Switch Your Insurance Policies

The insurance policy you have with an owner-occupied house won’t be enough when you turn your house into a rental property. Your current homeowner’s insurance policy won’t offer enough insurance coverage. Furthermore, your insurer may deny your claims especially if you’re misrepresenting yourself as the occupant of the house, when in fact you’re renting it out.

You should find a new insurance policy first before you put up your house for lease. You should get coverage that will protect you from loss or damage on the property and offer liability coverage in case your tenant gets hurt on your property.

5. Talk to a Real Estate Attorney

A real estate attorney will help you learn more about your responsibilities and liability as a landlord. They can offer you legal assistance as you transition from a homeowner to a landlord. They can create a lease agreement according to the policies and rules you want your tenants to follow. They can also guide you in meeting all legal requirements and in understanding the landlord-tenant law.

6. Learn About Landlord-Tenant Law

Before you rent out your house, you need to know what your responsibilities are as a landlord under the Fair Housing Law. Also, this will help you avoid getting in trouble for discriminating against potential tenants based on race and gender.