Independent Landlords, Real Stories, Real Solutions: A Podcast by Landlord Gurus

Being a landlord isn’t easy—but the right software can make it a whole lot better. In this Landlord Gurus episode, Chris and Eli share their real-world experience with property management platforms. They explain why TurboTenant checked all their boxes: affordability, automation, scalability, tenant screening, leases, and more. If you’re an independent landlord looking to simplify your rental busin...

Ever had a tenant move out without paying rent or covering damages? 😬 You’re not alone. This week, we talk with Grant Burwash from FrontLobby about a tool that helps landlords:✔️ Report rent payments (on-time and missed)✔️ Protect themselves from tenant debt✔️ Offer tenants a way to build creditIt’s a win-win for good tenants and a safeguard for landlords.🔗 FrontLobby: https://frontlobby.com/Mor...

Thinking about buying a rental property but unsure what to look for? In this episode, Chris shares how he evaluated a recent property in Walla Walla, WA—from zoning to lot size, ADU potential, and walkability. Hear the real questions to ask before you buy. 🎯 You’ll learn: What zoning tells you about rental and development options How to check short-term rental restrictions before closing The impo...

In this episode, Chris and Eli dive into the real-life process of taking over management of a rental property — and all the unexpected headaches that come with it. Whether you're buying a property or inheriting it from another manager, there are a ton of moving parts: bank accounts, leases, software setups, vendor relationships, tenant communication, and (of course) maintenance. Chris walks throug...

What Counts as Income When Screening Tenants? Chris and Eli are back with a real-world landlord dilemma: how should you treat rental applicants whose income comes from unemployment, disability, housing vouchers, or other non-W2 sources? In this episode, we unpack: Rent-to-income ratios and fair screening practices How state laws affect your ability to approve or deny Real-life scenarios with Secti...

🛠️ What if maintenance didn’t have to be the most stressful part of being a landlord? In this episode of Landlording A-Z , we’re joined by Nate Smoyer , long-time landlord and Head of Marketing at Lula , a property maintenance platform designed specifically for landlords and property managers. Nate shares how he’s successfully managed rentals remotely across multiple states, his background in the...

Washington State has passed its first rent control law since the 1980s, and it’s a big deal. In this episode, Eli and Chris break down what the new law means for landlords, including: The new 7% + CPI cap (and how the 10% max works) What legally counts as a valid rent increase notice Why using the right form and serving it correctly matters more than ever The risks of non-compliance (hello, $7,500...

🚨 Big News in Property Management Software! 🚨 In this episode of the Landlord Gurus podcast, Chris and Eli from Landlord Gurus unpack the recent acquisition of Azibo by TurboTenant —a significant move that could impact many landlords and property managers. Chris shares his personal experience using both platforms, while Eli offers insights into what this merger could mean for lease creation, ren...

In this episode, Chris and Eli introduce our new 1-on-1 coaching offering designed specifically for independent landlords. Whether you're struggling with tenant issues, lease setup, maintenance coordination, rent collection, or just don’t know where to start—this service gives you direct access to our combined 35+ years of real-world landlording experience. Start with a free 15-minute consulta...

In this episode of the Landlord Gurus Podcast , Chris and Eli take a deep dive into two popular property management platforms: Avail and Zillow Rental Manager . Whether you're listing vacancies, screening tenants, collecting rent, or creating lease agreements, choosing the right software can make a big difference in your day-to-day operations. Tune in as we compare the features, strengths, and...

Thinking about buying a rental property or refinancing your investment loan? In this episode of the Landlord Gurus Podcast, Chris and Eli sit down with Justin Buehring, Branch Manager at Highlands Residential Mortgage, to demystify the lending process for landlords and real estate investors. With 30 years of experience, Justin shares practical insights on: FHA vs. conventional loans for first-time...

Even experienced landlords can slip up, and this time, it was our turn. In this candid episode of the Landlord Gurus Podcast, Chris and Eli share a real-world story of a rent collection misstep that led to a 10-month, $100 shortfall — all due to a small error in an outdated payment method. We break down: What went wrong when a tenant paid rent via direct bank transfer Why rent collection software...

Should you list your rental on Airbnb or stick with a traditional year-long lease? In this episode, we talk through the pros and cons of short-term rentals based on firsthand experience. We cover what makes short-term rentals attractive — including flexibility, higher nightly income, and easier screening — but we also discuss the hidden downsides like frequent turnovers, guest expectations, and lo...

Done hauling around bags of quarters? In this episode, we talk about easier, smarter ways to manage laundry machines at your rental properties. Learn how mobile app-based payment systems work, what they cost, and why they can make life simpler for both you and your tenants. If you’re tired of coin jams, missed collections, and endless trips to the bank, this is a must-watch. Landlording ⁠A-Z Cours...

Utility costs can easily erode your rental profits if you don't have a clear billing system in place. In this episode, we show you how to bill tenants for utilities in ways that are easy to manage, legally compliant, and fair for everyone. Learn the pros and cons of common methods like separate meters, ratio billing, submetering, flat fees, and more. Save yourself future headaches and maximize...

Are you tired of juggling late-night maintenance calls, chasing rent checks, and manually tracking expenses? Property management software could be your best assistant. In today’s episode, we talk about why using these platforms makes life easier for independent landlords. We’ll walk you through how property management tools allow you to advertise listings, screen applicants securely, manage leases...

Notices are a critical part of rental management — and doing them wrong can cause real trouble. In this episode, we explain the most common notices landlords may need to serve, when and how to deliver them legally, and why following the correct process matters. A must-listen for anyone managing rental property! Landlording ⁠A-Z Course⁠ Website: ⁠https://landlordgurus.com/⁠ ⁠Contact us⁠ Socials: In...

Knowing when to call in legal help can save landlords time, money, and major headaches. In this episode, we break down 12 situations where hiring an attorney might be the smartest move — from evictions and lease violations to fair housing issues and tenant lawsuits. Learn how to protect yourself, stay compliant, and manage risk with confidence. Landlording ⁠A-Z Course⁠ Website: ⁠https://landlordgu...

As a landlord, knowing how to legally and respectfully handle tenants with service animals and emotional support animals is crucial. In this episode, we cover the key differences between pets, ESAs, and service animals, what documentation you can request, what fees you can't charge, and when it's appropriate to deny an accommodation request. Stay compliant, avoid fines, and protect your pr...

Move-outs don't have to be chaotic! We share strategies for communicating with tenants, coordinating inspections, documenting property conditions, and returning security deposits properly. Plus, learn how to handle abandoned belongings without risking legal trouble. Tune in and set yourself up for faster turnovers and fewer headaches. Landlording ⁠A-Z Course⁠ Website: ⁠https://landlordgurus.co...

Evictions are costly, time-consuming, and stressful — but sometimes unavoidable. This episode outlines steps landlords can take to minimize eviction risks, navigate the legal process correctly, and consider alternatives like payment plans and "cash for keys" agreements. Tune in to learn how to manage tough situations with fairness, professionalism, and confidence. Landlording ⁠A-Z Course...

Collecting rent is more than just setting a due date. In this episode, we cover everything landlords need to know about secure payment methods, setting up late fees, handling grace periods, and using property management software to simplify the process. Avoid common mistakes and protect your rental income with these essential strategies. Landlording ⁠A-Z Course⁠ Website: ⁠https://landlordgurus.com...

In this episode, we dive into the crucial topic of handling maintenance and repairs once your rental property is occupied. We discuss what types of tasks you should tackle yourself versus when it's smarter (and safer) to hire a professional. Plus, we cover how to find trusted vendors, streamline maintenance communication, and stay compliant with tenant notification laws. Get practical tips to...

Chris and Eli reveal the most common rental maintenance mistakes landlords make — and how a simple checklist can save you thousands. They break down practical steps for managing plumbing, safety features, pest control, roofs, gutters, and more. Whether you're a new landlord or a seasoned pro, this episode will help you keep your properties safe, attractive, and profitable. Landlording ⁠A-Z Cou...

Moving tenants in? We’ve got you covered. In this episode, we walk through everything you need to do: property inspections, getting move-in payments, handling key exchanges, and setting house rules. Plus, tips on how to document the property and avoid future deposit disputes. Stick around for tips on avoiding common disputes, and don’t forget to like and subscribe so you don't miss what’s next...