7 Ways to make passive income from rental properties

A mortgage lender is letting homebuyers borrow up to seven times their income – well above the traditional maximum – which it says will allow some to buy a property they might have assumed was well out of their price range.

Hey there! Tired of the daily grind and yearning for a better way of living? Passive income from rental properties might be just what you need.

By investing in rental properties, you can create a steady stream of income that requires little effort on your part. You’ll be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor without sacrificing your precious time.

In this article, we’ll reveal 7 proven ways to generate passive income through rental properties, so you can finally live life on your own terms. From Airbnb to long-term rentals, we’ll cover the different strategies you can use to maximize your rental income. So, whether you’re a seasoned real estate investor or a beginner, get ready to discover the ultimate hack to creating wealth and financial independence through rental properties.

Traditional Rental Income (Long Term)

Renting, in general, can be a fantastic way to generate passive income, and traditional rental income is a tried-and-tested method for doing just that. You can count on a steady income stream each month by leasing your property to long-term tenants.

A good way to earn big with traditional rental systems is by owning properties in prime locations. Usually, top-end locations bring in huge rents regardless of the type of property involved.

For perspective, The Continuum – a condo freehold development in Singapore – is billed to bring home top dollars in rents for unit owners over the coming years. This is primarily because it’s situated in a prime Singaporean neighborhood.

Truly, as far as traditional rentals are concerned, location is key.

That said, before you dive into traditional rental systems, get familiar with the pros and cons.

Pros:

  • Consistent cash flow
  • Low maintenance
  • Easy expense prediction

Cons:

  • Longer tenant commitment
  • Potential for bad tenants
  • Limited income potential

Short Term Rentals

Short-term rentals include leasing your property for a couple of days or weeks all at once, commonly through web-based platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. These types of rentals are especially popular in tourist-focused areas or in areas with a high demand for short-term housing.

The potential for higher rental rates is one of the main benefits of short-term rentals. This is because short-term renters are often willing to pay a premium for the convenience and flexibility of a short-term rental. Additionally, if you need to pay off your mortgage or cover other costs, renting your property for a short period of time can help you make more money in a shorter amount of time.

Pros:

  • Higher Rental Rates
  • Greater Flexibility and control
  • More opportunities for personal use.

Cons:

  • Increased maintenance and upkeep
  • High risk of property damage.
  • Legal and regulatory challenges.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals, also known as holiday homes, involve renting out a property to travelers or vacationers for shorter periods of time, typically for a few days up to a few weeks. This type of rental can be a great way to earn more income from a property, particularly if it is located in a desirable tourist destination.

Pros:

  • Potential for higher rental rates
  • Additional income streams from cleaning fees, security deposits, and add-ons like concierge services or tours
  • Tax benefits, such as deductions for certain expenses related to the rental property

Cons:

  • Demand may be seasonal
  • More time and effort may be required to manage the property
  • Greater potential for wear and tear or damage.

Corporate Rentals

Corporate rentals involve renting out a property to corporate clients for a more stable and consistent income. This type of rental is often used by business travelers who need a temporary residence during a work-related trip.

Pros:

  • Consistent Income
  • Longer Stays
  • Higher rental rates.

Cons:

  • Fewer tenants
  • Limited clientele
  • Strict requirements

Rent-to-Own

Rent-to-own is an option that lets potential buyers rent a house for a certain amount of time with the option to buy it at the end. This approach can be an excellent option for people who are not yet ready to purchase a home but want to have the option to do so in the future.

Pros:

– Allows tenants to build equity in the property while renting

– Allows tenants to lock in a purchase price for the property

– May attract tenants who cannot qualify for a mortgage at the time of the rental agreement but may be able to do so by the end of the rental period

Cons:

– The option fee is non-refundable.

– It’s possible that the property’s market value is less than the purchase price.

– The tenant may not qualify for a mortgage at the end of the rental period.

House Hacking

House hacking is a popular method of generating passive income from rental properties that involves living in the property while renting out part of it to tenants. This can include renting out a room, a portion of the property, or even a separate unit such as a basement or garage apartment.

The concept of house hacking allows property owners to offset their living expenses by collecting rental income from tenants.

Pros:

  • Additional income
  • Affordable housing for the landlord.
  • Building equity

Cons:

  • Loss of privacy
  • Increased responsibilities
  • Limited options

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)

REITs are investment instruments that enable investors to purchase company shares that own, operate, or fund revenue-generating real estate assets, such as rental properties.  By investing in REITs, investors can gain exposure to the real estate market without owning or managing the properties themselves.

Pros:

  • Passive income
  • Diversification
  • Liquidity

Cons:

  • Market risks
  • Management risks
  • Fees and taxes

Conclusion

There are multiple ways to generate passive income through rental properties. However, before you choose a path, you’re advised to sit down and analyze which ones best align with your long-term goals and plans.

If you have a short space, house hacking may not work for you, but a vacation rental scheme might do the trick. For someone with seasonal job engagements, an Airbnb might seem like the best way to monetize through rental.

So, think it through.