Owning a rental property in Sonoma County can be rewarding, but many first-time landlords make costly mistakes that hurt profitability and increase stress. At D & G Equity Management, we’ve seen it all — from rental pricing errors to legal missteps.
Here are the top five mistakes new landlords make in Sonoma County — and how you can avoid them.
1. Setting the Wrong Rental Price
Pricing your property correctly is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
- Too high → longer vacancy and lost income.
- Too low → reduced long-term profitability.
In California, rent control laws (AB 1482) may also limit future increases, so setting the right rent from the start is critical.
Avoid this mistake by:
- Running a comparative market analysis.
- Looking beyond Zillow or Craigslist — those listings are often inaccurate.
- Partnering with a Sonoma County property management expert who understands real-time market conditions.
👉 Learn more about our Sonoma County property management services
2. Inadequate Tenant Screening
The difference between a good tenant and a bad one can be thousands of dollars. Unfortunately, many new landlords either skip screening or set the bar unrealistically high.
What to avoid:
- Only checking credit scores.
- Ignoring rental history and references.
- Setting income standards too high, leading to long vacancies.
Best practices:
- Use clear, written rental criteria.
- Check credit, income, eviction records, and landlord references.
- Balance strictness with practicality — the “perfect” tenant doesn’t exist.
👉 Need help? See our tenant screening process.
3. Not Understanding California Rental Laws
California has some of the strictest landlord-tenant laws in the country. Failing to comply can lead to legal disputes, fines, or even lawsuits.
Key rules every Sonoma County landlord should know:
- Application screening: If you collect a fee, you must process applications in the order received.
- Security deposits: Typically capped at one month’s rent for unfurnished units and must be returned within 21 days.
- Fair housing: Includes protections for source of income and disability accommodations (like service animals).
- Rent control (AB 1482): Know if your property is covered or exempt.
- Evictions: Strict “just cause” rules and notice requirements apply.
Tip: Always use a California-compliant lease and consult a local expert before taking legal action.
👉 Read more about landlord responsibilities in California.
4. Deferring Maintenance
Waiting to fix problems often leads to more expensive repairs.
Example: A minor roof leak can turn into mold, water damage, and structural repairs.
How to avoid deferred maintenance:
- Schedule seasonal inspections (HVAC, plumbing, roof, gutters).
- Fix small issues before they grow.
- Work only with licensed, insured vendors.
- Keep tenants happy by responding quickly to repair requests.
👉 See how we handle rental property maintenance in Sonoma County.
5. Trying to Manage It All Yourself
Many landlords underestimate how much time and knowledge it takes to self-manage a rental. DIY management often results in:
- Longer vacancies
- Unqualified tenants
- Costly evictions
- Lease violations
- Fair housing complaints
Benefits of hiring a property manager:
- Accurate rental pricing
- Professional tenant screening
- Proactive, affordable maintenance
- Legal compliance with California rental laws
Management fees are tax-deductible — and far less expensive than the risks of going it alone.
👉 Discover why Sonoma County landlords choose D & G Equity Management.
✅ Final Word: Protect Your Investment
Becoming a landlord in Sonoma County doesn’t have to be stressful. By avoiding these five mistakes, you’ll save money, reduce risk, and enjoy more peace of mind.
📍 We proudly serve Santa Rosa, Windsor, Rohnert Park, Sebastopol, Guerneville, Healdsburg, and all of Sonoma County.
📞 Contact D & G Equity Management today to learn how our property management services can help you succeed.
