Managing rental properties in Columbus can be incredibly rewarding, but even small missteps can snowball into expensive problems. If you’re a DIY landlord trying to save time or cut corners, here’s some advice: DON’T. 

Why? Because even small screening and lease agreement mistakes can cost you thousands in lost rent, legal fees, and property damage, not to mention time, stress, and lost sleep. And all too often, it starts with a rushed screening decision or a poorly written lease.

This article focuses on the real-world consequences of 4 common landlord mistakes, so YOU can avoid rental management nightmares and protect your investment.

Table of Contents

• Mistake 1 – Incomplete or Inconsistent Screening Practices
• Mistake 2 – Using Generic or Non-Compliant Lease Templates
• Mistake 3 – Relying on Verbal Agreements or Vague Lease Terms
• Mistake 4 – Not Enforcing the Lease or Managing Inconsistently

Mistake 1 – Incomplete or Inconsistent Screening Practices

Let’s say your rental’s been empty for a few weeks. You’re feeling the pressure—mortgage is due, utilities are active, and the longer it sits, the more money you’re losing. Then someone messages you. They’re polite, they’ve got a good story, and they’re ready to move in tomorrow with cash in hand. Feels like a win, right?

This is where many landlords slip. It’s completely understandable—you want to minimize vacancy. But rushing to fill a unit, relying on your gut, or bending your own standards “just this once” can lead to major problems.

Without a defined screening process—and a written set of criteria to guide it—you’re flying blind. That opens the door to missed red flags, inconsistent decisions, and even legal risks. And if you approve someone who doesn’t meet your minimums because they seemed nice, you may find yourself paying the price later.

Solid screening (and pre-screening) isn’t about making perfect judgments—it’s about protecting your property from avoidable risks. At a minimum, always verify income, run credit and background checks, and call previous landlords. Just as important? Know your criteria in advance and apply them the same way every time.

Bottom line: consistency is key. Screening isn’t just a formality—it’s the foundation of a strong tenancy.

Mistake 2 – Using Generic or Non-Compliant Lease Templates

Ever downloaded a lease off Google and filled in the blanks? You’re not alone—but that shortcut could cost you big.

Ohio has its own rental laws, and using a lease that isn’t state-specific (or that’s missing required clauses) puts you at risk. If your lease includes illegal terms—like making residents responsible for all repairs—or omits key disclosures, you could end up with an unenforceable contract. That means if something goes wrong, you might not have the legal backup you think you do.

We’ve seen leases that don’t specify the lease term, don’t mention the security deposit amount, or fail to include lead paint disclosures for older properties. These aren’t just oversights—they’re legal liabilities.

A well-written lease is your safety net. It sets clear expectations, gives you recourse if something goes wrong, and helps you resolve issues quickly. If you’re not sure whether your lease holds up under Ohio law, it’s worth having a local expert take a look.

For a great example, Buildium offers a helpful, Ohio-specific lease agreement template that’s a solid starting point for compliance and clarity. Check it out here.

Don’t roll the dice with a one-size-fits-all lease. Get it right on paper so you’re protected in real life.

Mistake 3 – Relying on Verbal Agreements or Vague Lease Terms

It’s easy to assume everyone’s on the same page—until they’re not. A casual conversation about rent due dates or who’s responsible for lawn care might seem fine in the moment. But when that handshake deal falls apart, you’ll wish it had been in writing.

Verbal agreements and vague lease terms create gray areas—and gray areas lead to conflict. Without clear documentation, you’re left with “he said, she said,” which rarely ends in your favor.

We’ve seen landlords struggle to enforce late fees, pet policies, or move-out timelines because the original lease didn’t spell things out. Or worse, they used a one-pager that barely covers the basics. That’s not a lease—it’s a liability.

BiggerPockets shares an excellent resource on this topic: a list of 25 lease clauses every landlord should consider adding to ensure they’re fully protected. You can read it here.

Here’s the rule: if it’s important enough to talk about, it’s important enough to put in writing. That includes rent amounts, due dates, who’s responsible for what, pet rules, and how maintenance requests are handled.

Use a comprehensive lease. Make sure all adults sign it. Give each resident a copy. And if you ever need to make exceptions, document them too.

Clarity now saves conflict later.

Mistake 4 – Not Enforcing the Lease or Managing Inconsistently

You let one resident pay rent a week late without a fee because they had a family emergency. Then the next month, someone else tries the same thing—and now you’re in a bind. Sound familiar?

Being a fair landlord doesn’t mean being a flexible one. When you enforce the lease sporadically, it creates confusion and frustration—for you and your residents. It also weakens your legal footing if you ever end up in court.

Residents notice when rules are applied unevenly. It can lead to resentment, pushback, and claims of unfair treatment. And once you’ve set a precedent—even unintentionally—it’s hard to walk it back.

Consistency isn’t about being cold or rigid. It’s about professionalism. When you follow the lease as written, everyone knows where they stand. It sets expectations, builds respect, and protects your time and property.

Yes, life happens. And occasionally, it makes sense to work with a resident on a short-term issue. But always document any special arrangements, and be clear that it’s a one-time exception—not a new rule.

BiggerPockets puts it well in this article on being a “firm but fair” landlord. It highlights the long-term benefits of consistent rule enforcement and building a respectful relationship with your residents. Check it out here.

Inconsistent management may feel easier in the moment, but it creates long-term headaches. Stick to the lease, every time.

Next Step: Protect Your Property Before It Costs You

You don’t need to learn these lessons the hard way. Take a few minutes today to review your resident screening process and lease agreements. Are you cutting corners? Relying on old templates? Making decisions based on gut feelings?

Now’s the time to tighten things up.

Create or update your written screening criteria. Review your lease to make sure it’s Ohio-compliant and detailed. Commit to consistent management practices that reinforce the lease you worked so hard to create.

If you’re not sure where to start—or want expert eyes on your documents—consider talking with a Columbus property management company that specializes in doing this right (like RL). 

The fewer mistakes you make upfront, the fewer problems you’ll have later. Take action today, and set your rental business up for long-term success.