First-Time Calgary Landlord? Here’s What Not to Do

Becoming a landlord in Calgary can be a smart financial move, but it comes with more responsibility than many new property owners realize. From legal compliance to tenant relations, the learning curve can be steep—and REALLY expensive if you get it wrong.

At Drummer Realty, we’ve helped countless Calgary landlords avoid these early missteps. We've seen it all—from late-night furnace failures to one unforgettable case involving a goat in the laundry room (yes, a real goat). So before you dive in, here’s our list of the top 5 mistakes new landlords make—and how to avoid them like a pro.

---

1. Do NOT Assume You Can Write Your Own Rules

The mistake:

Many first-time landlords think they can include any terms they want in a lease—or handle evictions however they see fit.

The reality:

In Alberta, all rental agreements are governed by the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA). If your lease includes terms that contradict the Act, they can be thrown out—or worse, land you in legal hot water. Common pitfalls include incorrect notice periods, unlawful fees, or mishandling security deposits.

How to avoid it:

Take time to understand the RTA—or better yet, let someone who already knows it handle the details. At Drummer Realty, we’ve been navigating Alberta’s rental laws for years. We’ll ensure your lease is rock solid, legal, and built to protect you and your property.

2. Do NOT Skip Proper Tenant Screening

The mistake: 

Accepting the first tenant who shows interest, especially if they seem friendly or offer to pay cash upfront.

The reality:

A bad tenant can cost you far more than a few weeks of vacancy—think missed rent, property damage, or... livestock. One landlord came to us after discovering a goat living in the laundry room. Cute? Maybe. Legal or sanitary? Definitely not.

How to avoid it:

Screen every tenant carefully. This includes credit checks, employment verification, landlord references, and ideally a face-to-face meeting.

At Drummer Realty, we use a proven screening process to find qualified, reliable tenants who treat your property (and your laundry room) with respect—so you can rest easy.

3. Do NOT Misprice Your Rental

The mistake:

Setting rent based on your mortgage or what you “think it’s worth.”

The reality:

Calgary’s rental market is dynamic, and renters are price-conscious. If your rent is too high, your unit will sit vacant. Too low, and you’re leaving money on the table.

How to avoid it:

Research comparable listings in your neighborhood—or better yet, get a professional rental analysis. Drummer Realty provides up-to-date market insights to help you price competitively and profitably. Our goal? Minimize vacancy and maximize your return.

4. Do NOT Treat Your Rental Like a Side Hustle

The mistake:

Failing to treat your rental like a real business—skipping record-keeping, ignoring maintenance, or relying on memory instead of systems.

The reality:

Rental property is an asset—but without good management, it can quickly become a liability. We’ve had landlords call us mid-panic because they hadn’t checked their unit in months—only to discover holes in the walls (possibly from raccoons, possibly from DIY renovations gone wrong—we still don't know).

How to avoid it:

Set up systems for finances, maintenance, communication, and documentation. Or, let a professional take the wheel. At Drummer Realty, we handle everything from bookkeeping to maintenance calls—so your rental runs like a business, not a guessing game.

5. Do NOT Neglect Routine Inspections

The mistake:

Assuming everything’s fine if the tenant hasn’t complained.

The reality:

Tenants don’t always report small issues—like slow leaks, broken appliances, or unusual smells in the walls (which in one case... turned out to be a family of squirrels). Left unchecked, small problems can become major, expensive headaches.

How to avoid it:

Schedule regular inspections at least twice a year. Look for maintenance issues, cleanliness, and lease compliance.

Drummer Realty conducts professional, documented inspections with detailed reports and photos—giving you peace of mind that your property is safe, sound, and squirrel-free.

---

Final Thoughts

Being a successful landlord in Calgary means more than just collecting rent. It requires knowledge, consistency, and a business-minded approach. By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll protect your property, your profits, and your sanity.

Want a partner who knows the ins and outs of Calgary property management (and how to get a goat out of your laundry room)?

Drummer Realty is here to help—from legal compliance to full-service management.