The Real Cost of Being "Almost Right"
Being a landlord in St. Charles, Missouri can be incredibly rewarding — the rental market is strong, the community is growing, and tenants are looking for quality housing. But like many opportunities, it comes with risks. From minor oversights to serious legal errors, even experienced landlords can make costly mistakes.
At Homestretch Property Management, we’ve worked with dozens of local property owners who came to us after they learned these lessons the hard way. Here’s what you need to know to stay profitable, legal, and stress-free.
Mistake: Skipping or Rushing Tenant Screening
Why It Happens:
- You’re in a hurry to fill a vacancy.
- The applicant “seems nice.”
- You want to avoid the cost of screening services.
Real-World Consequences:
- A St. Charles landlord accepted a tenant without verifying income. Within 60 days, they had missed two rent payments, damaged the unit, and caused neighbor complaints.
- Legal eviction took 6 weeks — and over $2,000 in lost rent and legal fees.
Smart Screening Includes:
- National credit and background checks
- Employment verification and pay stub analysis
- Rental history and references
- Pet and occupancy disclosure
Our Solution: Homestretch uses a screening process that meets all Fair Housing guidelines, ensuring compliance and high-quality tenants.
Mistake: Underpricing (or Overpricing) Your Property
What’s at Stake:
- Too low? You lose income.
- Too high? It stays vacant.
- You think you’re saving money — but in reality, every extra day vacant = profit loss.
Example:
Say your rent is $100 below market. That’s $1,200 lost annually — per property.
What Determines Rental Value in St. Charles:
- Neighborhood (Fox Hill vs. Old Town vs. Harvester)
- Property condition
- Square footage & upgrades
- Seasonal demand (summer = faster leasing)
- Local comps (what similar homes are listed and rented for)
Request a Free Rental Price Analysis →
We’ll send you a report with rental trends in your area — no strings attached.
Mistake: Ignoring Small Maintenance Issues
“It’s Just a Drip” — Famous Last Words
Maintenance issues rarely fix themselves. What starts as a leaky faucet could end up as a flooded cabinet, rotted floorboards, and tenant complaints.
Tenant Expectations Today:
- Fast response time
- Clear communication
- Preventive maintenance = trust
Real Example:
We had a landlord in Lindenwood who kept delaying HVAC inspections. A minor filter issue caused a $3,400 system failure in July. Since switching to Homestretch, he’s on a biannual inspection plan and hasn’t had a surprise repair since.
We Provide:
- 24/7 repair response
- Preferred vendor pricing
- Annual inspections with detailed reports
Mistake: Not Knowing Missouri Landlord Laws
Did You Know?
- In Missouri, you must return a security deposit within 30 days.
- You can’t change the locks without a court-ordered eviction.
- Improper notices can make your lease unenforceable.
Many landlords in St. Charles unintentionally violate state or local ordinances, especially when managing their own property.
Ignorance ≠ Innocence:
Courts expect you to follow due process — even if it’s your first time being a landlord.
- Lease compliance
- Move-in/out documentation
- Eviction coordination (if needed)
- Security deposit laws
Mistake: Trying to Manage It All Alone
When You Wear Every Hat:
- Accountant
- Lawyer
- Maintenance tech
- Collections agent
- Marketing director
- Tenant therapist
You’ll likely get burned out — fast. We’ve seen excellent landlords burn out after two bad tenants or one high-maintenance month.
Real Cost of DIY:
You think you’re saving on management fees — but if you lose 2 weeks to vacancy, that’s $650–$1,000 gone.
Read related article: The #1 Mistake Landlords Make—and How to Avoid It in St. Louis & St. Charles County
We’ll show you what full-service management looks like — and how it can increase your return.
What Our Clients Say
"I have been working with [Homestretch] for property management for the last year. They have been responsive and helpful during that time but over the last several months they have performed superbly! Every aspect from advertising, leasing, occupying, accounting, and most importantly taking care of our tenants, has improved."
— TOM CONNALLY
"[Homestretch Property Management] has been a HUGE help! Great at communicating updates and helping us with any questions that we have. We partner with them on multiple properties with multiple investors in our network and there is an overall positive feedback for this company. We would recommend and refer them to everyone!" — SALLY ZHENG
Landlord FAQs
Final Thoughts
Managing property is a business, not a side hobby. The most successful landlords in St. Charles treat it that way — and avoid these five critical mistakes.
You’ve invested in property. Now invest in your peace of mind and your future ROI.
Let’s Talk:
Book Your Free Consultation →
Or call 314-333-5555 to speak with a local expert today.
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St. Louis' Property Management Experts
Our team of local pros helps you stay profitable
At Homestretch Property Management, we have an experienced team of property managers who are well-versed in the local real estate market. We fully understand the unique challenges property owners face in St Louis and can provide tailored solutions to meet your specific needs.
Furthermore, we use the latest technology and software to streamline the management process and enhance efficiency. Our online portal allows you to access real-time financial reports, maintenance requests, and other critical information about your properties from anywhere, at any time.
Learn more about our property management packages or schedule a free consultation with our team to get started today.