Bakersfield Landlords: The Do’s & Don’ts of Managing a Rental Property

Isaac Palacios
Sep 9, 2025
3 min read

Owning a rental property in Bakersfield can be rewarding—but it can also be stressful if you don’t have the right systems in place. Between finding reliable tenants, handling maintenance, and staying on top of legal requirements, landlords in Kern County often find themselves overwhelmed. The good news? With the right strategies, you can protect your investment, avoid costly mistakes, and keep your rental property profitable.

At Skyler Property Management, we specialize in helping local landlords enjoy stress-free property ownership. Here’s a breakdown of the most common do’s and don’ts every landlord in Bakersfield should know.

✅ The Do’s of Being a Successful Landlord

1. Do Screen Tenants Thoroughly

The single most important step in protecting your property is placing the right tenants. Always check credit reports, rental history, and employment verification. A few extra days of screening can save you months of unpaid rent or legal battles.

2. Do Keep Your Property Well-Maintained

Tenants appreciate landlords who respond quickly to maintenance requests. Not only does this keep your tenants happy, but it also preserves the value of your investment. In Bakersfield’s hot summers, for example, air conditioning issues can’t wait. A well-maintained home also makes it easier to attract quality renters.

3. Do Set Clear Expectations Up Front

From the lease agreement to move-in instructions, clarity prevents future disputes. Spell out rules for rent due dates, late fees, pet policies, and maintenance responsibilities. Clear communication builds trust and reduces headaches.

4. Do Stay Compliant with Local Laws

Kern County landlords must follow California’s rental regulations, which are among the strictest in the nation. Staying informed about fair housing laws, habitability requirements, and security deposit rules keeps you out of legal trouble.

❌ The Don'ts of Being a Landlord

1. Don’t Skip Lease Agreements

A handshake or verbal agreement won’t hold up in court. Always use a written lease that complies with California law. Templates from other states often miss local requirements, leaving you vulnerable.

2. Don’t Ignore Vacancies

Every month your property sits empty is money lost. Professional marketing—including MLS listings, Zillow, social media, and yard signage—helps fill vacancies faster. At Skyler Property Management, we advertise on multiple channels to get your rental seen by qualified tenants quickly.

3. Don’t Wait on Rent Collection

Late rent can turn into no rent. Establish a consistent rent collection process and enforce late fees when necessary. Online rent payment systems make it easier for tenants to pay on time and for landlords to track payments.

4. Don’t Try to Do Everything Yourself

Many landlords start out thinking, “I’ll save money by managing the property myself.” But between 2 a.m. maintenance calls, legal notices, and bookkeeping, the stress adds up fast. Partnering with a local property management company can actually save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

🏠 Real-World Example:

One Bakersfield landlord came to us after dealing with three months of unpaid rent and a costly eviction process. They realized too late that they hadn’t properly screened the tenant. Once we took over, we ran a full background check, placed a qualified tenant, and set up automatic rent collection. Today, their property is consistently rented and generating income—without the stress.

Why Work with Skyler Property Management?

As a family-owned company based in Bakersfield, we understand the unique challenges local landlords face. Our services include:

Tenant Screening & Placement – We find reliable tenants you can trust.
Property Marketing – Maximum exposure through online listings and social media.
Rent Collection – Secure, on-time rent deposits straight to your account.
Maintenance Coordination – 24/7 access for tenants with owner-approved vendors.
Legal Compliance – Stay protected with leases and procedures that follow California law.

📞 Take the Stress Out of Property Management

If you’re a landlord in Bakersfield, don’t wait until vacancies, late rent, or legal issues drain your time and money. Let Skyler Property Management handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on growing your investments.

👉 Book a Free Rental Analysis today to see how much your property could earn.👉 Or call us directly at (insert your phone number) for a friendly, no-obligation consultation.