When you hear “mom and pop,” you might picture a quaint, independently-owned local retail shop that offers a personal, friendly, and unique shopping experience. In real estate, though, “mom and pop” often carries negative connotations—suggesting disorganization, lack of professionalism, or even mismanagement. But the modern mom-and-pop landlord is far from that outdated stereotype.
Today, mom-and-pop landlords who own and manage fewer than five rental properties, either independently or with minimal assistance, make up about 70-75% of the U.S. rental market. These small, mostly part-time landlords are redefining what it means to run rental properties, combining solid systems with a personal and individualized approach. They are proving that success doesn’t require a large-scale operation, as they steadily build financial security and generational wealth for their families.
The modern mom-and-pop landlord balances the need for systems with a personalized approach. Their strength lies in being proactive, responsive, nimble, and adaptable, creating individualized processes that work best for them and their tenants, rather than relying exclusively on one-size fits all solutions. They embrace technology where it fits and don’t shy away from learning as they go. It’s not about perfection, but is about experimenting, finding what works, and constantly improving.
In real estate, it’s not about how many properties you own, but how well you manage them. By building essential systems and the flexibility to adjust as needed, modern mom-and-pop landlords run efficient, professional operations and thrive in the competitive rental market while offering a tenant experience that larger companies often can’t match.
Are you a new or smaller landlord ready to build or improve your own systems? Download my free Landlord Survival Cheat Sheet to get started. And stay tuned for more Modern Mom and Pop Landlord Insights and Ideas!
