Mom-and-Pop Landlords in 2025: What’s Happening & Why It Matters

Mom and pop landlords are a staple of the US rental scene. For example, a retired couple renting out their vintage home or an educator owning and running a duplex as a small landlord gives renters greater choice and care.

If you are a renter, look for mom-and-pop rentals for flexible leases and a personal touch. Staying informed and building trust helps both sides with our article today!

Then, who are mom and pop landlords? They are families or individuals who own and operate a small number of rental properties, typically one to four. Unlike big corporations, mom and pop landlords typically do everything themselves.

You can find mom-and-pop rentals in all cities and suburbs. The landlords may even reside in the same neighborhood or even in the same building as their tenants. They are very committed to their properties and communities.

Landlords' property rentals from mom-and-pop owners are typically single-family homes in most instances. Otherwise, duplexes or small apartment houses are some other choices.

Small landlords are vital in maintaining neighborhood housing markets stable and multifaceted. Their influence extends far beyond the properties they have.

Providing Affordable Housing in Local Communities

One of the advantages of mom-and-pop rentals is that they are inexpensive. With smaller landlords having less overhead, they can provide rents below the market rate. For instance, a family that rents out their older house might charge less than a large company landlord who has set pricing rules.

This makes the neighborhoods affordable to working families, students, and retirees. Mom-and-pop owner rental properties are also likely to be in stable neighborhoods, rather than new developments.

This is another option for tenants who prefer to be near schools, work, or family. Mom and pop landlords frequently are the anchors for reasonable housing in many urban cities.

Preferred by Many Renters

Why do so many tenants seek out mom-and-pop rentals? The answer is personal service. Small landlords tend to be more accommodating with lease duration, pet restrictions, and moving dates.

When something is broken, tenants can simply call the landlord directly—no holding on a month-long wait time with a property management phone system.

For instance, a tenant who has lost their employment can negotiate short-term accommodation from paying the full rent with a mom-and-pop owner. Corporate owners do not often offer this kind of accommodation.

That's why most tenants go out of their way to learn about how to identify mom-and-pop landlords when they are searching for a new apartment.

Over 20.5 million US rental homes are owned by mom-and-pop landlords in 2025. These landlords frequently have just one or two homes on their own. For instance, a couple of retired individuals may rent out their old home, sprucing things up and having tenants without the assistance of a big corporation.

Mom and pop rentals account for approximately 40–45% of total rent units. Their proportion is, nevertheless, decreasing. Large investors such as REITs and hedge funds are increasingly purchasing homes, particularly in rapidly growing suburbs. This decreases the opportunity for new small landlords to purchase and rent houses.

More expensive houses, more regulation, and increasing competition fuel the adversity. As mom and pop landlords disappear, tenants might pay higher and have fewer options.

Operating a mom-and-pop rental company is more complicated than ever. This is what is giving it a hard time for small landlords nowadays.

Financial and Operational Pressure

Small landlords are being hit with increased expenses on all fronts. Insurance, maintenance, and property tax payments cost more. When a payment is late, a mom-and-pop landlord doesn't have the cash cushion a large corporation does. For instance, a bad tenant or a surprise repair can erase a year of earnings.

A lack of access to credit is also a problem. Banks may not want to lend to people who only have limited property. This is making it harder and harder for mom and pop owners to expand or even maintain.

Operationally, being a small landlord is labor-intensive. From emergencies to background screening for tenants, small landlords must juggle countless tasks—without the staff or resources that larger firms enjoy.

Legal and Regulatory Overload

Each year brings new regulations to landlords' rental properties. Rent controls, eviction freezes, and building codes all contribute to the complexity. To mom-and-pop landlords, it is difficult to stay in compliance. Unlike large property companies, they usually have no attorney guidance or compliance specialists.

For instance, in certain cities, landlords are required by law to retrofit buildings to be efficient. For a small landlord with only one older duplex, the expense may be prohibitively high. Not doing so could lead to fines or litigation.

Renters have the option to have mom-and-pop owners or corporate landlords, which will make a difference. How the two differ is highlighted below.

Lease Terms Flexibility

Mom and pop owners are willing to bend. They will accept pets, accommodate move-in dates, or even accept other types of proof of income. For instance, a mini-landlord may accept rent weekly rather than monthly. Corporate owners are more apt to have rigid, non-negotiable procedures.

Communications

With mom and pop rentals, you deal directly with the owner. This provides quicker responses and more individualized service. If you want to repair a dripping faucet, you call or text your landlord. Corporate landlords use property managers or call centers to relay requests.

Landlord-Tenant Relationship

Most renters enjoy the personal touch of the mom-and-pop landlord. The owners learn the tenants' names and concern themselves with their well-being. It is more apt to be nicer if there is a problem. Corporate landlords are impersonal and centered on efficiency and profit.

Maintenance

Property maintenance by small landlords is typically DIY. When something needs repairing, the owner might do it himself or call a local handyman. This can equal faster repairs but occasionally less quality. Corporate landlords have full-time maintenance staff, but it may take longer to get something addressed.

Tenant Screening & Approval Process

Small landlords employ more lenient tenant screening. They may accept a tenant with poor credit if he or she has good recommendations or a stable job. Corporate landlords try to establish strict standards and computerized procedures (optional).

Final Verdict: Which Landlord Type Works Best?

It depends. Mom-and-pop landlords offer flexibility, personal service, and a community environment. Corporate landlords offer expediency, form, and resources. For those who desire personal experience and local expertise, mom-and-pop apartments typically are the answer.

Look for mom and pop landlords? A little more work, but it's worth it.

• Local Classifieds: Look in local newspapers, bulletin boards, and internet forums for person-to-person listings.

• Community Boards: Some mom-and-pop owners post on community Facebook sites or local websites.

• Word of Mouth: Ask friends, family, or coworkers if they have heard anything about available mom-and-pop rentals.

• Drive the Area: Search for "For Rent by Owner" signs in your desired area.

• Rental Websites: Certain websites allow you to search for "owner-managed" properties.

If you do call a mom-and-pop owner, be prepared to tell your story. Personal contacts matter. Describe your dependability, consistent income, and care for the property.

Mom and pop landlords run the US rental market. For instance, a family renting out their previous home or a school teacher running a duplex as a small owner provides renters more choices and attention. As rates go up and regulations become stricter, landlords need to move as quickly as possible.

They need to keep records, respond to repairs in a timely manner, and employ tenant screening products such as LeaseRunner. To be a successful mom-and-pop landlord, join local landlord associations, get new laws, and talk to your tenants frequently.

If you rent, seek out mom-and-pop properties with relaxed lease agreements and a cozy atmosphere. Informedness and trust go both ways in 2025's new market.