Indians living abroad often face difficulties in owning properties in India. There are some financial and emotional constraints in owning properties in India that can be frustrating, especially when the property is not well-maintained. Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) often make some rookie mistakes with their properties that cost them time, money, and peace of mind. In this guide, we will explore the NRI property maintenance mistakes that you should avoid and some common tips to prevent safety and legal risks associated with your property.
NRI Property Maintenance Mistakes
Despite the best intentions, specific errors repeatedly disrupt the process of remote property management. The following sections highlight mistakes most NRIs make, providing practical strategies for avoiding each.
1. Skipping Regular Inspections
A common rookie mistake is to assume everything is going right at your property if no issues are reported. NRIs frequently neglect routine property inspections, and as a result, minor damages or unauthorized activities going on in the property remain unmonitored until a major incident occurs. Such mishaps can be avoided by carrying out regular inspections to prevent their escalation. Owners may also hire a property manager who ensures regular inspections are carried out and provides advice accordingly.
2. Renting without Proper Tenant Screening
NRIs often struggle with time management, as they usually have busy schedules. As a result, they often go lenient in background checks for tenants. Accepting unverified tenants increases the risks for late rent payments, legal battles, or damaged property. This exposes their property to legal and financial risks, and the only fix is to follow a screening process strictly. The tenant’s identity should be verified, and they should provide proper documents. You can also get help from a property manager who has better ideas for screening checks.
If you are still unsure of the benefits of a professional property manager, read this blog: How Property Managers Act as a Bridge Between Landlords and Tenants.
3: Using Outdated or Oral Agreements
Many owners try to avoid the hassle of paperwork by using simple online agreements. While these are convenient, they won’t help much during legal disputes. In India, property disputes often remain pending in courts, with an average resolution time stretching up to 20 years. If you want to avoid getting trapped in such long legal battles, it’s better to use detailed legal property agreements that clearly show rental terms, notice periods and penalties for property damage or late payments.
4: Ignoring Minor Repairs
A survey highlighted that 24% of NRIs face hurdles in managing rental properties from abroad, including rent collection and tenant dealings. Many owners put off repairs that don’t appear to be serious. This could be a major pitfall because the small problems occasionally compound into big ones, and you can lose more money than anticipated. Poorly maintained properties do not attract tenants and negatively impact rental yields.
To avoid this problem, property owners often choose a property management provider that schedules regular inspections and easy repairs if damages are found.
5. Lack of Clear Communication Channels
Imagine your tenants finding some issues with your property, but are unable to contact you to discuss the problems. They would feel frustrated, and this would affect the relationship between you and your tenants. This can be easily avoided by establishing effective NRI communication channels like WhatsApp groups, email threads, or property management portals. You can also have a person in charge of responding to tenant concerns immediately to resolve any problems as soon as possible.
6: Over-Reliance on Friends or Relatives
Many NRIs try to save up on property management service costs by entrusting their property to family or friends. While this does save them some money, it may also lead to misunderstandings or delayed actions. Relatives are not experts in most cases, and they will not be able to manage a property as effectively as a professional management agency. This is why opting for a professional service that guarantees accountability is always a better idea. You will be able to keep your relationships intact while also having peace of mind if you go for a property management agency.
7: Leaving Property Vacant for Long Periods
One of the most common NRI property maintenance mistakes is to leave the property unoccupied while searching for the right tenant. This may be an expensive mistake to make because unoccupied properties are vulnerable to theft, burglary, and illegal occupancy. The issue can be resolved by listing your property on a short-term rental platform or hiring a property manager to visit the property frequently to ensure that it is properly maintained. Following this advice will enable you to save your property value and make it safe.
Role of NRI Property Management Services in Bangalore
With the rapid increase in NRI property management services in Bangalore, NRI owners now have an easier option to maintain their properties while living outside of India. Property management services like ORO PropTech provide everything from tenant screening to documentation to maintenance and rent collection. By opting for services like Oro Proptech, you will be able to maximize returns and minimize stress, all without even having to visit India.
Structuring a Maintenance Blueprint
| Maintenance Aspect | Proactive Step |
| Inspections | Schedule quarterly via a trusted vendor or manager |
| Communication | Set up clear digital channels (WhatsApp, email, portal) |
| Maintenance Contracts | Initiate AMCs for plumbing/HVAC/pest control |
| Tenant Oversight | Screen thoroughly; define responsibilities in the lease. |
| Financial Tracking | Maintain a digital ledger with receipts and invoices |
| Legal & Tax Documents | Periodic title checks and tax compliance |
| Security | Secure property, maintain vigilance, ensure insurance |
| Manager Accountability | Choose verified NRI property maintenance mistakes-aware services |
Final Thoughts
Property management can be a hassle for people who do not live where their properties are. NRIs often deal with numerous challenges in maintaining their properties from abroad. This is where property management services come into play, as these services handle everything from maintenance to documentation and help owners stay confident while handling their properties, no matter where they reside.
If you are an NRI dealing with the hassles of property maintenance, visit Oro Proptech to get the best property management services and protect your investment.
