Being a landlord in the greater Denver area can be rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. With a growing population, high demand for rentals, and fluctuating housing costs, Denver's rental market remains highly competitive, making property management increasingly complex. From tenant issues to rising property costs, managing a rental property in Denver, Aurora, Westminster, or even farther out in places like Brighton, or Lafayette can start to wear you down. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, it might be time to ask yourself: is it worth holding onto your rental property?
Here are seven signs that landlord fatigue might be setting in—and why selling your property off-market could be your best option.
1. You’re Constantly Dealing with Maintenance Issues
Some of Denver's most attractive locations for renters include historic neighborhoods like Highland, Baker, or Five Points and suburbs like Littleton or Wheat Ridge. Many properties in these areas were built close to a century ago, meaning they require costly updates to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems. Upgrading an old electrical panel to a modern 200-amp panel can range from $4,500 to over $10,000. Extensive plumbing repairs, such as replacing a main water line, can cost between $3,000 and $10,000. Additionally, installing a new HVAC system can cost anywhere from $9,800 to $15,800.
If maintenance costs are eating into your profits, it might be time to move on.
2. Rising Property Taxes and Insurance Costs
Colorado property values have surged in recent years, leading to higher property taxes. For example, the average property tax in Colorado increased by approximately 15% over the past five years. Areas like Highlands Ranch, Broomfield, and even more affordable locations like Commerce City are seeing increased expenses. Additionally, homeowner insurance premiums in Colorado have risen by an average of 21% due to increased claims from natural disasters and rising home values.
If your costs are climbing faster than your rental income, selling might be a smarter financial move.
3. You’re Not Seeing the Returns You Expected
When you first bought your rental property, you likely had a financial goal in mind. Typically, landlords in the Denver area expect a return on investment (ROI) of 6% to 10% annually, with a cap rate averaging around 5% to 7% depending on the neighborhood (rentcafe.com). However, with fluctuating home values, increasing expenses, and potential shifts in rental demand, your investment may no longer be meeting these expectations. If you’re not hitting your financial targets, it’s worth considering whether holding onto the property makes sense.
4. Tenant Troubles Are Taking a Toll
Late payments, property damage, and evictions can make renting out your property a stressful endeavor. In fact, the Denver metro area has experienced an 80% increase in eviction filings since pre-pandemic levels, with 13,478 cases filed in 2024 alone. Additionally, new tenant protection laws, such as House Bill 24-1098, have made eviction proceedings more complex, adding further challenges for landlords. The cost of an uncontested residential eviction in Colorado averages around $279.17, with a typical range between $203.03 and $355.30, including court fees, summons services, and sheriff execution fees. Additional expenses such as attorney fees, lost rent, and property repairs can significantly increase the total cost, making eviction a costly and time-consuming process for landlords.
If screening and managing tenants has become a headache, selling could provide much-needed relief.
5. You’re Tired of Managing the Property
Property management is time-consuming, especially if you don’t live near your rental. If you own a property in Lafayette but live in Parker, or if you’ve got multiple rentals scattered around the Denver suburbs, the logistics alone can be exhausting. Even if you hire a property management company, the fees cut into your profits. Most property management companies charge a monthly fee ranging from 7% to 20% of collected rent, or a flat fee starting at around $109 per month. Additionally, tenant placement fees typically range from 50% to 100% of one month's rent, and lease renewal fees can be around $250. Other costs, such as setup fees ranging from $100 to $500 and eviction-related expenses, can further reduce profitability.
6. Selling Conditions Are Favorable, But Challenging
Denver’s real estate market has remained competitive, with demand for housing still strong in suburban and outlying areas. The median home price in Denver currently stands at approximately $600,000, with properties in surrounding areas like Erie, Castle Rock, and Longmont seeing values ranging from $500,000 to $700,000 depending on location and condition.
With investor and homebuyer interest remaining high, many sellers are capitalizing on the strong market. However, the traditional selling process can be lengthy and expensive, requiring repairs, staging, and waiting for the right buyer. For landlords who need to sell quickly or want to maximize convenience, an off-market sale offers a practical alternative. It provides a streamlined, hassle-free experience, allowing sellers to secure a fair price without the delays and costs associated with listing on the open market.
7. You’re Ready for Less Stress and More Freedom
At the end of the day, being a landlord is a job—one that requires constant attention, decision-making, and financial management. If you’re feeling burnt out and ready to simplify your life, it might be time to explore alternative options. Whether that means cashing out to take advantage of strong market conditions, reinvesting in a different type of asset with less hands-on involvement, or simply taking a step back to reassess your financial goals, selling your rental property could be the best way forward. Eliminating the stress of property management, tenant issues, and rising expenses can give you the freedom to focus on other opportunities and enjoy peace of mind knowing your investment is no longer a source of frustration.
Landlord Fatigue Relief: What’s the Best Way to Sell Without the Hassle?
If any of these signs resonate with you, it might be time to consider selling your rental property off-market. Off-market sales provide a hassle-free way to sell without the need for costly repairs, staging, or lengthy closing times. They also allow landlords to bypass agent commissions and secure a fair price quickly, making it an efficient option for those looking to move on from the burdens of property management. An off-market sale means you don’t have to worry about repairs, showings, or waiting months for the right buyer. Instead, you can get a fast, fair offer and move on with less stress.
At Where’s Pickles Properties, we specialize in helping landlords in the greater Denver area sell their properties quickly and efficiently—without the headaches of the traditional market. If you’re feeling landlord fatigue and want to explore your options, reach out to us today for a no-obligation consultation!
📞 Call or text us at 303-525-2714 to see what your property is worth!
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