The Ultimate Guide to LLCs for Rental Properties 2024: Everything You Need to Know

Investing in rental properties can be a smart way to earn passive income and build wealth over time. However, managing rental properties is about more than finding tenants and collecting rent. It’s also about protecting your investments and yourself. One way to do this is by forming a Limited Liability Company (LLC) for your rental properties. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using an LLC for your investment properties, from the basics of when to start one to the specifics of managing business licenses and permits.

When to Start an LLC for Your Investment Property

Why Consider an LLC?

An LLC is a business structure that can protect your assets (like your home and savings) if something goes wrong with your rental property. For example, if there’s a legal issue with the property or someone gets hurt and decides to sue, being part of an LLC means that only the assets within the LLC can be targeted in a lawsuit, not your personal belongings.

Do I Need to Set Up an LLC for My Investment?

Deciding whether to set up an LLC for your rental property depends on several factors:

• Risk: Properties with higher tenant turnover or those in high-risk areas might benefit more from an LLC’s protection.
• Investment Size: If you own multiple rental properties or plan to expand, an LLC can help manage these under one entity.
• Privacy: An LLC can offer privacy since the property is titled under the LLC’s name, not yours.

Weigh these factors against the potential costs and administrative duties of maintaining an LLC.

Best Time to Form an LLC

The ideal time to form an LLC for your rental property is before you purchase the property. This way, the property can be purchased directly under the LLC, keeping your personal name off the title and adding a layer of protection right from the start. However, if you already own properties, you can still transfer them into an LLC, though this process might involve some additional steps and considerations, like potential tax implications or mortgage issues.

Using an LLC Formation Service

Small business entrepreneurs can benefit from online LLC services to establish their Limited Liability Companies (LLC). These services will help file the necessary documents, allowing small business owners to focus on running their businesses. They have features like guaranteed acceptance by the state, assistance with the EIN application, registered agent service, and drafting of operating agreements. Online LLC services can be a reasonable and worthwhile cost.

Business owners can customize these packages to suit their individual needs. If you want to compare services and costs before deciding, you can choose from several options. Northwest Registered Agent, Swiftfilings, and Bizee LLC services are the most popular choices and have the best ratings.

Setting Up an LLC for Your Rental or Investment Property

Step 1: Choose a Business Name

The first step in creating your LLC is picking a unique name. Each state has specific guidelines for naming your LLC, including the need for the name to differ from other businesses registered in the state.

Here are the common guidelines you must follow: 

• The name must include “Limited Liability Company” or one of its abbreviations (LLC or LLC).
• Certain restricted words (like Bank, Attorney, or University) might require additional paperwork and a licensed professional to be part of your LLC.

You can do a free name check to see if your chosen name is available. If you are considering getting a website name that matches your business name, You can find good deals for your domain names on Namecheap.

Step 2: Hire a Registered Agent

Like other states, your LLC must have a registered agent. A registered agent is a person or company that agrees to receive legal papers on behalf of your LLC, ensuring you get all important legal notices. The agent must have a physical address and be available during business hours. You can act as your registered agent, choose someone you trust, or hire a professional service like Northwest Registered Agent, Swiftfilings, or Bizee.

 

Check out our blog: ‘Is a Registered Agent Necessary> Your Guide to Finding an Affordable Option.‘

Step 3: File Your Certificate of Formation

This is the main document that officially creates your LLC. You file it with your state’s business filing agency, typically the Secretary of State, and pay a filing fee. Filing the Certificate of Organization is crucial in forming your LLC. Ensure all provided information is accurate and complete to facilitate a smooth approval process.

Step 4: Making an Operating Agreement for Your Business

Let’s discuss setting up some ground rules for your business. This is where an Operating Agreement comes in. Think of it as a handbook that explains how your business runs. It’s important because it helps everyone understand their role and what’s expected in your LLC.

Here’s what an Operating Agreement usually includes:

• Ownership: This part talks about who owns what percentage of the business. 
• Member’s Rights and Responsibilities: Here, you’ll write down what each person in the LLC can and cannot do and what they’re responsible for. It’s like a job description for each member.
• Joining & Leaving: This section covers how new people can enter your business and what happens if someone decides to leave. It’s good to have this figured out so there are no surprises later.
• Dissolution: This might sound a bit gloomy, but it’s practical. It’s about how to close down the LLC if you ever need to. It includes the steps to take and how to handle everything when wrapping up the business.

Creating an Operating Agreement is a smart move. It keeps things clear and organized so everyone knows what to expect, and it can save you a lot of time. 

Step 5: Getting Your EIN from the IRS

Your business needs a number called an EIN from the IRS. It’s like an ID number for your business. This number will help you as an identification number when getting bank accounts and credit accounts, filing taxes, and hiring employees.

It’s free, and you can get it from the IRS website.

Step 6: Steps After Forming Your LLC 

Open a Business Bank Account 

Keeping your personal and business finances separate is crucial for financial management and legal protection. Opening a business bank account requires your EIN and Articles of Organization. It makes tracking business expenses easier and simplifies tax filing.

Get a Business Credit Card

A business credit card is an excellent tool for handling business purchases and can help build your company’s credit history. Just like with personal credit, a good business credit score can make it easier to get loans and may qualify you for better terms. Visit our website to see our favorite business cards review.  

Check out our blog: Novo Review: The Best Business Banking Account in 2024?

Hire an Accountant

Managing finances can get complicated, especially as your business grows. An accountant can help you navigate tax laws, handle bookkeeping, and plan for financial growth. This professional guidance can save you time and money in the long run.

Create a Professional Website 

A website makes your business look legit. WordPress is a great tool to build your site. You can check out SiteGround or Hostinger for web hosting. They’re both good options to get your site up and running. 

Step 7: Transfer Property Titles 

If the properties are currently in your name, you must deed them to your LLC. This process might trigger a reassessment of property taxes and involve fees.

After Setting Up the LLC: Licenses and Permits

Once your LLC is in place, you need to ensure all local regulations are met:

• Local Business Licenses: Check with your city or county about necessary business licenses for operating rental properties.
• Property Permits: Depending on the type of rental, you might need specific permits, especially if you plan on making any significant renovations or changes to the property.
• Landlord Permits: Some locations require landlords to have a permit or register as landlords, separate from any business licenses.

Conclusion: Why an LLC Makes Sense for Rental Properties

Using an LLC to manage your rental properties can provide critical benefits regarding liability protection, tax advantages, and scalability of your real estate business. While upfront costs and some extra steps are involved in setting up and maintaining an LLC, the protection it offers can be invaluable, particularly if you face any legal challenges.

Remember, every investor’s situation is unique, so consider consulting with a legal or financial advisor to ensure an LLC is the right choice for your property investment strategy. If you need help, services like Northwest Registered Agent, Swiftfiling, or Bizee exist. They can handle any legal details your LLC requires, like getting your EIN and sorting out your operating agreement.