Should You Create an LLC for a Rental Property?

Should You Create an LLC for a Rental Property?

Last Updated: October 19, 2023 by Jessica Menefee

LLCs are a popular business structure with rental property owners, but do they make sense for you and your rental property? We’ll go through the benefits, drawbacks and possible alternatives.

What Is an LLC?

An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is a business structure that protects owners from being held personally liable for the repayment of debts or liabilities. Once formed, the LLC will act as the landlord rather than one individual owner.

example

Someone falls off the roof of your property and breaks their back. They can sue you to pay for medical expenses and more. If the amount exceeds what your insurance policy covers, the LLC will protect your personal property.

However, keep in mind an LLC is not a magic cloak of protection, you can still be held personally liable in some situations.

example

A landlord is frustrated with the tenant and wants them to move out. They move their belongings outside and change the locks in an illegal self-help eviction. The landlord, not the LLC, would be held liable.

Who Should Create an LLC?

Anyone considering renting out a property should consider an LLC structure as it will offer much of the same protection as a corporation.

There are over 3.6 million eviction cases filed in the U.S. every year, not to mention cases of discrimination, warranty of habitability, personal injury, and more. So, there is a real chance you could experience a lawsuit in your lifetime. Without an LLC, you are putting your personal property (houses, cars, cash) on the line.

Should You Use an LLC For Your Rental Property?

Here are some advantages and disadvantages of forming an LLC:

Advantages Disadvantages
Separation of personal and business accounts Additional expense
Protect your personal liability Property financing issues
Tax Benefits Difficult taxes
Privacy/anonymity Extra paperwork

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Advantages of Using an LLC For Your Rental Property

Check out this information to determine the many reasons why property owners choose to form an LLC to manage their rental properties.

Separation of Personal and Business Accounts

All finances must be kept separate between the LLC and personal funds, or protections offered by the LLC may be void. However, this is actually a benefit.

Keeping your business expenses separate from personal finances is extremely helpful when it comes to doing your taxes, especially if you want some of the special deductions that an LLC offers. Keeping separate bank accounts and separate logs of financial spending makes tracking those deductions so much easier in the long run.

Protect Your Personal Liability

Lawsuits made against an LLC only affect property that the LLC owns.

If the property is managed by an owner without the use of an LLC or other company, the owner’s personal property (including other rentals) can be seized.

However, if the owner is part of an LLC, only the property that the LLC owns can be seized. The owner’s personal funds and property cannot be affected by the lawsuit.

example

 A tenant in a rental property calls in a work order to have the balcony fixed. In the time it takes for the landlord to call someone and arrange for it to be fixed, a friend slips and falls off of the balcony. The tenant may be able to sue the owner for a large amount of money.

Tax Benefits

LLCs offer pass-through taxation. This means that the taxes are “passed through” the LLC to the business owners. Corporations often pay double taxation as the corporation itself is taxed and the member. Single-member LLCs are taxed like a sole proprietorship.

If you have multiple members in your LLC, income (and taxes) are split between the members. Taxes will be filed through the IRS with a Schedule C, Schedule K, or Form 1065. LLCs also have the option to be taxed as an S Corporation or C Corporation.

Again, it’s important to discuss your company structure and tax plan with a professional to determine what is best for your LLC.

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Anonymity

An LLC gives the property owner a certain amount of anonymity. The property will be listed under the ownership of the LLC instead of a name that may divulge personal information. Though it is a small benefit, it is invaluable for those who want to be cautious about their personal information.

If an owner operates without an LLC, the tenant will always know exactly who owns the property. This may not seem like a bad thing, but it can be catastrophic if a tenant has bad intentions.

Disadvantages of Using an LLC For Your Rental Property

While there are many benefits to creating an LLC, there are also quite a few disadvantages that make it a less advantageous option for some property owners.

Additional Expense

Creating an LLC can be expensive. The cost to file an LLC ranges from $35 to $300. Plus, you must also factor in lawyer fees (if you use one), taxes, and other fees that must be paid to maintain the LLC. Many LLCs also pay a registered agent and tax professional.

The ongoing expense with the property expenses may be too much for some homeowners.

Property Financing Issues

It can be difficult to transfer a property you already own into an LLC. It is especially difficult to transfer a property into an LLC if you have an open mortgage on it.

Transferring ownership to your LLC may be considered a formal ownership transfer, and you could lose your lower interest rates and more. If you don’t speak with your lender beforehand, you may also cause your entire loan to be called due while trying to transfer.

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Difficult taxes

Many owners choose an LLC for its tax benefits and flexibility, but that doesn’t mean they are simple to file. The tax requirements vary by state and depend on which type of LLC you form (single member, partnership).

There are typically a few forms to fill out and your state may have additional forms. If you have multiple members or employees, it’s probably best to consult a tax professional.

Extra Paperwork

Landlords already have a lot of tasks to keep up with. From property maintenance to advertising to fill a vacancy, there may not be a ton of extra time for additional paperwork.

Creating an LLC can take several weeks as you will need to come up with an available business name, fill out the articles of organization, and craft an operating agreement. In addition, the standard LLC processing time typically takes 2-3 weeks but varies by state.

Alternatives to an LLC for Rental Properties

Some real estate investors opt to form other types of companies for their rental properties. While there are no alternatives that do what an LLC does, these options may be better suited for your needs.

Check out this table for a list of benefits and drawbacks compared to an LLC of each of these company types:

Company type Benefits Drawbacks
Sole Proprietorship
  • Lower start-up costs
  • Fewer name regulations
  • No separation between business/personal funds required
  • Less regulation
  • No liability protections
  • No tax differences to an LLC, taxes pass through to members
Real Estate Trust
  • Helps to build an estate for heirs
  • Easier for multiple owners to claim their portion
  • Taxes are assessed on the value of the property in the trust, typically higher than an LLC
  • No liability protection
S Corporation
  • Owners are allowed a “reasonable salary”
  • Clear hierarchy with leaders and managers; good for multiple owners
  • More regulation on members than an LLC
  • US citizenship/residency required
C Corporation
  • Lower audit risk
  • Provides more protection for personal assets
  • Good option for bigger incomes
  • Double taxation
  • Tighter regulation
  • Shareholders are not equal
General Partnership
  • Less formal structure guidelines and requirements
  • Lower startup costs
  • Shared liability protection between partners
  • Needs more than one member
Limited Partnership
  • Unlimited investors
  • Liability is restricted to the initial investment made
  • Limited benefits
  • Not ideal for larger partnerships as each partner cuts down the profit

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When Should I Start an LLC for a Rental Property?

It is best to start your LLC before you purchase a rental home. This can help alleviate lender issues that arise when trying to transfer your property title to an LLC. It will also keep you from having to update and resign current leases.

However, if you already own an active rental, you still want to get your LLC started ASAP. If you are sued before your LLC is approved, the title is transferred, a separate bank account is made, or before you update leases, your assets are at risk.

tip

 You should also weigh the risks of waiting to create an LLC if you are starting the process in the last 2-3 months of the year. For example, if you formed your LLC in December, you would be required to file two separate tax reports (one for January – November as a sole proprietor, and one for December as an LLC).

Should I Have Multiple LLCs?

Creating multiple LLCs is not legally required. However, many owners prefer to keep their properties separate. Multiple LLCs allow for:

  • Reduced liability – you can only be liable for the assets in each LLC
  • Increased tax benefits – each LLC can have its own tax structure, this can help you decrease tax spending as you can determine which structure is most efficient for each property
  • Flexible management structure – you can also vary the structure of each LLC you own. Some may have multiple members while others can be a single member.

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How Much Does it Cost to Form an LLC?

State laws require all business owners to pay a filing fee to form an LLC. The cost varies by state. Check out the list below for the filing fee in your state:

State:  LLC Filing Fee
Alabama $200
Alaska $250
Arizona $50
Arkansas $45
California $70
Colorado $50
Connecticut $120
Delaware $90
Florida $125
Georgia $100
Hawaii $50
Idaho $100
Illinois $150
Indiana $95
Iowa $50
Kansas $160
Kentucky $40
Louisiana $100
Maine $175
Maryland $100
Massachusetts $500
Michigan $50
Minnesota $155
Mississippi $50
Missouri $50
Montana $35
Nebraska $100
Nevada $425
New Hampshire $100
New Jersey $125
New Mexico $50
New York $200
North Carolina $125
North Dakota $135
Ohio $99
Oklahoma $100
Oregon $100
Pennsylvania $125
Rhode Island $150
South Carolina $110
South Dakota $150
Tennessee $300
Texas $300
Utah $54
Vermont $125
Virginia $100
Washington $200
West Virginia $100
Wisconsin $130
Wyoming $100

Keep in mind that most states have additional annual or biannual fees that must be paid to keep your LLC active. Additional fees typically range from $0 to $800 with an average of $100.

How Do I Set Up an LLC?

To create an LLC, you will need to file with the Secretary of State’s office in your state. However, keep in mind that creating an LLC isn’t just filing one form. Several steps must be taken to create an LLC including:

  • Talking with your lender
  • Choosing an LLC name and registering it
  • Finding a registered agent
  • Filling out and filing The Articles of Organization
  • Crafting an Operating Agreement
  • Dividing personal and business assets
  • Transferring your title
  • Updating existing rental leases