You’ve listed your home, staged it nicely, and waited for offers to come in. Maybe you’ve had some showings, maybe even a few lowball offers—but nothing that feels right. Now you’re faced with a frustrating question: What should I do if my house doesn’t sell?

For many homeowners in today’s market, the answer isn’t always lowering the price. Instead, more people are wondering if renting out their property could be the better option. That’s how a growing number of sellers end up in what’s called the “accidental landlord” situation.

An accidental landlord is someone who set out to sell their property but, after struggling to find the right buyer, decides to rent it instead—sometimes temporarily, sometimes long term. While it may sound like a simple solution, the choice comes with responsibilities and risks that many homeowners don’t fully anticipate.

If you’re considering this path, it’s worth taking a closer look at why it’s happening more often, what questions you should ask yourself before becoming a landlord, and whether adjusting your selling strategy might be a smarter move.

Why More Sellers Are Becoming Accidental Landlords

The housing market today looks very different from just a few years ago. Here’s why:

• Higher mortgage rates have reduced affordability for buyers, causing many to pause or get priced out.

• Slower sales activity means listings are sitting longer than usual.

• Stubborn home prices leave some sellers unwilling to lower their asking price to attract buyers.

That combination leaves homes lingering on the market, which can be stressful. Instead of letting the property sit vacant or dropping the price further, some homeowners decide to rent it out. The logic is simple: if the home isn’t selling, at least it can generate income.

But that decision isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. While it’s true that rental demand remains strong in many markets, the leap from homeowner to landlord can feel like entering an entirely new business. And in many ways, it is.

Question 1: Is Your Home Actually a Good Candidate for a Rental?

Just because your home can be rented doesn’t necessarily mean it should be. Not all properties are well-suited for the rental market, and not all neighborhoods attract the type of tenants you’d want.

Ask yourself:

• Would this home appeal to renters? For example, a small starter house near a university might rent easily, but a high-end property in a quiet cul-de-sac may have a smaller pool of potential tenants.

• How much work would it take to make it rental-ready? A few cosmetic upgrades may be fine, but major repairs could wipe out your financial advantage.

• Does the math make sense? Compare the potential monthly rent to your mortgage, insurance, and property taxes. If you’re not at least breaking even (or ideally generating positive cash flow), it may not be worth the effort.

If your property is out of state or far from where you’ll be living, add another layer of consideration: long-distance management is rarely simple. Even with a property manager, you’ll still need to stay involved, and that can get complicated quickly.

Question 2: Are You Ready To Take On Landlord Responsibilities?

When people picture being a landlord, they often imagine collecting rent each month like clockwork while the property pays for itself. The reality can be far more demanding.

Common landlord challenges include:

• Maintenance calls at inconvenient times. Even newer homes can have issues, and when a tenant’s air conditioning fails in the middle of July, you’ll need to act fast.

• Tenant turnover. Finding reliable renters is only the beginning. Eventually, leases end, and you’ll be responsible for cleaning, repairs, and marketing the home again.

• Rent collection issues. While many tenants pay on time, some don’t. Chasing late payments or navigating an eviction can be both costly and stressful.

The truth is that being a landlord is more of an active role than a passive one. It requires time, money, and patience—especially when unexpected problems arise. If that doesn’t sound like something you’re ready for, renting may not be the right fit.

Question 3: Have You Calculated the True Costs of Renting?

Another key factor is understanding the full financial picture. Renting your home involves more than just covering your mortgage with rental income. Here are some expenses many first-time landlords underestimate:

• Insurance: Homeowner’s insurance is not the same as landlord insurance. The latter usually costs more—sometimes 20–30% higher.

• Property management: If you don’t want to handle day-to-day issues, a property management company can step in. But that convenience typically costs about 8–12% of the monthly rent.

• Repairs and upkeep: Appliances break, roofs leak, and plumbing problems pop up. Budgeting a portion of your rental income for ongoing maintenance is essential.

• Vacancy periods: Even the most desirable rental properties won’t be occupied 100% of the time. Gaps between tenants mean you’ll be covering the mortgage without rental income.

• Advertising and tenant screening: Attracting quality renters takes more than a quick online post. Background checks, application processing, and marketing all cost money.

When you add everything up, the numbers may look very different from what you first imagined.

Alternatives to Becoming an Accidental Landlord

If the idea of becoming a landlord gives you pause, you’re not alone. Many homeowners realize the added stress and financial risk just isn’t worth it. So, what else can you do if your home isn’t selling?

1. Revisit Your Pricing Strategy

Often, a lack of offers has less to do with the home itself and more to do with how it’s priced. Markets shift quickly, and pricing even a little too high can cause buyers to look elsewhere. Talk to your real estate agent about recent comparable sales and whether an adjustment might attract more interest.

2. Refresh Your Marketing

If your listing has been sitting online without much traction, it may be time to reintroduce it with a fresh approach. That could mean updating the photography, creating a virtual tour, or reworking the listing description to highlight features buyers may have overlooked.

3. Make Strategic Upgrades

Sometimes, small improvements can make a big difference. Things like fresh paint, updated lighting, or even minor landscaping work can help your property stand out and feel move-in ready.

4. Consider Incentives

In some cases, offering closing cost assistance, a home warranty, or even flexible move-in dates can entice buyers to take the leap.

When Renting Might Make Sense

To be fair, there are times when renting your property is the right decision. For example:

• You can rent it at a clear profit. If the monthly rent comfortably exceeds your costs, holding onto the property could provide valuable income.

• You want to wait out the market. If selling now feels like settling, renting can allow you to hold onto the home until conditions improve.

• You’re relocating temporarily. If you plan to return to the area in a few years, renting may help you keep your foothold in the market.

In these scenarios, becoming a landlord can be a smart move. But it works best when you go in prepared, with eyes wide open to the challenges as well as the rewards.

The Bottom Line

Deciding whether to rent or sell your home isn’t an easy call. While renting can provide income and buy you time, it also comes with unexpected costs, headaches, and obligations that many homeowners underestimate.

Before you make the leap, take an honest look at your property, your finances, and your personal tolerance for the responsibilities of being a landlord. And if your only motivation is that your listing didn’t get enough traction, remember: sometimes a pricing adjustment, better marketing, or a refreshed selling strategy can get your home sold without the added stress of becoming an accidental landlord.

In the end, the best move is the one that aligns with your financial goals, lifestyle, and long-term plans. Whether that means adjusting your sales approach or stepping into the role of landlord, being fully informed will ensure you make the right choice for your situation.