10 Landlord-friendly States (Spoiler: No West Coast Candidates)

By: Jasper Merrenor  | 
Landlords have an easier time in places where regulations favor property owners. Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock

If you're a real estate investor or a property owner looking to expand your rental property portfolio, location matters—a lot.

The most landlord-friendly states offer favorable laws, efficient eviction processes, and fewer restrictions that help ensure steady rental income and strong cash flow. Here's a look at where owning rental property is the most advantageous.

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1. Texas

Texas is considered one of the most landlord-friendly states due to its minimal rental regulations and efficient eviction laws. There are no statewide rent control laws, and landlords can issue a three-day notice to pay or vacate for unpaid rent.

Texas actually has one of the highest property tax rates in the U.S. (around 1.7 percent on average), ranking about sixth-highest nationally. This makes it ideal for real estate investors focused on cash flow and rental property appreciation.

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2. Florida

Florida landlord tenant laws favor property owners, with strong eviction processes and no statewide rent control policies. Landlords must give only a three-day notice for nonpayment of rent, and lease violations can lead to quick lease termination.

The state has high rental demand—especially in cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando—making it attractive for building a successful property management strategy.

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3. Indiana

Indiana stands out for its low property tax rates and simple landlord laws. Lease terms are flexible, and there are fewer restrictions on raising rent or charging late fees. There are fewer hurdles to using security deposits can be used for unpaid rent, damage, and lease violations.

Landlord-friendly laws combined with a relatively low cost of real estate make Indiana a smart choice for growing a rental portfolio.

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4. Georgia

With no rent control laws and only a three-day notice required for unpaid rent, Georgia allows for an efficient eviction process. Property owners have wide access rights and the ability to adjust rents with limited interference.

Atlanta and surrounding metro areas show strong rental demand, contributing to steady rental prices and long-term investment opportunities.

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5. Arizona

Arizona is landlord-friendly thanks to favorable laws, quick eviction timelines, and fewer tenant protections that slow down legal processes. Landlords may serve a five-day notice to pay rent or face eviction.

The rental market in cities like Phoenix and Tucson continues to grow, supported by relatively moderate property taxes and fewer regulatory burdens.

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6. Alabama

Alabama's landlord tenant laws allow landlords to take action against problematic tenants without extensive legal costs. The state has no statewide rent control and permits a seven-day eviction notice for unpaid rent.

Low property prices and stable tenant demand make it a hotspot for real estate investing in the Southeast.

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7. Missouri

Missouri offers flexible rental laws and landlord-friendly policies. Security deposit rules are simple, and lease agreement terms favor property owners.

With no strict rent control and strong landlord rights, Missouri is ideal for investors looking to manage properties with minimal regulatory interference.

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8. Colorado

Though property values are rising and Colorado still has relatively low property taxes with strong rental demand, the state recently enacted stronger tenant-protection laws (such as a 2024 for-cause eviction requirement) that make it less landlord-friendly than before.

The state allows lease termination for non-payment with a 10-day notice. Cities like Denver and Colorado Springs offer a growing rental market and a legal structure that doesn't overly burden landlords.

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9. North Carolina

North Carolina landlord laws allow for quick evictions and permit landlords to charge reasonable late fees. The state has no statewide rent control and offers strong property owners rights.

Moderate property taxes and strong rental demand in cities like Charlotte and Raleigh make this state a favorable environment for real estate investment.

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10. Kentucky

Kentucky permits landlords to terminate leases for non-payment with a seven-day notice and has no statewide rent control. It offers a simplified legal process for evictions and lease violations.

With low property prices and minimal regulations, Kentucky is considered a good state for landlords looking for high ROI in rental properties.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.

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