Robert, good post!  It is important to remember if you want to remain anonymous to the tennants that you need to do what you had said.  Thanks for the reminder, too often, we forget just how public these records are!

Tony and Darcy,  It is important to remember that the rental agreement is between the owner and the tenant, so the tenant will get the owners name (or fictitious name).  Plus, the tenant needs a place to serve papers, and that can be the managment company's location.

Good reminder that owners may need to protect their personal information from disgruntled tenants. 

Robert:  Many of my investors purchase their investments in the name of a corporation, partnership, etc. just so they have more anonymity...

Steve,  That is a good idea.  I am not sure if how using a corporation affects your personal taxes, but I am sure it works in many situations.  It definately helps liability wise and in protecting identity and location.  Thanks for the post.

Hi Robert,

My Father-in-law set up an LLC for the ownership of his rental.  I on the other hand, do all the maintenance and repairs personally on my rental property so it is quite obvious to the tenants who the owner is.

-Mark 

I am not saying it is a bad thing if your tenants can find you.  It is important to know that it can happen and most landlords would probably choose to at least make it more difficult. 

They can get ownership information from HOA records fairly easily....with phone/cel phone and e-mail addresses.

Current residents who contact the owner directly get my "unintended consequenses letter".....this is a sample of one I sent over a year ago when the tenants wanted to carpet BEAUTIFUL hardwood steps because they were afraid their children would slip and fall. 

".....I understand you have recently contacted the property owners directly. This action on your part may have some unintended consequences which you should be aware of.

Investment property owners historically hire professional property managers to not only handle the day-to-day operation of their real estate, but to advise them on aspects including resident selection, property upgrades and area market rental rates.

By your action, the property owners are now very suspicious of my selection of you as tenants for their property. By your direct contact, you have inferred to them that you know what is better for their property than they or their professional property manager.

As I indicated previously, the owners raised their daughter in the property and subsequent tenants have had children in residence. The property owner was at the property less than 2 weeks ago and saw no need for pressure washing the exterior as you suggest. He saw no evidence of mold. The "green discoloration" on the shady side of the property will subside when the trees loose their leaves and sunlight is reflected on the siding. As I indicated previously, they see no reason to replace any existing carpet or for the installation of carpet on the stairs that require the installation of nails or tack strips. They do not consider these to be "upgrades" to their property.

Lastly, the owners are aware that your requests have been handled quickly, efficiently, and professionally. They are aware that you have ignored our suggestions as to how you can "solve your problem without destroying their home".

A "gentle" reminder that the property is NOT theirs and that by paying the rent they are not entitled to do anything they want with the property.