Understanding Landlord Types on RentMouse: Individual, Business, Trust, and Estate Ownership

Understanding the differences between individual, business, trust, and estate ownership helps landlords make smarter decisions about legal structure, taxes, and long-term planning. It also gives tenants clarity about who is responsible for the property.

RRentMouse TeamDecember 4, 20253 min read
Trust Estate

RentMouse is designed for real landlords with real properties—no matter how those properties are legally owned. In Canada and the United States, rental homes can be owned by an individual, a business entity, a trust, or an estate. RentMouse supports all these ownership structures, helping landlords stay organized, compliant, and professional.

Below is a clear breakdown of what each ownership type means and how RentMouse helps you manage it.


Individual Landlords on RentMouse

An individual landlord is someone who personally owns their rental property.

What RentMouse Does for You

  • Lets you register under your personal legal name

  • Auto-fills your landlord identity on leases and receipts

  • Tracks payments and history under your individual profile

Ideal for first-time landlords or small portfolios.


Business Landlords (LLC, Corp) on RentMouse

Many landlords prefer to own rental properties through a business, such as an LLC or corporation.

How RentMouse Supports You

  • Let’s you register your LLC/corporation as the legal landlord

  • Displays business information on all leases and tenant communications

  • Supports EINs and business tax reporting needs

  • Keeps business and personal properties separate

Perfect for landlords with multiple units or those wanting additional liability protection.


Trust Landlords on RentMouse

Some landlords hold property in a family trust for inheritance and asset protection.

How RentMouse Helps

  • Allows registration of a trust with the trustee’s name

  • Displays the trust (not the individual) as the legal landlord

  • Supports proper lease signatures such as

    “Smith Family Trust, by Jane Smith, Trustee”

  • Keeps trust-owned properties clearly separate from others

A great option for long-term planning and estate protection.


Estate Landlords on RentMouse

When someone passes away, their property is temporarily owned by their estate until it is legally transferred.

RentMouse Features for Estates

  • Allows executors to register and manage properties under the estate

  • Displays proper legal wording on leases (e.g.,

    “Estate of John Smith, by Alex Doe, Executor”)

  • Helps maintain rental operations during probate

Useful for executors, families, and property managers handling estate transitions.

Which Landlord Type Is Best for You on RentMouse?

Ownership Type

How RentMouse Supports It

Best For

Individual

Simple setup, clean personal tracking

New or small landlords

Business

Business name, EIN, receipts, entity-level control

Growing investors

Trust

Trustee-based signatures, trust record-keeping

Family & estate planning

Estate

Executor signatures, temporary ownership

Probate situations

Final Thoughts

Understanding the differences between individual, business, trust, and estate ownership helps landlords make smarter decisions about legal structure, taxes, and long-term planning. It also gives tenants clarity about who is responsible for the property.

No single structure is “best” for everyone—each offers unique benefits and responsibilities. Before choosing an ownership structure, many landlords consult a legal or tax professional to ensure they’re making the most strategic choice for their goals.

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RentMouse Team

Property Management Insights & Enablement

RentMouse Team helps property teams simplify operations, strengthen resident relationships, and grow their portfolios with dependable systems.