Protecting personal assets from liabilities associated with property ownership is a crucial consideration for real estate investors. Choosing the right legal structure, such as a trust or a limited liability company (LLC), can offer significant advantages in this regard. For example, if a tenant were to sue the property owner after an injury on the premises, these structures could shield the owner’s personal assets from being seized in a lawsuit.
Historically, individuals with substantial assets have used these structures to ensure generational wealth transfer and minimize tax burdens. The increasing popularity of real estate investment has made these considerations relevant to a broader range of property owners. The potential benefits include liability protection, streamlined estate planning, and potential tax advantages, making the choice between a trust and an LLC a critical decision for anyone involved in property management.