Landlord Forms Survey

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Landlord Forms Survey

Mindy JensenPro Member
BiggerPockets Money Podcast Host · Longmont, CO · Member since 2014 · 7k+ posts · 10k+ votes

Hello, BiggerPocketeers!

As we move into this Memorial Day Weekend, I'd like your opinion. 

We are trying to see if anyone would be interested in state-specific landlord forms (i.e. lease agreement, estoppel agreement, rental application, pet addendums, etc.).

Can you please fill out this  30 second survey so we can gauge interest to see if providing amazing forms would be helpful to everyone!

Thank you!!!

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BiggerPockets
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Most Popular Reply

Ryan MurdockPro Member
Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
9y

This is a great idea if you can make it work. I wouldn't necessarily need many of them as I stay pretty current with my documents but I think a lot of newbies would embark on their landlord journey a lot stronger if they were armed with the right documents and not just some generic (and possibly illegal or ineffective ones) they found elsewhere online.

Podcast Guest on Show #355
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  • Meghan McCallum
    Specialist · CHICAGO · Member since 2015 · 680 posts · 650 votes
    9y

    So, can you tell who sends the response? ha ha ha

    3Reply
  • Ryan MurdockPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Austin, TX · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y

    This is a great idea if you can make it work. I wouldn't necessarily need many of them as I stay pretty current with my documents but I think a lot of newbies would embark on their landlord journey a lot stronger if they were armed with the right documents and not just some generic (and possibly illegal or ineffective ones) they found elsewhere online.

    Podcast Guest on Show #355
    9Reply
  • Account Closed
    USA · Member since 2017 · 102 posts · 62 votes
    9y
    I would if I didn't have to sign in to my Google account to fill out the survey.
    5Reply
  • Shaun R.
    Real Estate Agent · Denham Springs, LA · Member since 2017 · 226 posts · 159 votes
    9y
    Done
    0Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y

    Need  to PREVIEW anything I would like to purchase - - blind pig-n-in-poke?

    1Reply
  • Oren K.
    Rental Property Investor · Toronto, Ontario · Member since 2012 · 538 posts · 298 votes
    9y

    Not a bad idea but as these things can change down to the county and even municipality level, it may be fairly hit and miss and possibly unintentionally misleading if someone sees something at the state level and does not realize they need a city version.

    2Reply
  • Jim StallingsPro Member
    Investor · Swansboro, NC · Member since 2010 · 63 posts · 22 votes
    9y

    Done, Thanks

    0Reply
  • Jerry W.Pro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Thermopolis, WY · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y

    @Mindy Jensen, you must have a google account in order to take the survey.  I do not have a Google account.  Sorry.

    0Reply
  • William C.
    Real Estate Agent · Souderton, PA · Member since 2016 · 591 posts · 414 votes
    9y
    Oren K. Here in the US of A most forms are state specific.
    1Reply
  • Eric Smathers
    Ladson, SC · Member since 2017 · 17 posts · 3 votes
    9y

    Done, thanks

    0Reply
  • Jeff B.
    Buy & Hold Owner · Redlands, CA · Member since 2015 · 5k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    9y

    don't mind purchasing per se, but need some means to review before I buy a pig-n-a-poke :grin:

    0Reply
  • John Thedford
    Real Estate Broker · Naples, FL · Member since 2013 · 9k+ posts · 6k+ votes
    9y

    I tried to answer but could not.

    0Reply
  • John K.
    Investor · Madison, WI · Member since 2012 · 242 posts · 61 votes
    9y
    Mindy Jensen - have you considered instead of drafting your own documents just making a directory of the best ones in each state? I know in Wisconsin there are three main places that do them right.
    2Reply
  • Heidi PliamPro Member
    Attorney, Investor, Syndicator · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2016 · 40 posts · 39 votes
    9y

    As a lawyer, I fully support sharing of forms! Please do so! BUT… also tell users about the risks and limitations of using forms in a way they get it, and not merely a standard “this is not legal advice” disclaimer.

    To date, there is simply no better way to use forms than with guidance of a lawyer. (This will change with technology, but we’re not there yet.) It sounds self-serving, and it is. But it’s also fact! Thus I see forms downloading as a great first step to learn -not a substitute for legal advice.

    For this reason, I suggest the best way for BP to provide such a service is NOT providing one model form per state. Rather, post a downloadable package of at least 3-5 possible variations on the same form and encourage people to compare/contrast versions so they know what they want. I fully expect most people will pick one and run with it without a lawyer. But at least you’re doing your duty by providing what they need to see, which is that there is no such thing as a “standard” form where one-size-fits-all.

    3Reply
  • Mindy JensenPro Member
    OP
    BiggerPockets Money Podcast Host · Longmont, CO · Member since 2014 · 7k+ posts · 10k+ votes
    9y

    Thank you for the suggestion, @Heidi Pliam . I'm discussing this with my team.

    [email protected]Podcast Guest on Show #261
    BiggerPockets
    1Reply
  • Jerry W.Pro Member
    Moderator
    Investor · Thermopolis, WY · Member since 2012 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    9y

    It looks like you fixed the need to have a google account to take the survey also.  It just worked for me.

    0Reply
  • Logan Turner
    Rental Property Investor · Dallas, TX · Member since 2015 · 283 posts · 179 votes
    9y
    Yes
    0Reply
  • Chris B.
    Investor · Newfoundland, NJ · Member since 2017 · 37 posts · 50 votes
    9y

    Have added.

    0Reply
  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    9y

    @Mindy Jensen, I didn't take the survey because (a) I'm already a Pro user and (b) I've already designed all my own forms and have no need for this option. However, I think this would be a great service for new investors just starting out so count me as a supporter.

    A couple recommendations:

    1. What are the risks? If a Landlord in Illinois uses your lease agreement and it doesn't hold up in court, are you at risk of being sued? Will each document include a waiver of liability, "use at your own risk" clause, or advice to get local attorney approval?
    2. Pricing should vary based on size/scope of the document. An estoppel agreement is pretty basic with little legal risk and it's easy to find examples online. A lease agreement or emotional support animal policy is much more complicated and risky. Maybe consider a graduated pricing plan of $5 for a basic form or letter and a higher price of $30 - $40 for a state-specific lease agreement.
    3. Consider packaged pricing. There is a company called Landlord Source that sells forms and documents for professional management companies. I bought their package many years ago and it saved me hundreds of hours and provided forms that I hadn't even thought of yet. A package of 150 property management forms costs $130 and everything can be fully edited by the user.
    The DIY Landlord Book4.7248 Reviews
    WebsiteView Page
    1Reply
  • James McMillan
    Investor · Greensboro, NC · Member since 2012 · 8 posts · 4 votes
    9y

    About 50 web companies already offer forms they also claim are "amazing".

    0Reply
  • Patrick Squires
    Investor · Oxford, MI · Member since 2016 · 110 posts · 41 votes
    9y
    Yes but IMO - Already Exists - Landlord Protection Agency website.
    0Reply
  • Tony L.
    New York, NY · Member since 2017 · 9 posts · 3 votes
    9y

    Definitely would be an addition. Found other sides that do the same and charge a fee, would be more convenient if it was all available at BP

    0Reply
  • Curt Smith
    Rental Property Investor · Clarkston, GA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    9y
    bp is great of course but it can't and shouldn't replace everyone of us being a member of at least one local REIA. initially join them all and sort it down to just the Orgs with experienced investors who are open to sharing helps including forms. I give mine out at my reia all the time.
    0Reply
  • Ryan Huggins
    Real Estate Broker · Thousand Oaks, CA · Member since 2017 · 63 posts · 33 votes
    9y

    In California, there are already several forms and agreements created by the state's realtor association.  Non-realtors can buy them from their site apparently (I'm a realtor so I get them as part of my state dues).

    1Reply
  • Tony C.
    Rental Property Investor · St. Louis, MO · Member since 2012 · 31 posts · 4 votes
    9y

    Completed.  I would like something specfic.  So far, i've been using neato landlord forms.  pretty comprehensive over 100 forms.  but I'm ready for something specfic to missouri.

    0Reply
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