How to BULLETPROOF my rental property from destructive tenants

Question

What things do you fellow landlords do to make your units more resistant to damage and tenant abuse without compromising the quality of the unit?  I'll be renting in low income areas and want to provide nice units but still have them very sturdy to withstand potential tenant abuse.

Sam Leon · Answer

This is a good starting point.

HOW DO YOU HARDEN YOUR RENTALS

David Krulac · Answer

@Douglas Brundin

Besides not renting to destructive tenants, I would suggest that you read the "Section 8 Bible vol 1 & 2"

Douglas B. · Answer

excellent advice for sure.  Still, I'd like to keep this post focused on actual materials and items that are tough but attractive.

I'll be reading that link above next. That looks perfect.

Mark Forest · Answer

That sounds like a good theory, but people change over the years.  Tenant's situations and jobs change.  They start to resent rent increases.  We had what we thought were good tenants and three years later we had to evict because their dog was defecating on our beautiful wood floors!  Yes we screened them, but you never know what is really in their heads.  That is why there are so many divorces in this country.

Joel Owens · Answer

Cinder block walls with industrial paint. All baths and kitchens solid steel. When they leave roll up carpet and have a drain in the middle of the floor and hose the place down. Then re-rent to another tenant.

LOL

I am just kidding of course! ..................... : )

Mark Forest · Answer

Yes, a lot of good info.

Jay Hinrichs · Answer

@Joel Owens

cinder block walls and industrial lino works have seen it many times. for me only provide a stove... period. but I do like the prison concept.. seems like we are the wardens.

cage the condenser..When I was buying and rehabbing I always put in a new sewer line to the street if it was 20 or more years old could get it done for 1 to 12oo before its an emergency and its one of the biggest maintenance items.

And then the obvious I never put carpet in C properties.. most have hard would floors Paint them dark colors. let them use throw rugs. etc etc.

bottom line is these homes are lived in roughly

Chuy Gonzalez · Answer

I just bought my first 3 unit. I have rented many, many, many apartments during my life. Never once did I punch a hole in a wall, door, or piece of glass, nor did I ever kick in the door of an oven. Yet this seems to be typical for most renters...Thank god for security deposits.

Matthew Paul · Answer

Prison

How to BULLETPROOF my rental property from destructive tenants

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