Investor · Arlington, MA · Member since 2014 · 83 posts · 29 votes
Hello BP!
One mistake I think many new landlords, myself included, make when starting out is that they don't think about WHO they want to rent to and WHAT unique value / amenity they have to offer those renters.
This got me thinking, what are the different types of renter profiles and how are they different? Are some more valuable than others? Also, how are their housing needs different?
For example, if we just compared across major U.S. cities, how do the types of renters in Boston, differ from those in San Francisco, Washington, Houston, Phoenix, or New York City? Is their any difference in their needs, both physically and mentally?
So consider this a survey of sorts and help those at BP by answering the following questions:
What type of people do you rent to? Why?
What do you differently than other landlords to attract this people?
Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2013 · 12 posts · 2 votes
12y
Has anyone heard of emotional service pets? They provide emotional support to the owner, but because they are service animals you can't disqualify a tenant for them. So I hear.
Investor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
12y
@Roy N. I have heard you talk about the international students housing before and do wish for one unit we have to get a steady stream of that kind of student. Frankly I would take less rent for that kind of student in this place but they are hard to identify. We do inspect, there is always some breakage, but the worst is they are really dirty. I don't think the landlord should have to tell you to put out the trash.
@James Wise and none of the girls have broken windows. I like girls because they tend to party less heavily and there is a tendency for the parents to be interested in where they are living.
@Matthew Copeland I have heard of emotional service animals and you can find some discussions here on them but I haven't rented to people with them. I think it depends on local law if you have to accept.
@Roy N. I have heard you talk about the international students housing before and do wish for one unit we have to get a steady stream of that kind of student. Frankly I would take less rent for that kind of student in this place but they are hard to identify. We do inspect, there is always some breakage, but the worst is they are really dirty. I don't think the landlord should have to tell you to put out the trash.
Colleen:
"But Mom always tells me when it is trash day" I actually had a young lady tell me that after the third notice to put out their trash. I also offered to e-mail a link to the City schedule so Mom could continue to tell her.
We deal with that in the same manner as other immaturity pains (such as shovelling both the front and back steps and walk ways at our houses), we warn them 2-3 times, then we hire someone to do it and send them the bill. Our lease gives us the option of doing this at our own discretion. I have even sent our cleaning service into student units when they have been too lax on the housework.