Trade work for Rent?

[Aubrey H.]

We have a property that we are looking to do some work on -- we are looking at some drywall work, flooring, and a few other odd jobs. We can do it but, life has gotten in the was and we dont think we will get it done fast enough. We would like to get the property rent out. We are trying to decide if repairs can wait. Someone then approached us that they could do some of the repairs is trade for a discount on rent. Would you or have you traded the labor on the house for rent? Why or why not?

[Thomas S.]

Never agree to trade work for rent. Tenants are 100% unreliable and will usually do a terrible job. They will take advantage, over charge and probably never finish the work. If the guy is a qualified and licenced contractor consider hiring him to do the work but never agree to trade work for rent. Hire him before you rent the unit to him not after. Always keep your tenants and contractors separate.