Updated almost 7 years ago on . Most recent reply
Some weeks are better than others...
So, a week ago I finished upgrading the duplex I purchased August 6. New paint, carpet, ceiling fans, etc. And then, two new tenants at very nice market rents. Market rents that are $400 per unit above what the last owner was getting. Things are smooth. Being a landlord is easy. Why doesn't everybody do this?????
And then......yesterday happened. One of the new tenants bailed on me (no deposit, no lease signed), the garage door broke on the other unit, and a washing machine goes belly up in another duplex of mine. Call back the another person that wanted to rent the place. Nope. They found a new place quickly. Now back to square one. This is nothing drastic of course, and many people have had much worse happen, probably yesterday. But it sure wasn't smooth sailing like it was a week ago!
A few thoughts on this......I can't kick myself for processing the first qualified application and having them bail at the last second. That will happen. Unfortunate that the other people that really wanted the place moved on so quickly. And after messing around with the washing machine in another unit for a couple hours, I've decided we will no longer supply this amenity to new tenants. This particular tenant is good and long term, so I am replacing their washing machine (Used, $180). But we going to stop this practice, even in our duplexes.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to respond to the two new people that are asking for a showing this afternoon/evening. Back to work!