NEW Landlords and NEW Duplex Owners

[Jeffrey V Andersen]

Hey guys we are crazy nervous but very excited about starting our path down financial freedom.  We are prepared to do the work needed.  We just recently purchase two older duplexes.  They are going to require some work but are at 100% occupancy.  I have a few questions.  The tenants are responsible for handling all utilities except garbage (required by our city).

• 1.  We are from Minnesota so there will be snow to deal with.  Is this something that we should be required to pay for each month?
• 2. Same question as above for lawn maintenance.  We are currently paying someone to mow the lawns.
• 3. One of the units has an old car and some junk that is owned by one of the tenants.  We received a letter to have it cleaned up.  My plan was to send a letter requesting them to clean it.  I'm guessing they won't.  I will go clean but is there a protocol when dealing with this situation?  Should I send a bill for the clean up?  Are we dealing with any issues with their property?
• Thanks for any advise.  Like I said this is a new adventure for us.  Excited to get plugged into this community!!!  

[Brad Schaeppi]

@Tim Swierczek and @John Woodrich both have good general advice--generally speaking--"what does the lease say" before you move onto state code and city ordinances.  Please also accept this general advice that is not a legal opinion, but preliminary feedback.  As I always state--if you seek good, fact specific legal advice, hire a landlord-tenant attorney to help you.  

First, when residential lease violations complications arise, and in Minnesota with a private market lease,  first revert to the "out" meaning:  when does the lease end?  Sounds like from your earlier post the lease is month to month or term ends soon.  Check your notice date on your lease.  No landlord wants to spend extra money they don't have to (cost to turn, find new tenants), but landlords constantly make decisions over the "benefit of the bargain:" is it worth the lease violations and city trouble to deal with a tenant who otherwise pays rent on time.  

Always, Always start negotiation with a delivery of a notice to vacate (if applicable).  If new lease negotiations do not work out, the notice sticks and the tenant must go on the notice date.  If you do not deliver a notice to vacate first and instead only negotiate in good faith, you are hoping the problem tenant will accept your more stringent lease terms--but he or she may not--and you lost time to find a replacement tenant. 

Good luck!