All Forum Posts by: Alex Smith

Arthur, do you still have a copy of the HOA regulations/covenants? What do they define as the exterior? I would definitely start there if you haven't already.

For the record, based on what you said, I agree with you. We had a house here in town that was part of an HOA. From what I understand it was the "only" rental house in the neighborhood. Long story short, the HOA board or whoever, voted to no longer allow rental houses in the entire neighborhood. The homeowner was never notified that this was a possibility nor had any knowledge this vote was taking place. Thankfully it was resolved and the home is still a rental. Fun times!

Home warranties can be a pain. I would not recommend anyone get one. We just dealt with a situation in which the homeowner gave the tenants permission to submit a claim. Tenant tried to submit a claim to HW and the warranty company would not let them without the owner calling it in, paying $50 deductible, AND providing the contractor to fix the issue. Tenants had been without A/C for 9 days, and this is in the Southeast. 

Like others have said, it's personal preference. I understand why some owners don't like or want to rent to someone with pet(s). But as @John Underwood mentioned, you will be cutting into your prospective tenant pool significantly. 

Carson, you can find cash flow pretty easily in the southeast depending on what you're looking for. Chattanooga's popularity is increasing because of Amazon's and Volkswagen's investment in the area, and the city's routine growth over the years. Birmingham, AL is a good market to get into as well

I second what James says. Any licensed manager is going to provide a contract to you outlining exactly how the relationship should work out. It's in your best interest to get something in writing

I second the Smartkey by Kwikset. We use them on all of the rentals that we manage and makes lock changes a breeze.

Your state's GIS system might have the owner's information. If it doesn't, you could hopefully at least get a name and go from there. Check out this thread that basically asks the same question https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/48/topics/67459-how-do-i-find-property-owners-telephone-numbers-online

It's from 7-8 years ago, but I would think is still applicable. 

I agree with Dana. Do not harm the bees.

What does your lease say about late rent and maintenance issues that are the tenant's fault? The lease is ultimately the letter of the law in how late rent should be handled by you and the tenant. 

We've used Lookout Pest control for this kind of thing and they've been great