All Forum Posts by: Ally Kumar

Greetings BP members!! I have inherited a tenant whose lease expires end of Aug. Tenant pays on time but keeps the unit dirty and its smelly. Tenant wants to continue at same rent. Rents have gone up in that area now. BP members, what would you do? If I am not happy the way tenant keeps her unit, can I decline to renew the lease? Do I have to give a reason for non-renewal? Any tips on renewal issues? Are there any legal implications in not renewing a tenant's lease? Thanks in advance. 

Sue Kelly from North Coast, California

Thats a good one Sue. Zumper used experian for their credit checks. One leasing agent I know locally recommends it. Padlister I believe has moved to/merged with Zumper. 

Thanks so much for valuable advice. I will check with my local housing authorities. 

I have read good reviews for smartmove but not sure about zumper. Anyone used it. Pl share your thoughts. Thanks in advance. 

I am a newbie and trying to get some advice regarding how many adults and children can comfortably live in a 2 BR, 1.5 bath rental unit in a duplex. Any guidelines? If there are too many people who want to live there, can I make my uniform criteria across the board that only certain number of people can live there. Would it be violating any laws? Thanks to all BP members who help out and post very valuable information. I am learning a lot reading all the forum posts. I just wish I could read everything in BP. 

Thanks all. Much appreciated viewpoints. Derek and others, how much late fee do you charge? I have heard $20-100 per day. Is is OK for me to send out letters to tenants when I take over informing of new ownership and expectations about rent payment on time? 

Thanks for helpful suggestions. She is a single mom with one job that doesn't pay that well and is looking for a second job. She is a responsible tenant overall. Good suggestion about trying to work with her. 

I am buying a duplex and inheriting a tenant that has been there for 4 years, a single mom. It seems she is usually late with rent payments but catches up within few months. She is otherwise good tenant and keep her unit clean. Her lease doesn't expire for almost a year. I am new at this, any advice on how to handle this situation is appreciated. I have been listening to podcasts about being firm in my rules but this is an otherwise good tenant. Suggestions?

Ben, quick question. I need some clarification, when you say 10% vacancy, its 10% of what, gross income or purchase price. Similarly, cap ex 5% per month and repair 2.5% per month, is that percent of gross income? Also I gather above percentage of cap ex and repair are per unit? I am still learning the lingo. Thanks for helping.

Ben, thanks so much for your valuable input. Really appreciate it. If I go with higher repair reserve, cap ex and full mgmt cost, then cap rate is less than 10. So maybe I need to rethink this deal. 

Great advice, thanks again. Ally