All Forum Posts by: Balaji Varadharajan

Hi all,

I have a couple of questions related to security deposit reconciliation and return. 

The tenant vacated last month after staying there for a little over two years. They have largely been good - paid rent on time, no issues generally. Below are a couple of disputed charges. 

1. What is considered "normal" wear and tear? I have to remove the nails on the walls, add fillers, touch up and repaint some part of the home. Is it normal to charge a portion of the total paint job, to the security deposit? If so, what would you suggest as the %?

2. The disposal in the kitchen is damaged and doesn't work. The tenant said the disposal broke just before they vacated, and they did not have time to request repair. We do have the clause in any standard lease, paragraph 18, that the tenant has to comply with the procedure of requesting repair if the landlord has to bear the cost of repair. In my case, I found out after they vacated, while inspecting the home.

Which of these can I cover with security deposit?

Thanks in advance.

@Bjorn Ahlblad Thank you!

Hi all,

I am looking at options to list my property for rental. This is my first property. Ofcourse there is an option to use a realtor to list rental, and pay them a month's rent as fee. Is there a different option that is cost effective and still achieve the same result as listing, tenant screening etc., 

A friend has suggested apartments.com. Any thoughts on that or similar websites? 

Thanks in advance for any inputs or suggestions.

Hi All,
I am looking to invest in property for renting out in the first couple of years or so, and then will move in with my family later on. I am not looking for a great cash flow, though about $100-$150 per month has been my benchmark.

We found out through a previous inspection report ( two years back) on the house we are interested in, that the roof/HVAC (heater/cooling unit/condenser etc) are all nearing the end of their service life. All are 12-15 years old. None of them were replaced in the time since.
I can allocate some % of rent as capex, but it would make sense only if the upcoming repairs/upgrades are atleast a couple of years out if not more. Home insurance will not cover an old roof, I presume.

The house itself is in a desirable location and the list price is competitive for the area. I put in an offer before we saw the inspection report, and looks like the buyer will accept it.

How would you analyze this situation? I am an dilemma whether to go under contract as is or ask for a price reduction given the potential expenses in future or just drop out. Could any of the repairs be taken care of, through a home warranty, in future?

Thank you.