All Forum Posts by: John A.

Don't be afraid to say no.  If the tenants are asking you to change the lease, they know you will probably say no.  Like the previous posts state, all dogs do some damage.  It's hard to go back to no pets once you have that pet smell in your property.

I would only take the yard size into consideration if I plan on allowing my tenants to have pets.  Dog owners would probably want a larger yard with some shade.  Maybe families with kids would want a yard to play in too.  Take a look at who your renter population is and go from there.

What are your other tenants going to think of you for allowing a disruptive family who is late on rent to renew their lease?

I'd get rid of them.

I'm using Cozy for marketing, screening and rent collection.  I've been very happy with it so far.  I'm patient and can what a few days for the ACH to go through, no big deal.  I still require applicants to fill out a paper application so I can collect SSN and drivers license numbers.  But I use Cozy for the credit and criminal check.

I have two SFH rentals. I'm hoping to pick up a third by this time next year. I do my own management. I'm happy to share any knowledge that might be useful.

Hi Jody,

There are a couple of us from Sierra Vista on this site.  We have a local "Sierra Vista, AZ Real Estate Investors" Facebook group that is pretty active.  You are welcome to join.

Have you ever visited Sierra Vista?  The economy here is struggling due to the down sizing of the military.  But I have high hopes for the area with the new administration.  If you have already closed, can you share the address?  Then I can give you my opinion.  Hereford is a little ways away from the Army post.  So, I would lean towards a flip.

John

Do you really want tenants to fix things to the best of their abilities?  I agree with @Victor N..  Either you fix the door or hire someone to do it.  Then charge the tenant for the damages.  I recommend taking pictures of the damage in case there is a dispute later.

In addition to what is already listed, I provide my tenants with the addresses and phone numbers for the utility companies (there is more than one water company in my town) and the trash pick up schedule for the neighborhood.

Like @Madeline Burke, I give the locations of the shutoffs for gas, water and electric.  But I provide pictures of what they should look like in the "off" position.

If you don't plan on returning the $250, it was a fee, not a deposit.  If it truly is a deposit, why would you need to increase what you are holding every year?  It's OK to charge a pet fee at every lease renewal.  But I find it awkward.  I just increase the rent per month to account for a pet.  $25 per month sells better than $250 every year, even though you are making more at $25 a month.

I am currently in a similar situation.  Tenant contacted me at the beginning of December and will move in mid January.  I asked him for one month's rent to hold the house for him.  When he signs the lease, I will apply half the money towards the security deposit and keep the other half as a holding fee.  If he doesn't sign a lease by mid January, he loses all of it.

If it wasn't for the time of year, I'd charge more.  But this tenant is highly qualified and this is a rough time of year to find good tenants.