All Forum Posts by: Brittany Perkins

Hello!

If they provide you written notice they have vacated and turned in their keys-  yes, go ahead!

Hello!

Typically, gas and electric are placed into the tenants names to pay directly. However, water and sewer often stay in the homeowner’s name. To compensate for this, you can charge the tenant a standard fee monthly (or charge back the actual rate-  depending on what the lease states).

Please also note that this also depends on if you are working with section 8 tenants or not, in which case you would comply with that is depicted in the HAP.

Good Morning,

I think the main question to be asked is: Do you have the time to self manage?

There can be a lot that goes into managing a property, such as: tenant communication, rent collection, leasing and tenant screening, maintenance, etc. Hiring a property management company is hiring a service to handle these items for you to take the stress out of handling yourself. 

 

Good Morning,

It would be more cost-effective to change to bi-weekly if possible. Depending on how quick the city is to issue violations, although we typically do not experience issues with bi-weekly mowing. The price for the services is typical.

Good Morning,

You will need to check your state’s laws before proceeding and speak with the housing authority for direct questions. Often times, you cannot raise the rent without going through the housing authority.

Good Morning,

It is relatively standard for the tenant placement fee (including lease generation/signing) to be 100% of the first month rent. The lease renewal fee can vary, whether a firm charges a standard fee or a percentage. However, these rates do seem normal, yes.

Hi Lev,

I would check the NARPM website for reputable property managers in your area.

Good Morning,

In this situation, I would still consider issuing the 30 day notice to vacate for non renewal of lease to both tenants. This is to cover you. In the case that the male does not vacate by the end of the 30 day timeline, you can proceed with eviction for failure to vacate rather than non-payment of rent, which is more likely to go in your favor as the landlord.

Hi Jon,

This can be considered steering. I would never tell an applicant it is a good or bad area. You also do not want to impose a sense of false security, etc. I would simply tell them you are unable to advise on that, however please check your local crime statistics, etc. for further information.

Hi Donna,

My recommendation would be to hire a reputable property manager. You can find a list of property management firms in your area on the NARPM website.