All Forum Posts by: Carli Brunner

I'm utilizing the BiggerPockets Lease Agreement by State (WI) forms and have added some of my own language. It's nothing major, just information about cleaning fees at check-out stating that the tenant is responsible for carpet cleaning. I'm a bit paranoid, so I'm considering whether I might need a lawyer to review this.

1) Am I overthinking this? 

2) Just in case, does anyone have any referrals for an attorney in the Southeastern WI area?

I'm glad I'm not alone here. I'm just starting out and have qualified applicants to whom I would like to send a formal rental application, but I found I couldn't add an e-signature to my applications in RentRedi. I thought I was starting to go crazy, but this validates what I'm experiencing. 

Another BP user put together a list of the "Property Management Software, Top 5 Under $20" and I've linked it below. 

Top 5 Under 20 original post here

Detailed overview here

Hope this helps!

This is incredibly helpful! Thank you for sharing your insights. 

Incredible! That's super helpful. I own 1 multi-family unit with two tenants, so RentRedi sounds like the right place to start. 

Thank you for your input. 

I’m hosting an open house tonight and have received a few applications from potential tenants via Zillow Rental Manager, including background and credit checks. I’m currently reading BP's The Book About Managing Rental Properties and noticing that digital rental applications, like those on Zillow Rental Manager, lack some key questions I want answered. I’d also prefer tenants sign a rental application authorizing me, as the landlord, to verify their qualifications (employment, references, etc.). I found a great Rental Application Form in BP's book that I plan to use.

Unfortunately, Zillow doesn’t let me upload or customize their application. Asking tenants to fill out both forms seems redundant, but I don’t see another option.

My questions are:

1. 1. Is it unreasonable to ask tenants to complete another rental application?

2. 2. What’s the best way to gather this information? I was considering uploading the BP's Rental Application Form in DocuSign and providing a QR code for tenants to scan and complete. However, I might run into a problem with applicants filling out a form someone else has already completed, which would be a significant compliance/privacy issue. Thoughts? Do you have any alternative suggestions for digitizing a custom Rental Application that also requires a signature? 

3. 3. Alternatively, I was thinking of adding a QR code to the Application Process & Qualification Standards Form, linking directly to the digital Rental Application Form. I could print copies of the Application Process & Qualifications Standards Form for the open house, allowing interested tenants to take one home, scan the code, and quickly submit the application with their signature for verification. Would this be a more effective approach?

Forms mentioned (from BP's The Book About Managing Rental Properties):

1. Application Process & Qualification Standards Form (pg. 294 or online)
2. Rental Application Form (pg. 296)

The rent difference amounts to $600. I've already upgraded the kitchen cabinets with sleek black hardware and hired a professional to replace the existing flooring with luxury vinyl plank (LVP). Additionally, I replaced the outdated 90s bathroom sink with a modern quartz option, thanks to the help of my uncle, who’s a plumber. Thanks everyone for the input! 

I just closed on my first investment property and already have a vacant unit. I'd like to make a few inexpensive upgrades to modernize this kitchen so I can rent it for a premium rent. Don't get me wrong, I think this kitchen is in pretty good shape as is, but I've been given several suggestions to improve the look of the kitchen. From painting the cabinets an off white color to leaving the cabinets as is and adding black hardware then updating the light fixtures. I'd love suggestions! Please let me know what you think. 

This rental is located in Kenosha, WI. 

Looking forward to your feedback!

Thank you! 

Investment Info:

Small multi-family (2-4 units) buy & hold investment.

Located in Kenosha, WI. After 11 months of evaluating properties and 25+ offers, I had one accepted in November but walked due to attic mold. I planned to bid on this property in December, but it sold—only to fall through due to financing. The seller’s agent later reached out to mine and the rest is history.

What made you interested in investing in this type of deal?

The location! The Kenosha area is booming with urban development.

How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

Through my agent.

How did you finance this deal?

Lender.