All Forum Posts by: Christina M.

@Aryan Strauss In a non-smoking building we have lost prospective very qualified applicants because of smokers off the premises. Off the premises is a public side walk (a few steps from the building) and I have to agree with the others smokers do stretch on the rules. Some people are very sensitive to smoke/second hand smoke and will select a building that specifically is non-smoking. Also people who have successfully quit smoking will rent in a non-smoking building because they just do not want to be around smoking. It's the same with pets some people are highly allergic to animals and will specifically rent in a no pet building.

Our Lanscaper will not get out of his truck when smokers are outside complains it interferes with him doing his job.

It's a difficult situation all the way around although sometimes the choices we make create our difficult situation.

@Chris B. I would personally pickup the telephone and speak directly to my tenant on this matter. A one minute conversation leaves nothing up to speculation. If I receive voicemail a friendly message asking for a return call to discuss the matter.

Correction our 4 Unit uses on average approximately 230 gallons per day.

57.5 per unit.

@Erik B.

What is the actual usage vs the amount of bill? I monitor actual usage divided by the number of tenants in building or the number of billing cycle days. The average per person uses about 200 gallons per day. This changes +/- times during the year - example holidays increase, warmer months.... All the other excessive utility charges, distribution charges, taxes and improving the water facilities (never happens always reactive vs proactive) you can not control. Yes some calculated on usage.

Monitoring Usage also lets you know if there is an issue that a tenant may not be communicating. Public water is hard on the flappers and not all flappers are made the same. Flapper checks should be a part of maintenance check list.

Also with COVID with adults/children working/schooling from home increases water usage.

The low flow toilets have come a long way and the Kohler powerful self-cleaning pretty impressive.

Also communication to tenants is key with regards to included water.

@Rick LaFleur

We have properties in a business and personal name. There are pros and cons to both. For personal name you can use personal checking account and credit cards just keep very good records - same as with a business.

@Kyle Mack check with your/an Accountant on paying capital gains on your personal residence?

@Masood UL Hassan

Sometimes you have to think with your heart and feel with your mind.

@Esther Tama

In my experience it's better to show a unit after the current people move out. There may be some maintenance items,

cleaning or painting that needs to be completed? People often do not have the imagination when other peoples stuff is in unit.

@Ethan Martin

Doing a walk through with a tenant no one is going to catch everything. I clean my units before it's listed, in between showings (empty units to get dusty and people just track dirt in) and the day of or day prior to tenant moving in. I know my units are thoroughly cleaned when I turn it over to new tenants. I take a lot of photos and a video prior to them moving in - close ups. I can tell you that trim did not get that dirty from a new tenant. The trim does not even appear as it was dusted or ever cleaned - to me. How could the tenant get a floor that dirty if she just moved in? I do not use wet swifter they just smear the dirt around. Cleaning has the biggest payback cleaning products, hot water and some elbow grease. You can make a unit shine by just thoroughly cleaning it.

@Pal Sa I think you are on to something with considering using an Agent for this one or at least get an Agent's opinion. There's benefits to having a

Professional Agent on your team.

Is there something on your application these individuals might be disqualifying themselves?

You stated that you are slightly below comps people may wonder why if your property is as nice or nicer than comps?