All Forum Posts by: Craig Janet

That work sounds like a typical tenant turnover. In Louisiana a permit usually isn't required especially if you're doing it yourself. If you call your local permit office they will most likely tell you that you need a permit. The rules usually have grey areas, so they permit office will always default to saying yes you need a permit. In my area there is no enforcement unless its a new build.

I agree with most of the other posters. You should do nothing and ignore the neighbor. You will end up spending a lot of money to please a neighbor. Your property will not be more valuable or be able to increase the rent. If the neighbor approaches you I would like politely tell them that the fence "looks fine to me" 

Get a loan and buy grandma's house from your uncle. It's as simple as that. You should get a good price since it's off market and probably needs a lot of updating. I see no reason to involve everyone for "YOUR" business. Maybe grandma or your uncle can loan you the down payment to help you out but that's as far as I would go.

Why are you monitoring your tenants AC usage and analyzing it against the outside temps? What outside temperature will you allow your tenants to use the AC? Would you stay in a hotel that wouldn't let you use the HVAC?  Tenants are going to abuse and push every component of your house to the limit. This is something you have to budget for.

How in the world did you determine it was lasagna? 

If the previous owner had the deposit you should have received a credit on the sale making you the holder of the deposit. If the property management company has the deposit you shouldn't have to do anything.

I agree with JJ P this sounds very fishy that they all of sudden moved out 5 days after you purchased it. Did they have a lease? Did you at least get paid for the 5 days? What are the damages and why weren't they seen on the inspection?

I'm willing to bet you have a leak some where around the door frame or maybe the roof. Did your PM seriously pay a plumber to check this out? That's the tragedy of this story.  

File the eviction ASAP. You can always drop it if she moves out on her own. 

I'm a licensed contractor. Passing the test will give you very little skills for a rehab. Most of the questions will be about codes and business laws. In Louisiana to obtain your license will you need expensive liability and works comp coverage (even if you don't have any employees). There is no substitute for hands on experience. You could watch some youtube videos and do some projects around the house and gain more skills than passing the test. 

As others have said painting an entire house and new floors isn't "tenant turnover" this is capex that you should have budgeted for when you bought the place. Ask yourself if these are really needed. How bad is it really? Can the place rent as is at a lower rent? The PM doesn't care. The more money you spend, the easier the PM's job is and the more money they make.