All Forum Posts by: Debbie C.

@Dan Heath

We have done both...early on we bought more sfh in less desirable areas. More issues with tenants, neighbors, and slower to gain equity.

We decided to change our strategy and switched to a few sfh in a great high demand area. We are very happy we did...over the years we have had better quality tenants, less repairs, much higher rent, easier to manage as we are planning retirement. 

Do whatever works for you.

@John Ringgold

I have SFH rentals and have several items I have added to the lease.

No one can be on the roof or attach anything to the roof. ( This was after tenants were nailing x-mas lights across the entire roof)

No changes can be made to the landscaping.

Driveway or street parking only, not allowed anywhere else.

Property is to be kept free and clear of clutter, if there is any issue for fire hazard, termites, rodents (etc. the lease lists more), then they can be required to remove whatever is listed in our notice as the problem.

And one of my favorite add on's is: When notice is given to tenant for work/repairs to be done on the property, inside or outside, and landlord, or any contractor or vendor is denied access, or cannot access house or yard for any reason, then tenant will be charged a 65.00 fee. It is the tenants responsibility to respond to notices sent as requested. Failure to do so, may result in notices being mailed certified or delivered by other means that will result in a 25.00 notice fee charged to tenant.

All of my add on's have fees listed for whatever the violation is. I agree with @Jennifer Ruelens 100 %. If I want the tenant to comply, then the fee that they will be charged for the violation is stated clearly.

@Rebekah Nation

For me total household has to meet the income requirements. 

@Rebekah Nation

You should have in place what you require to approve a tenant. Criminal history etc. Use the same standards for everyone. If you have not set those standards yet, because your tenant was already in place, then take the time to do so. 

Do not skip over a careful back round check for any reason, it is asking for future trouble.

If you can renew for any amount of time that works for you, and if you have concerns, consider a shorter lease or go month to month, if this works with the rules in Atlanta. 

Maybe someone in Atlanta can add some more information !!

@Thien Hoang

I had the same situation with my mother. She had a small property in her name, but not much money, and we could see she would need assistance at some point in time.

I recommend you find a good attorney, ours specialized in Elder Care. I am glad that we started when we did, because when we ended up applying for help for my mother down the road, the program had a " look back " period of time that for the previous 3 years if you had transferred any assets, or sold a property etc. they counted that against the applicant. The attorney had knowledge of several State and Federal programs available.

Hope this helps.

@Mich Copper

I do use the mats at my rentals. As the kitchens have been remodeled, I want to keep them in good condition. 

Recently one of the tenants had an issue with the garbage disposal leaking, she didn't realize it, but heard the alarm under the sink that sits on the mat. When she went to look water was in the mat. Would have been a big mess, cabinet was dry.

@Mich Copper

For the kitchen cabinet shelves I use shelf liner from Walmart. Not the stick down type, one of the brands is called "easy liner". It does not cost a lot. I line all my drawers, shelves and bottoms of the cabinets, bathroom cabinets also. 

For under the sink I use "Xtreme Mats" they can be ordered in most sizes to fit under your sink, they have a lip on them, and a place in the back (center) of the mat for an alarm. 

Hope this helps

@Mich Copper

I do provide the A/C filters, and I make sure new tenants have a new Refrigerator filter, but they must replace the refrig. filters if they choose, when they need a new one.

The water filter under your kitchen cabinet I would have them replace or not as they choose. That could get expensive for you to keep replacing.

@Matt Halls

I would consider every possibility before you decide what will work best for you and your mom.

1. Sell the duplex and pay off your aunt if you can buy something else in the area you want for your mom, like a single level condo close by, or maybe in a retirement community.

2. Pull cash out of the duplex to pay off your aunt. But then you still have to manage the property, pay for tenant repairs etc. and work the numbers to see how much the rent will cover. If you decide to go in this direction, do your homework.

3. Pull out some cash but not all to pay towards what your aunt has coming, if you want to keep the duplex. She could get small monthly payments, or wait for the duplex to be sold to receive the balance. 

I'm sure more idea's will come to you. Hope this gives you a few to think about.

@Luke Pontier

I am agreeing with @Craig Anderson about the backyard, and I will just add to look and see what your future competition has done. Check it out on Zillow or wherever else landlords advertise in your area.

Decide if you will be maintaining the landscape, or expecting a future tenant to keep it up. That will make a difference in your choices. As well as if the back is shared or separate between tenants.

I did add a patio to my property, and very nice but easy to care for plants, and a tree. And yes I do think that the complete package of a updated house and nice yard gets me better quality tenants and higher rent.

Congratulations on your purchase.