All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

@Erin Legler  You obviously did well financially but aesthetically, I'm sorry to say,  I think it's poor.  I don't like the large floor tiles everywhere (even in the bedrooms!) and I don't like the tall cabinet between the two bathroom lavatories (it looks clunky and confining).

It sold quickly so I guess the buyer doesn't mind, but I wonder why you chose to do it this way.  Do you ever work with a designer? 

@Paula Moore The question is not how much rehab is too much; it is: do the numbers work? You have to make sure your info (ARV, Renovation costs, holding costs,etc) is rock solid. Then it's just a math problem.

The amount of rehab you must do is: everything that is necessary to make the house commensurate with other houses in the neighborhood at the price point you hope to sell for.  In this particular case, $230K-$350K is a huge range and you can not possibly make a sound decision, without a more precise number.

@Anna Sam Unless it's damage directly caused by the tenant, I don't see how you could charge them for repairs.  Maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the property owner. 

I would catalog what repair issues you're experiencing and address them then.  One thing I do is go through the unit thoroughly on any turnover. I examine everything carefully and fix problems then and there. That really seems to minimize issues once a tenant is in.  

Also, if I'm called for a repair, I inquire of any other problems they've noticed, so I can take care of them in that visit. 

If you are unable to handle repair issue yourself (which is what it seems) then you are at a bit of a disadvantage.  Perhaps you could find a company that offers maintenance contracts for a fixed fee.  That would at least lend a bit of predictability to your costs. 

I commend you for trying to be a good landlord!

@Shaquetta Chittams There's quite a difference between $45K and $75K; what happened?!

@Account Closed I think you made a [foolish] promise and now you should honor it. The "need be" changes nothing because her basis of "need be" was different from yours. You gave her an incentive to wait a few additional days and get free rent. In other words: the need to deliver on the promised day was on your part, not hers. 

Also keep in mind that you made this 'free rent' promise because you had failed your other promises to bring the fridge. 

Expensive lessons learned: Don't promise things lightly and always keep your promises. 

@Christian Bors I have to disagree with your use of the word "gentleman" in describing your assailant.  :)

I'm sure it's very upsetting but she's gone so just stay focused on your business.  Good luck with it all. 

@Elizabeth Colegrove is right: you will never get consensus here!

I would not decrease the rent for the feline decrease because they chose to give the cat away. If it had gotten hit by a car, I might because I'm a softie (just kidding).

I would not charge to unlock their door but then again: that's not in my lease. 

It's nice to be flexible at times (especially with a long-term good tenant) but you really can't go wrong by just following the lease.  

 There is a very real difference in quality between a .68¢ receptacle and a heavier duty one. Hold one of each in your hand; you can easily tell the difference. The cheap ones are cheaply made and flimsy.  We're only talking about $3 or $4 difference; why skimp?  

 No, I wouldn't suggest you attempt to cover it because you'd have to touch it and it's very dangerous. I'd shut off the breaker to that room and stay away from it til your electrician fixes it. 

I'm so glad you're not at attempting to fix it yourself; you're very wise!  

@Account Closed Good receptacles cost more than $1.00 and are worth it.  Electrical is no place to skimp!