All Forum Posts by: Erin Dreher

The lease should be in the tenants name that are going to be living in the house. You need make sure they are ultimately responsible for any damage done to the house even though they are not paying the rent. @Olivia McBride

Some cities are very serious about code enforcement and permits and some aren't. The danger of doing the work without a permit could get you into some trouble depending on the city. In some cities here they will fine you per day, stop any work that is going on and then come inside and require you to update/repair more than what you intended on. 

You might want to ask around in the city you have the duplex and see how bad code enforcement is. Permits here run you from $150-250. You also might want to think about if you plan on throwing away any building materials ... that is good way to tip of code enforcement that your doing work.

I think I would just get the permit honestly. 

I agree with making it complicated. I personally ask my CPA for advice on that type of stuff. They can always suggest the easiest way to keep up with funds. 

Not sure what the market price is for month to month there. We generally charge $50 additional for month to month. I have worked with travel nurses also and you should have no problems. They are generally pretty good tenants. 

@Dwayne Webb keep asking questions. This is the place to ask. They have resources here and tools to educate yourself also. I am just starting to educate myself on real estate investments and different strategies I can explore. I have primarily only done property management but want to learn more about the investing side. I am starting with joining a local REI group.

Best of luck. Feel free to pass on any great reading you find also. 

I agree with @Sergey A. Petrov. I wouldn't make it long without A/C. You can get two units and not break the bank and at least keep them comfortable. 

I would say hard NO also. Our lease agreements that we have tenants sign state clearly that tenants are not allowed to operate any business out the residence. @Drew Sygit listed several. Not worth it in my opinion. 

Your gut feeling is correct @Marlon Zuniga- no

Keys should be handed over on the same day the lease starts. 

You know they are going to move in as soon as they get keys. Common request to us property managers. We will allow if we can change the start date of the lease (when they start paying) 

Whose idea was it to put windows in a shower stall anyway? That is the worst. All it seems to do is open you up for cracks in the grout and tile and letting water seep though behind the tile. Depending on the location of that window and what your exterior is... I would close it up if possibly and install an exhaust fan. 

I would most definitely get more quotes. I am sure you can work with any other roofing contractor. I have worked with contractors before that jack their prices up if they know its an insurance job. It sounds like that is what they did. 

Call around and just ask for quotes and don't mention insurance and see if the price changes.