All Forum Posts by: Henry T.

 Toss all of it. Get back to basics. I'm an investor and a landlord, but also a sentimental fool. My decisions are not strictly bottom line. I want my tenants in a place that I would be happy to be in. This is simply my personal choice and I can afford it. I hate metal and plastic siding, it doesn't take long for either of those to look bad. Sure, you have to paint wood, hardy, or even smartside, but the result is much classier, in my opinion. Smartside durability is still in the to-be-determined arena.

"I am sorry mr. new tenant. You moved in knowing the kind of furnace there is. You are responsible for the costs to operate it. I am willing to install a new gas furnace,  which should help you with your long term costs. Would you like me to do this install, or should we just leave things the way they are? Let us know. We appreciate your tenancy" Signed management.

This situ is partly your fault for not having thoroughly checked the system before renting. In the future, you might try to educate yourself about heating systems and their running costs. This will help you plan better and price units accordingly. Good luck!

Aluminum siding is a big turn off for me personally. I'm with Bruce. IF that Alum siding was on there for 30 yrs, that's 30 that the old wood was protected. If the old wood siding is a standard type, that you can fix(where necessary) easily, that's the way to go.  Scraping and prepping for new paint aint nothin'l. That's what I'd do and have done. The results can be stellar. Carefully, get rid of the tin crap. 

Rent is by the month not per day. There have been times when (left in such good condition and clean)  I've refunded when they left early. It was to my benefit that I could get in early and be rent ready. I would never agree in advance. Usually you're left with a pig sty.

I'll never forget how wonderful boiler/radiator heat feels.

um, not having to move furniture?

Do they have paramedic? Any neighbor that can throw you on a stretcher and take you to the hospital is a bonus.

Cats can be great, or they can do incredible amounts of damage.

You must either increase your damage deposit, or charge a hefty non-refundable fee. I once had a judge completely ignore my 4k of documented cat damages. Non refundable may be the way to go. I would like to think a higher damage deposit keeps people in line, but its really a crap shoot. 

Fully screen the applicant, if passed,  add both equally responsible to the lease. 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013YN3PR4/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?pd...

Call an eviction attorney.