All Forum Posts by: Jennifer Rysdam

I have my application on my website. They can print it and hand it to me or take pics and text it to me, or they can just fill it out on Word or Google Docs and email it to me. I make it clear that if their references check out on their application that I'll then send them an email with a link to SmartMove where they will pay the fee for the credit/background check. I'm very clear on my website about what the expectations are for them. I also let them know that if they get approved and move in that I will deduct the cost of the credit/background check from the first month's rent when they sign the lease. That way if they are serious, and honest, they'll get refunded when they move in. If they are lying to me and fail the background check then they are out the fee.

Having 6 kids, our drains will start to stink when the kids are spitting toothpaste down them and then not running the water enough to rinse it out. There can also be something caught in the trap, like hair, that can then catch all of that too and stink. The bleach wouldn't get the hair (or whatever) out. Use some Drano, or else unscrew the trap and see what's in it. Hold your breath, lol!

I've learned so far in my first year that it's best to have leases end in spring and early summer. That way you have all summer to do repairs and get them filled. I had one that moved out Sep. 1st and it was a bear to get filled by the time I cleaned got the repairs done. I had another that moved out Dec. 1st and it's still empty. I'm definitely going to start staggering the leases for summer months.

I have left it until the 5th because I have one guy that's handicapped and he gets his SSI on the 3rd of the month. I just go on the 6th and collect all of the checks out of my dropbox.

When they ran high speed internet/cable in the area of my 8-plex they offered to wire the whole building all at once for free. They don't want to have to do it tenant by tenant later, so that's why they do it that way. They just went up in the attic and ran the wires down through the walls. I let the tenants know that they were coming and that they could either be home that day or I would let them in to do it. Now they can hook up to cable or internet if they choose to.

I would call the local cable/internet company and see if they can do that for you.

I'm wondering if they are just waiting for the autopsy to come back before deciding to process it as a crime scene. Why waste the time and resources if it was not a crime? If I were you I'd just be patient and wait. I know it's frustrating, but all of the other options will just cost more money. Keep in communication with the police and hopefully they'll get it done sooner than later.

Thanks @Robert P. I appreciate the information! This would work great for all of those that IM me through my Facebook posts.

What a big, beautiful house! If you do want it that bad, can you do half of the work to make it livable and then do the rest later? Would you really have to use the 3rd floor or much of the basement? Can you leave those for later? How much of the work could you do yourself? I live in a 100 year old house similar to that, and one big concern for us is lead paint. That would be a concern if you are working in it later while also living in it.

Are those front loaders or top/regular ones? I'm SO ripping myself off, lol! I really need to raise my prices.

I have people sign a form that states it is a non-refundable retainer fee to hold the unit until a certain date, and that it will be applied as half of their deposit upon signing of the lease on or before that date.