All Forum Posts by: Jorge Caceres

I also agree that $500 seems reasonable. I have given discounts in situations that have been truly inconvenient for the tenant and that I wasn't able to resolve in a timely manner. Just make sure you have proof that they are aware this is a one-time discount and for the reasons you stated.

I want to say an indisputable "No", like the others, but hopefully this isn't a case of the old landlord being upset about something else and trying to bad-mouth the woman, but I'm not sure how you could verify that. If everything else checks out (credit, talked to her employer, background check, etc), I would try to validate the story with the landlord. Perhaps the landlord can direct you to the video as evidence, or talk to a neighbor. 

I replaced my old water softener with an AQUASURE from Home Depot, and it works just as well as the one I had before (which came with the house). Replacement is pretty straightforward; if you're handy, it's definitely an easy DIY project. I'd say go with the budget option.

Good to know @Maranda Tucker. I've been lucky so far in Northern California. However, you should never just trust information provided by either any platform or the applicant directly. Remember: "Trust, but verify." Do your due diligence and call references, contact employers, meet the applicant, etc.

Zillow is good platform for taking applications and for posting your listing. Applicants pay a one-time application fee, which is valid for 30 days, allowing them to apply to multiple properties within that period using the same fee. As a landlord, Zillow provides you with a background check, credit score, and a well-formatted application for each applicant. Your property is also listed in multiple sites owned by Zillow, and is free! Depending on your property's location, setting a minimum FICO score is advisable. A FICO score requirement of 650 or higher, along with at least three years of consistent income that's 3X the monthly rent, are also a good ideas. These are just guidelines and may need to be adjusted based on your property's location and class. While these criteria work well for Class A and B properties, they might not be suitable for Class C. Personally, I believe it's preferable to have stricter requirements and wait for a qualified tenant. The payoff is worth it in the long run with reliable, on-time rent payments and tenants who are more likely to stay long-term, and take care of your property.

I agree with everyone else—this is a huge red flag. Social engineering is everywhere, and some people are really good at making you believe what they want you to believe. Be careful!

Regarding the Zelle versus Avail issue, I would advise choosing your battles wisely - as with many aspects of life. Finding good tenants who pay on time and care for your investment property is invaluable. I wouldn't recommend beginning your new landlord-tenant relationship with a dispute over payment methods. The fact that you described this tenant as "a good tenant of 5+ years" is what I would focus on. Those are not that easy to find. Work with them to ensure they feel comfortable with you as the new property owner.

When choosing tenants (I am in California), it's important to avoid even the appearance of discrimination, especially during in-person meetings. Set clear and consistent application requirements so you can base your decisions on solid facts. For example, require a minimum FICO score of XXX, gross monthly income X times the rent, and verifiable income for the last X years. This way, when you meet with applicants, you can explain if they don't meet the minimum requirements, and if they do, you can then consider their application further.

Central HVAC unit, very expensive to run.