All Forum Posts by: Kadia Lawrence
Kadia Lawrence has started 21 posts and replied 65 times.
Post: Do you allow pet sitting?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @Michele Fischer:
Like so many other things that happen on our properties, this is so hard to police and enforce and even know the extent. Anything agaisnt the lease is always just temporary and you can't verify much one way or the other.
I personally would ask for a quick text of the breed and length of stay when it happens and leave it at that. Then if you had any issues (dog attack, prolonged stay, suspected second dog) you would have some information to help decide how to proceed, but it is too hard to enforce anything more.
Thanks! Given the strong points around enforcement, I am inclined to make it black and white. No other animals beyond any that have gone through the authorization process and are paying....hmmm.
Post: Do you allow pet sitting?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @John Clark:
Quote from @Kadia Lawrence:
Do you allow pet sitting, whether for a fee or no fee? If you have a tenant that has an approved pet -- they've paid the typical $250 non-refundable fee and $20-$30/ month per pet -- and this tenant family or friends who occasionally visit or stay overnight with a dog pet, do you allow that? Or, do you require any animal, including ones that are visiting or staying one or 2 nights to go through the same approval process and pay the same fees?
2. is it being done commercially?
3. What type of pet?
For the case I am thinking of it is likely routine as it's the person's girlfriend. I should clarify, it's not commercially but just friendly visits. It's a small dog
Post: Do you allow pet sitting?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Do you allow pet sitting, whether for a fee or no fee? If you have a tenant that has an approved pet -- they've paid the typical $250 non-refundable fee and $20-$30/ month per pet -- and this tenant family or friends who occasionally visit or stay overnight with a dog pet, do you allow that? Or, do you require any animal, including ones that are visiting or staying one or 2 nights to go through the same approval process and pay the same fees?
Post: How are you using AI in your RE investing?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @Matthew Schumacher:
Absolutely agree — the potential is massive.
Right now, I’m exploring a few simple but powerful ways to use AI in real estate investing:
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Property scouting: Using AI + public data to surface areas with high permit activity, low crime, good schools — then overlaying maps to find sweet spots.
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Pricing analysis: Running AI models on list-to-sale ratios, DOM (days on market), and price trends to spot undervalued areas or neighborhoods heating up.
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Quarterly performance check-ins: Feeding financials into AI tools to flag underperformers or cash flow issues before they become a problem.
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Tax and financing optimization: Starting to test AI advisors to suggest tax strategies and compare loan terms — way faster than doing it manually.
I’m also looking into setting up automations that pull in fresh data monthly — AI works best with up-to-date info.
Totally agree — the earlier we learn and integrate, the more of an edge we’ll have. Curious what others are doing too!
This sounds great. What tools are you using, particularly to set up automations and pull in fresh data? Is it MLS data?
Post: How do you define and screen applicants over 18 who are dependents?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @Rick Albert:
So far, 99% of time I see people who have difficult times with tenants, it could have been prevented during the screening process. Never make an exception because frankly, you don't know if they are lying about their situation to cover up a past eviction, etc. I'm not trying to mean, but it's a reality.
Typically when I have college students as potential tenants, I just have their parents as guarantors. So far it has worked out really well.
I could make an argument that if you give exceptions that IS discriminatory because you aren't giving exceptions to others.
The disability one is interesting if it is physical and obvious and they are not working. I would consult an attorney on that one but my hunch is they will say that you still vet but not necessarily deny them because of something related to it.
Thanks Rick! Good advice to be cautious
Post: How do you define and screen applicants over 18 who are dependents?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
I have a requirement that anyone 18 and older must fill out a separate application and undergo a background check for a fee. For now, I am willing to make an exception for dependents. Do you make an exception or screen 100% of cases? If you do or had to make an exception, how would you objectively and consistently determine a dependent? (E.g., person in college not working, an elderly person or person with disabilities who is cared for by the main applicant, etc.? Not sure if these definitions run into fair housing issue, especially if it's someone who has a disability. I would not want to ask or validate that.)
Post: Petscreening.com - how long does it take? Do you hold up applications?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Kadia Lawrence:
To accelerate the entire process, have them apply for a pet for faster approval. Once the pet is approved, they can move in. Then, they can apply for the animal to be categorized as an ESA. Even if it takes a month for approval, it will only cost them the $20 pet application fee and a month of pet rent.
Thank you!
Post: Petscreening.com - how long does it take? Do you hold up applications?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Kadia Lawrence:
There are two primary methods:
1. Don't approve the application until the animal application is complete. If it takes three days to screen the animal, then someone else could jump ahead in line and rent the property first.
2. Approve the applicant, but don't let them move the animal onto the property until the animal screening is approved. This is my preferred method, but you have to be prepared to enforce it.
Screening a pet is very fast, assuming the tenant turns in all the documents. Service animal screening typically takes longer because they reach out to the prescribing medical provider to confirm the letter. In my experience with hundreds of applications, the medical provider may take a week or longer to respond and that really holds up the process.
Thank you Nathan! This is helpful! I am thinking of doing a hybrid where if it's an ESA and I see that in the application, I will immediately request they begin the petscreening.com profile since it's free (in theory). If it's a pet, I wait to see if they are otherwise approved. If so, I will conditionally "pre-approve" them subject to submitting a pet profile within 24 hours. If they don't, their approval will be withdrawn and put in pending status and we will move on to the next approved applicant unless they fulfill the requirement before that occurs. I am just hoping that on the petscreening.com side, the regular pet review doesn't take too long as long as the applicant provides all required documentation.
Post: Petscreening.com - how long does it take? Do you hold up applications?
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Hi all,
For those using petscreening.com, how long do they typically take to review a profile for a pet vs ESA vs service animal? Also, if you are doing a first come, first reviewed process for the rental applications, when do you initiate the petscreening.com profile? I requesting it after they submit the application/ background check and they have indicated they have a pet, especially because it's an extra $25.). However, would you allow the petscreening.com timing to hold up your review process or do you move on to the next application after some time has passed?
Post: Tenant ghosted after signing the lease
- Posts 65
- Votes 16
Quote from @Nathan Gesner:
Quote from @Kadia Lawrence:
sounds good, thank you!!