All Forum Posts by: Kim H.

Maybe I asked my question to the city incorrectly?

@Roy N. sorry, but I guess I really don't know enough about metering to answer your question completely. I asked the city the cost of separating from one meter to nine and they told me $8000 per meter. I am assuming this is to run separate services to each unit. I didn't specifically ask about sub-metering, although I have tried to contact several companies to get costs on this and haven't gotten any return calls. Does the city also sub-meter?

I am still in my feasibility period, so this is all information I am compiling. No final decision yet.

I finally got an answer today on the cost to separately meter my intended 9 unit MF property...$8000 per meter just for the capital recovery fee for the city. Then add on any installation charges. I was shocked to say the least.

So, this new landlord will be allocating water bills and billing tenants for their portion. I have been researching the rules and think I have it figured out. Unfortunately, I haven't found any billing companies that will do it for me with less than 100 units. Anyone know of a company who will work with smaller properties?

Thank goodness no raft! Save that for the spring floods. I have another day with my kids out of school so I had to reschedule my building inspections. Gives me a few more days of research before spending any actual money during due diligence. Enjoy the thaw everyone.

I just found that Dallas actually has an ordinance that snow must be removed from public sidewalks and walkways within 3 hours and is the responsibility of owners, tenants, lessees, etc. So we are all responsible.

I think I will give my property manager the task of figuring this out. Luckily if I continue with my contract, I won't close until April and probably won't have tenants until May. We have a year to figure it out.

I just did an internet search for contractors who will clear snow or ice. Came up with nothing. I am sure a craigslist post looking for someone would get the phone ringing in a pinch.

I doubt we have any city ordinances here but I'm adding this to my list of things to figure out during my due diligence. My husband says "just cancel and I will put the money in the stock market and just take my chances. Too much drama with MFH."

Steven J. my son was two days from leaving to attend the University of Minnesota this fall. He changed his major at the last minute and forfeited his scholarship so stayed to attend a local university. I think I am thankful for more than one reason :)

@Adam Roberts I am thinking this is a potential liability issue (although very uncommon here). I can see a lawsuit if someone falls and busts their head open because I didn't sand before they stepped out of their apartment one morning. Plus, I am not wanting to be a hands on landlord. I don't know if the property management companies around here would do that kind of work as part of their contract either.

I did drive by an apartment complex today and it didn't look like any sanding had taken place...not that I agree, but that an ice storm is so uncommon here that landlords probably just don't have the means to deal with it. Doesn't mean someone won't sue and say they should have.

I have no idea as I've never shopped for sand or salt that purpose. Maybe some local apartment owners will chime in with what they have been doing the last few days of the Dallas ice-ma-gedon 2013.