All Forum Posts by: Kathy Johnson

It doesn't have to be expensive new though,  you can install a working used toilet.    Then put in new for the turnover once the eviction is completed.

Just in case anyone else has the same question: 

As a nonresident, you are taxed only on your income from California sources . When you are in California for other than a temporary or transitory purpose, you are aCalifornia resident . ... As a resident, you are taxed on income from all sources .

Under California law, if a tenant dies in the rental property, you must disclose the fact of the death and the manner of death to any prospective renter or purchaser for three years, from the date of the tenant's death.  But, if they died from AIDS or HIV related condition, you are prohibited from disclosing the cause of death.

You can check to see if the tenant is having her mail forwarded.  That would be a pretty clear sign that she moved on.

Talk to the previous landlord (not the current one) to find out if there was property damage.  Sometimes domestic violence abusers punch wall, punch or kick appliances, break down doors to the bedroom or bathroom, etc.  You want to find out if this person is a risk to your property.

You go with your gut by doing more checking if your gut is telling you that something is wrong.  Verify previous landlord, verify employment, check local criminal court records for their name.  We once had an applicant who didn't appear on the eviction court records, but had several DWIs and assault on a police officer.  After further checking, we found that some of his details on the application were pure fiction and his 'boss' that verified employment wasn't employed by the company when we checked with Human Resources.

Another data point,  a foster parent in order to become licensed has to fill out paperwork showing that they can budget/afford their household without relying on the foster payments to afford basic shelter/food for their household.  Also, the agency has to inspect and approve the foster housing.  The license is given for a particular adult(s) and residence.  There may be a foster payment gap due to the move.

With septic, if you get a tenant who is unfamiliar with septic or just doesn't care, they can destroy your septic system and cost you a lot by flushing non-septic friendly toilet paper, wet wipes, etc, and parking or driving on your drain field.  With a well, you have to think about changing filters and regular testing.  You need  backup plan for electrical issues and for pump repairs.  If there is a well house, tenants are tempted to store chemicals and oil near the well head.  

You may be required to have the septic and well inspected and there may be requirements to upgrade the systems to current code if you are pulling permits to do extensive work on the residence.  Check the state and local requirements.

It depends on whether there was a TOD or a will giving the property to one child.  If there was a TOD, then only the person(s) listed on the Transfer on death would own the property.

 No.  There is a base fee and then additional cost per rental in California.  For one rental unit, it comes to over $200 per year.