All Forum Posts by: Kendall Miller

Thank you so much for your response, Jennifer. I would not have thought to ask if rebates are available. I'm in California so I will look that up. Did you get a 240 system or a 115? Two electricians have told me that 240 runs more efficiently so we will probably bring over 240 power to our building. Fortunately, our son has a large compressor, gauges and the know-how to install if himself. Daikin seems to make many different models but I'm not sure if it will be possible to purchase a unit. The company told me that they only sell to licensed contractors.

Hello,

I am considering purchasing a mini-split AC & heating system for an outbuilding (bedroom) that measures 24 ft x 15 1/2 ft. I think a 12000 BTU unit would be suitable for that size room? I found some new mini-split systems available on Offerup for $450 - $640. Brands are Gree, Mirage, AUX, B Air, Midea, Frikko, Everwell. 

I have never heard of these brands and wonder if anyone here has experience with any of them. We found a Pioneer brand for about $820. A heating and air conditioning company told me that they install Daikin brand. The internet shows that Daikin 12000 BTU minisplit system sells for about $880. It says that it has a 10-year parts warranty.

I don't know the first thing about mini-split systems and would greatly appreciate any opinions on whether the cheaper brands are good or if it would be worth spending the extra money to get a Daikin or Pioneer system.  Thank you in advance.

Hello again,

I am managing a rental apartment property in California. The property is somewhat run-down i.e. In need of paint and landscaping. The landlord has been charging  approximately a much lower rent than that of comparable properties in the area. The property will be put on the market soon. The landlord is thinking of charging about $150 per month for less than the market value for a newly renovated unit. There is no rent control in our area. Should we have the new tenant sign a lease for this amount or just do a month-to-month contract? My thought is that if there is a lease in effect, the new owner would not be able to raise the rent until the lease ends. I wonder if this would reduce the price that the landlord could expect to receive for the property. Are there any disadvantages to not having a lease in effect?

If the prospective tenants are smokers, the landlord does not want to allow any smoking in the apartment. I don't think it is realistic to expect a tenant to smoke outside, even if they sign a contract stating that they agree to do so. In California, is it legal to disqualify prospective tenants because they smoke? 

Hello,

I manage a small apartment property. The landlord has done some nice renovations in one of the units. The property will be put on the market soon.

We just put in beige wood look plank tile in the bathroom. The landlord wants to have carpet installed in the bedrooms only and plans to put the cheapest grade wood look linoleum in the kitchen, living room and hallway. This means that the wood look linoleum would be butted up against the wood look bathroom tile. The level of the tile would be about 1/2" higher than the linoleum in the hallway.  In my opinion, it would look bad to have two different types of wood look product next to each other.

I think linoleum in the kitchen and carpet for the living room, hallway and bedrooms would be a better option. The carpet would be the same height as the tile in the bathroom and would not clash with the bathroom tile. What do you guys think? Which would have a longer life, cheap linoleum or carpet? Which flooring would be more appealing to tenants and buyers in the living room and hallway? Thank you in advance your opinions.