All Forum Posts by: Krista Olen

Thanks everyone for your input! It really helped put the issue in perspective.

Does anyone have any experience allowing tenants to have snakes or geckos as pets? 

I have a tenant applying to live at one of my properties with a snake and a gecko. I allow pets, but typically my tenants have cats or dogs. Are reptiles any more risky to allow as pets in terms of damages or odors? Is there any reason to simply not allow them?

I am looking for recommendations in the Cedar Rapids area for the following:

- Flooring installers (carpet, vinyl, or laminate)

- General handyman work (light, miscellaneous tasks)

- Lawyer with experience in HOA law

Any ideas or tips are appreciated!

My bank allows tenants to pay directly at any of their branches. All tenants need are the last three digits of the account. The bank teller gives them a receipt and when I check my account online I can see the payment with a note that has the tenant's name. 

You may want to see if your bank offers this or find a bank that does. It has worked really well for our cash paying tenants.

Collecting cash rent in person can be messy especially if you do not provide a receipt. This option provides a clear record of the payment and I can check my bank account online from anywhere to see if the tenant paid. 

I think it is absolutely fine to expect tenants to take care of snow removal especially when snow removal companies are hard to come by or are unreliable. Here is an example of what I have included in a lease for a duplex where tenants are sharing snow removal responsibilities.

"Tenants are responsible for snow removal from their front door to the city sidewalk including any steps. Tenants must probably clear a path after snowfall. The path must be salted if ice forms or is expected. If a tenant lives in the downstairs unit, they are responsible for clearing the city sidewalk in front of the building."

I am wondering if anyone has advice on how to respond to a tenant's email l recieved today. The tenant said there is "black mold" in both toilet bowls in the townhouse they rent from me. The "mold" keeps reappearing even when they clean it consistently. The tenant is worried it is dangerous even though they are not 100% certain it is mold. I essentially told them I can't really help because it doesn't sound like it is due to a defect or that the toilet needs a repair.

I know this might sound like a trivial question, but I am always curious how others respond to tenant requests.

I want to be polite, but also clear about what is my role as a landlord and what is their role as a tenant. Is there more I should be doing here or am I missing something?