All Forum Posts by: Michael Nahm

Hi all,

Would like to get your thoughts on the following, which I'm trying to decipher, unsuccessfully.

I'm in the process of screening a potential tenant, and a search on the state's court records

pulled up a Housing Court case.

Normally, I'd stop there, because usually it means there was an eviction (this case is from 2021,

so fairly recent). However, the Plaintiff is a Bail Bonds company.

The public records only gives the plaintiff and defendants' names, and no other details.

I can't think of a reason that a bail bonds company would sue someone in Housing Court, so it

doesn't look like an eviction.

Would appreciate your thoughts on whether I'm dodging a bullet here.

Hi all, 

I have a long-time tenant that was in place when we purchased the property years ago.

The original Lease, which we honored, had an Occupancy Agreement for the tenant's partner.

Recently the partner left the property and would like to end the Occupancy Agreement.

The partner is not on the Lease and is not liable for the rent.

I was wondering if there is anything specific that should be signed (I've never dealt with an Occupancy Agreement before).

Thank you, and appreciate any insight.

@Scott M.

Yes, I do have pictures of the kitchen, indicating it was not damaged, including the move-in walkthrough form.

Once more, seeking BP wisdom.

I just had a solid tenant move out after nearly 4 years (always paid on time).

The rental was left in less than desired shape, and one of the issues I’m having trouble assessing cost for, is the kitchen countertop.

I’m attaching a picture, because it is difficult to describe. 

I’m wondering if this is fixable or whether I should change the countertop (the kitchen isn’t very large, standard condo size, so countertop isn’t grandiose). 

Also wondering what I should deduct from the deposit since the countertop isn’t new, however, it was immaculate when the tenant moved in.

Any advice welcome.

We’ve experienced similar flakiness at showings, and after years of experience, we seem to have a system that works.

When a potential tenant shows initial interest, they email me, usually asking for a time to see the property.

I then respond with specific criteria we require for consideration, and ask for preferred times for showings.

The flaky ones won’t even bother answering. We won’t bother replying to obscure responses that did not address our questions.

If all goes well with our communication, we schedule multiple showings at 10-15 minute intervals and require a text confirming they are coming.

It has saved time and generally we receive a solid application rather quickly.

@Nathan Gesner

Great topic, and similarly to you, I’ve been VERY careful not to talk money or assets around anyone really, as it is perceived as bragging and brings out passive-aggressiveness in others, which I feel stems from jealousy.

The only person I am truly honest with, is my mother, who is beyond proud. Similarly, my spouse and I purchased a home for her when she was in a bind. A couple of years later, she has come out of said bind and that home is now a great-performing rental, though we intended for that home to be hers permanently.

I always find your posts and advice extremely professional, rational and business-savvy, and now you are a true legend in my eyes with what you did for your mother.

After years of relative quiet, appliance-wise, we had to replace two refrigerators and a dishwasher in three different units.

Both refrigerators, different brands, from different sources, arrived faulty.

The first wouldn’t cool. AT. ALL.

The second overheats on it’s outer walls, where is feels dangerously hot (not just warm).

I’ve never had any new appliance not operate properly and am wondering if this is a trend or if my 2 out of 2 refrigerators ended up being outliers.

The dishwasher hasn’t been installed yet, so the jury is out on that one.

You all presumed correctly, I did not read the fine print. However, for three days after we canceled the booking, I kept checking, and the nights we originally booked were made available on AirBNB. It was after those three days, that I noticed those nights were rebooked. If the host was unable to rebook what we canceled, I would let him keep the entire rate we paid. He did rebook though, which is why I turned to asking for a refund.

Hi all, would appreciate some objective feedback as I only own LTR's and not STR's.

My family and I recently booked a trip to Europe and used AirBNB for accommodations.

The first place we booked was for 2 nights and was non-refundable (we didn’t look at the cancellation policy).

About a week prior to the flight, we realized that there was a mandatory 5 day quarantine for children (us adults are vaccinated). The host informed us that there is another guest checking in immediately after us so we couldn’t extend our stay.

We sent the host a message requesting a cancellation. He did not respond.

We then canceled the booking and were refunded the cleaning fee.

I kept checking if the 2 days we booked were still available for booking. A couple of days later, I saw that the 2 days we initially booked and canceled, were rebooked by someone else.

I then contacted AirBNB asking if they would issue a full refund since the host is not out any money.

AirBNB inquired with the host, and informed us he is refusing to issue a refund.

I’m all for fairness, and wouldn’t have asked for a refund if the rental stayed vacant, however, it wasn’t and personally, I wouldn’t feel comfortable keeping someone’s money if I wasn’t out anything.

I’m wondering if I’m right in feeling that a refund is adequate or am I completely off.

Thanks I’m advance.

Thank you for taking the time to comment.

I should mention that it has been about 2.5 years, and the nail came through the middle of one of the pieces, practically shattering it (don’t really know how else to describe it).

There are also a few spots where the installation doesn’t seem like it was done properly as the vinyl pieces have moved away from each other, creating open spots. Again, all taking place in time, not immediately.

Seems like the overall gist is that I should move on. I guess that’s why I am really as calm as I am :)