All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

Hi David. Since you know nothing about renting, you should go with a property management company. Their fee is going to be a lot less than the hit you might take if you do something wrong or illegal. Maybe in a year or two, once you have learned what you are doing, then try managing it yourself. Michelle

Hi Robin. I would have let them move their stuff over too. I always get them to sign a statement that says they are taking all the responsibility for their things in the event of theft, flood, fire, etc. I've never had a problem with this.

I like Jon Holdman's idea too. I may have to start doing that.

Hi Kelly,

I only paint if it needs it. Often just a wall or two need it, not the whole place. I always clean the carpet. I don't usually have the windows cleaned. It is listed as something the tenant is supposed to do upon move out. If they don't do it, I have the housekeeper go in and do a quick clean, not a super duper job, but decent. I pretty much always have to have the housekeeper go in anyway to clean the place. I have never seen anyone leave it in move-in condition. Michelle

Just so you know, in California you can't collect last month's rent when they move in.

Let me clarify my quote from above: You can charge a security deposit of twice the rent only (unfurnished place). So, you can't charge a last month's rent + 1.5 or 2x the rent for a security deposit.

You could technically charge the last month's rent + 1 month security deposit and that would be fine. But, I would not do that. It just gives them permission to skip the last month. I would rather have all of it to go toward repairs if needed.

Hi Mike,

I always collect 1.5 x the rent as a security deposit and twice the rent if they have pets. I never have problems with this. You are right that if they don't pay the last month's rent, then you have no money left over for repairs. So, 1 month is not enough of a security deposit.

Just so you know, in California you can't collect last month's rent when they move in.

My guess is that you are concerned that the one with their own rentals will be more focused on renting them over yours. In my experience people always call about a particular house, and even if the manager pushed their own house on them, they will rent the one that they like the best. So, I really don't think that is a problem at all. I think you can go with either #1 or #2.

I don't recommend #3. Most people that I have come across that sell and manage are just managing while the economy and sales are slow. As soon as it picks up, the management part gets forgotten about.

Well, @Chris Martin, I'm not sure that response was necessary. Isn't this forum for asking questions? Excuse me for asking a question that you didn't like. Feel free to not respond to any of my posts in the future.

And, yes, all of that is written into my contract with the homeowner. But, after all this time managing properties, he is the first one to ever ask for this info. I am always the one that makes the final decision. I just thought that maybe someone had some (helpful) advice on whether they normally show this info to the homeowner or not.

I am a property manager and I do all of the background checks for the homeowner. I never have provided applicant's background checks to the homeowners, mostly out of confidentiality for the applicant. Well, I just rented a place out and the homeowner wants to see the tenants background info.

I don't have anything to hide, it all checked out really well. But, should I provide it to them? Am I required to by law? This homeowner talked to a real estate agent who told her I have to provide the info.

What do you think?

I just spray water on it and get it really wet. Let it sit for a bit and soak in, then spray more on. It peels right off. You might have to scrape a little. No chemicals, no steamer. Just a spray bottle of water.

I'm with you @Rob K, I hate wallpaper too.

Michelle

Never, ever, ever. Problems: They may not lock the doors or windows. They may keep the lock box code and go back later. They might even make a copy of the key. That property manager is just lazy.