All Forum Posts by: Michael Zack

@Irina Belkofer The reason I'm hesitant to have a 3 year old live in the unit is because its an old house, and there are no public records of it being de-leaded. I'll have the tenant sign a lead disclosure, but I'm still weary of having such a young child live there.

@Deanna McCormick So when someone applies and pays for the credit/background checks on Cozy, I have to manually run the application? It doesn't automatically occur?

@Deanna McCormick @Mike Cumbie @Thomas S. It seems like the best option would be to show the rental unit, take applications, and then just make my decision based on all of the applicants. I'm not required to refund any money paid by the applicant for the credit/background checks, correct? Others in this feed have stated that I'm not required by law to refund the fee.

@Irina Belkofer Thank you for the great response. What would be the best way to tell the prospective tenant that I don't want to schedule a showing? I don't want to simply say, "No, because you have a 3 year old".

@Thomas S. I'm going to be using Cozy to have prospective tenants apply so that I can use their screening services. If someone applies and pays the $40 for credit/background checks, am I required to pay them back if I don't accept them?

I had someone inquire about the other unit in my owner occupied duplex. It's an old house and most likely has lead paint. Also, not sure I would want to hear a 3 year old running around all the time. For these reasons, I obviously don't want to set up a showing. How do I tell them that they can't see the unit or apply without discriminating?

I moved into a duplex in July planning to house hack. I've been doing work on the other unit when I haven't been at my full time job and I plan on finishing within the next 2 weeks. Is listing an apartment with available date October 1 too late? I know most people move September 1. Did I miss the mark and will be stuck with a vacancy until the spring?

Steve Bracero Yes, one of the rooms is rented. I should probably put that info in the subject of the ad. "Current tenant looking for roommate to occupy 2 bedrooms of a 3 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment."

I'm renting out one side of a duplex and I'm unsure of how to word the ad online. It's a 3 bed 1 bath (1,300 sq ft) and one of the bedrooms is smaller (fits a twin size bed). One of our friends is currently living in one of the rooms and I was going to try to rent out the other two. Should I list as a 2 bedroom or a 1 bed + office? Something along the lines of "1 bed + office available in a spacious 2/3 bedroom apartment". Thoughts?

Emilio Betancourt Don't get discouraged and keep looking for the right property. It took me 2 years of looking until I found the right duplex to start my real estate investing adventure. Stay positive and look at as many properties as you can and you'll find the right one.