All Forum Posts by: Nathan Gesner

They make what are called backflow preventers. They are very common and very inexpensive. I think you can buy one at Home Depot for under $40. You probably need a plumber to install it.

Search on Google and you will find tons of info.

I disclose up front that we process applications in the order they were received.  I do not start processing them until everything is received. If three people are applying together, I want complete applications for all of them, pay stubs, photo IDs, and their application fees. Once I receive everything, I process their app. The first one qualified is offered the house but it stays on the market until they put the security deposit down to take it off the market (money order or cashier's check only). If Application A is turned in first but Application B is finished first, then I offer it to Application B.

I disclose this up front so there are no grounds for complaints if someone is beaten to the punch.

There aren't a lot of folks from Wyoming on BiggerPockets, let alone someone from Evanston. Your best bet would be to calling some local real estate offices for advice: CLICK HERE

They sound like problem tenants. I recommend you tell them - in writing - that they rented the home with an unfinished basement and it will stay that way. Then stop talking to them about it.

Yes. I take pictures before the tenant moves in. Pictures are of every side of the house, windows inside and out, ceiling, floor, and each wall, inside/outside of each appliance, front/back of doors, etc. A typical 3bed/2bath house in good condition will take 150 - 200 pictures to document but it goes fast.

When Tenants move out, I take either pictures or video. If the unit is in good shape with very minor deductions, I take pictures of just what they will be charged for.

If the home is a mess, I take a video walk-through of the entire house. I then upload the video to Youtube but keep it private so nobody can see it without me sending them the link. Once the cleaning/repairs are done, I send the tenant a Security Disposition Letter detailing what deductions were made. I include a link to the video on Youtube along with a form they can use to contest the charges. Since I started using video, not one single Tenant has contested the charges because they know I have the evidence to back up my claim.

Want to learn how to market or inspect with video? I highly recommend this FREE, FREE, FREE course from Todd Breen! This is not a trick where you have to sign up to be on a mailing list or buy something. His training is absolutely free and well worth the time to watch. CLICK HERE to see the free videos. He also has equipment recommendations.

Why do you care if they live in the basement? Does it have egress windows, is it dry, and is it safe? Are they using it in a manner that is causing problems? Are you worried about how many people will live in the home? Are you just worrying about a problem that doesn't exist?

The first time it happens I call and then follow up with a written warning. I remind them we do not allow smoking - of any product -inside our rentals and that marijuana use is still illegal in our state. If they want to tempt the law, they can do so somewhere off my property. If they are reported for smoking indoors a second time, I meet the police at the property and evict if there is any evidence.

I personally have no animus towards dope smokers but I do not want it bothering neighbors, making someone ill, or ruining my rental. Besides, if someone is willing to break the law and violate my lease just to get high, odds are they will break the law and violate my lease in other ways.

Are homes that difficult to rent in your  market? It.is common for Property Managers to pay a fee to any agent that brings a tenant, assuming the tenant meets your screening process and signs a lease. The fee is paid after the tenant is under contract and occupies, not before.

I personally don't pay anyone because I can find tenants in my own, typically before a unit even becomes vacant. Using another agent only makes sense if you project a vacancy of two weeks or more.

You are headed straight to disaster if you don't educate yourself quickly. Go to Amazon.com and buy Every Landlord's Legal Guide. It will teach you a ton quickly and includes your state laws, sample forms, and much more.

Money talks...