All Forum Posts by: Sharlene Mulchandani

@James Free Most landlords have their credit score minimum typically set around the 600 range. I personally feel like a person's credit score is only one part of the equation. Many people have issues with their credit, or maybe they've just started building their credit. Some other important factors are - If the tenant has a good job, meets the income requirements, passes their background check, and has good employment and landlord references.

@Kevin K. Sticking to neutral colors like beige, cream and gray would be best. I would personally go with gray. 

@Andrew Sassaman I would definitely look into each of these apps before deciding to use these as a way to collect rent from your tenants. As far as I know, for Paypal and Venmo, you will require a business account to collect rent, since by using a personal account, you are in direct violation of their User Agreements. Also, through the use of a business account, you're likely to encounter fees to collect these payments. I suggest looking into a free property management software company for rent collection instead of using these apps.

@Priyanka K. I am not aware of any legal special cleaning requirements due to COVID-19, but I really appreciate the fact that you've taken up the initiative to do so. It's definitely going to give your new tenants some peace of mind when they move in, and I do hope that more landlords start implementing this kind of special cleaning too! 

@Shannon Frazier I don't think renting to roommates will be an issue at all. My only suggestions would be to see that they are signing a single lease, where they are joint and severally liable - that way all roommates are equally responsible and liable, for all the lease terms. I would also suggest that your property manager collect one single check for their rent each month and that their security deposits are not split up. 

@Peter Morgan When it comes to renting with pets, there always be some negatives such as - damage to your apartment, disturbance to your neighbors, pet odors, etc. But I still think that there are several positives to permitting pets in your rental properties, as long as you have a good pet policy in place. Pet owners will understand that they have to pay a higher price to accommodate their pets; whether it is a pet deposit, pet fees or pet rent. 

@Ann B. I would suggest giving them a 24 notice before entering the property. On the other hand, since you do suspect that they have abandoned the property and have reasonable evidence, since their power has been cut off; you should be able to legally enter your property - to gather evidence if they have abandoned your property or not.

@Matt Lorenzo I agree with what most others have said on this thread. I suggest you treat the security deposit and the last month's rent separately. Even though she's willing to do an early inspection of the unit before she moves out, there could always be damage after that, or while she's in the actual process of vacating the unit. In that scenario, you will not be able to use a part of the security deposit for any damages or repairs.

@Peter Morgan If your tenants have access to a backyard, it is very likely for them to have a few uninvited guests from time to time. There is no need to call for an exterminator, instead, I suggest that you tell them to invest in a can of bug spray, or maybe buy it for them. 

@Eric Williams I suggest looking around at the rental units that are your direct competition and see what appliances they are providing. If they are not providing the appliances that you are, you may consider increasing your monthly rent slightly.

The most common list of appliances that I've noticed landlords usually provide are - refrigerator, stove/oven, dishwasher, washer and dryer. One that I commonly see missing from rentals is the microwave, in my experience, this is always a handy appliance to provide to your tenants!