All Forum Posts by: Stacey Tiamfook

Hi All. I am looking for some advice. I have a 2-unit rental property and my tenants in one unit reported a clogged toilet. I sent a plumber over and it turns out that the tenant, in the other unit, has been putting baby wipes and tampons down the toilet and has clogged the sewer line. The blockage is so severe that this is going to be a several thousand dollar repair. This same tenant was putting full containers of food down the garbage disposal and clogged the sewer line earlier this year. I paid for that repair, and had the garbage disposal removed. While I don't think the tenant has done this intentionally, this is neglect and I want to charge the tenant for the repairs. I have never charged a tenant for a repair while they were still living in the unit. How have others gone about doing this? Did you send a letter stating the issue with a bill?

I also want to note that this tenant is in the US on an assignment from their European employer, who is paying their housing costs. Their company has paid the security deposit, so if she were moving out, I would use that money to pay for the costs but there is still 4 months left on their lease (and they have already said that they would like to sign again at the end of the term). Is there a way to extract this from the security deposit and then have them update the security deposit at the time of new lease signing? I know that this is somewhat risky as there are still 4 more months in which they could break something else but I am also trying to explore this option as it could be covered by their employer instead of coming out of their pockets.

Thanks, in advance, for any advice.
 

The property looks great.  I'd certainly book a stay there.  Do you have any photos of what it looked like before?

 Sounds good. I'll send you a connection request.

Thanks @Charles Molluzzo!

I have a 2 family rental property that I have been self-managing as an owner occupant.  I am moving out of one of the units and looking for a trustworthy property manager to takeover.  Both units are already rented.  I am looking for someone that can manage calls for emergencies or repairs.  Anyone have recommendations?

Thanks for the warm welcome and recommendations!

I am in the process of screening a tenant that is relocating from Germany.  Their company is going to pay their living expenses while they are in the US.  We were getting ready to sign a 1-year lease but my realtor informed me that they are signed to a 3-year contract with their company so I offered them a 2-year lease.  The prospective tenants would like to do the 2-year lease option but their company requires them to have a transfer clause addendum on the lease, which allows them to terminate the lease with 60-days notice if the employer transfers the tenant from the local worksite.  I feel uncomfortable with this clause as this basically allows them out of the lease at no cost.  I will then be stuck with the turnover expenses and trying to find another tenant.  I told my realtor that I would sign if we also include an early termination fee of 2 months rent.  I am waiting to hear back from the applicant and their company. 

Has anyone dealt with something like this?  Can you share your experiences?  

I recently relocated to Washington DC from Montclair NJ where I was house hacking a 2-family. I still own that property, as well as 2-family in Brooklyn, NY.  I am living in DC and working in Montgomery County, MD. I look forward to meeting some of the local investors in the area and eventually acquire property locally as well.  What are the recommended REIAs in the area?