All Forum Posts by: Ursula B.

@NA Jones My score recovered, and I'm actually 11 points higher than I was before I pulled the money.  No real change other than repaying the credit lines. Ii'll never be able to figure out their scoring model...

@Grace Wu It depends on the terms of your month-to-month agreement.  If the MTM could be terminated by either party giving 30 days notice, then the tenant owes for the entire 30-day notice period, regardless of when they move (obviously they would owe more if they stay beyond 30 days).  Had the tenant given notice instead of the landlord, it would be the same thing - they owe for the 30 days.

@Robert Laird @Nick Williamson 

 Thank you for the information! 

Does anyone have a good answering service they are using 24/7? I'm testing SAS for my property management business but so far only 1 of my 6 test calls has met my standards from start to finish. Looking for a small volume package that I can expand as my business grows.

Thanks in advance!

Ursula

Trying staging the common areas, like living room, kitchen and baths. Those areas rent houses, and even a lightly staged home shows better. It may be that prospective tenants cannot see themselves living in the space, so you have to show them how the space can work for them.

Also offer no application fee. Be sure you screen, screen, screen though, because some folks will apply just because there is no application fee. You still want a tenant that meets your criteria.

At closing.  And if they've put in extensive time and efforts into a deal that doesn't close, you may still receive a bill from the attorney's office.

@Stephen E. There's no one right answer, and I do think it depends on the tenants and how involved one is as a landlord that determines how the gift is perceived.  Personally I think it would show I was out of touch if I gave a tenant movie tickets knowing they could probably use help with groceries.  Regardless of our personal views, I think we both can appreciate the great ideas that have been posted to this thread thus far.  As someone else said, even if you only send a greeting card, you're way ahead of any other landlord they've had in the past.

Happy Holidays!

Ursula

Welcome @Kevin Howell !

You make a great point about being sensitive to the socio-economic situation of your tenants.

I think the perceived intent behind the gift depends on the type of landlord you are the remainder of the year.  If you're never anywhere to be found except when it's time for the rent, then go around handing out turkeys once a year...yeah, that looks like charity.

As for me, I personally meet my future tenants at open houses and showings, and they know I'm the owner.  They know it only takes one call to my cell phone to have emergency repairs handled immediately.  For non-emergency repairs, 9 times out of 10 I am there when the repair is completed.  Tenants are always amazed and appreciative that their new home has new toilet seat covers because we replace them between tenants.

They know their landlord has a personal interest in their health, safety and well being by my actions throughout the year. They don't need me to give them anything (and don't expect anything), but seem appreciative that the gift is thoughtful and something they can actually use.

Our month-to-month rate usually runs at about a $100 premium.  I had one tenant opt for month-to-month for a $105/month premium rather than sign another 12-month lease at no rate change.  He stayed for exactly 12 additional months.