All Forum Posts by: Yiv L.

I use ctcredit.net. You need to pay the site directly, means you have to collect the fees from the applicants. It has wide range of options, with a price. That includes nation-wide criminal back-ground check if you want. The last I checked, the fees are similar to other agencies.

If I were you, I will try to understand her non-section 8 source of income, and see if she can pay you every two weeks before she spends into her rent money

Edit: MJ beat me by a sec ...

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In low income neighborhood, you probably want to add a bit more buffer when calculating cash flow. As said earlier, many low income tenants are good tenants, but as you know, low income neighborhoods can mean bad neighborhoods and thus attract bad tenants. As long as low income, but not in the war zones, it's probably ok.
Second, low income tenants are very sensitive to rent increase, even $25/month. Just keep in mind that some might leave. If the place is easy to rent out, it should be ok too.
Third, 1/2 month rent for deposit for low income is about right. Do you know what deposit other landlords in the area ask for? Also, I am not sure if any tenant is willing to pay more for deposit, unless you want to re-write the contracts, and if so might make them leave. Again, money is always tight for them, so it's not easy to carve out a few hundreds more for deposit.

It happens all the times: last owner said my friend could stay with me (regarding the additional undocumented tenant), last owner said the dog could stay and free of charge ..... Ask for proofs in form of writing/paper work!! Don't fall into trap.

Especially for low-income tenants, I would prefer month-to-month over contract.

Sears outlet normally has dented and scratched new and under warranty appliances for 30% off or so. Lowes also has good prices when on sale.
Another problem buying from Craigslist besides warranty is tax claim, since it's normally cash deal.

Mike Hurney, if you have to drop off the stamped envelop at the door every month, why not knock at their door and collect the rent instead?

I personally would not allow them to stay another week since the new tenant is lined up to move in.

Arizona law requires landlord to do lead paint disclosure and provide lead paint pamphlet to tenants for buildings older that 1978.

Now the $150k question is will the tenant chase after you for his bro's fall?