Introducing Myself as New Landlord / Conditions Report

[Account Closed]

First, the question then a little background.

-Do you sit down with existing tenants after acquiring a property or just send them a letter introducing yourself? If you send a letter how do you perform a mutually signed conditions report of the apartment?

Last month I acquired my first rental property, a duplex in the suburbs of Seattle, WA. I sat down with the tenant (only one unit was occupied) to introduce myself, fill out a conditions report and sign a new rental agreement. It went very well.

This month I am closing on another duplex in the same neighborhood. This time however, I have to raise the rent on one tenant by about 15% and it would be much easier to just send a letter rather than sit down with the person and explain why I have to increase the rent.

Your thoughts and opinions are appreciated.