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Updated 8 months ago on . Most recent reply
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Managing entrance on Duplex?
Securing a duplex and house hacking one side. Each side is 3/2.5. Would it be wise to install a RING doorbell to monitor who goes in and out of the unit since I would be renting out by room? (renting out by room would net me better cashflow). It isn't in the best side of town and worried about unwarranted guests being brought by tenants. Can I add this in the lease agreement? In addition are utilities usually paid by tenants? The weather is very hot and water is expensive down here in Texas. Would one - most senior tenant - be responsible to take care of the utilities, collecting payment from other tenants?
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You can put a ring doorbell on your unit (ie where you live) and monitor it.
If you are renting the other unit by the room, include utilities in the price of the rent because there is no way you are going to get one of the tenants to be in charge of it when renting by the room. I would also include a weekly cleaning service of the common areas (again included in the rent, so paid for by tenants indirectly). This will give you someone in the unit itself on a weekly basis. Tenants would still have to tidy up after themselves and do their dishes and such. If a room has their own bathroom, obviously that would not be part of the cleaner's responsibility as they would not be entering any of the private spaces.
Renting by the room will get you more money, but will also require more work on your part as there will be personality clashes (do not get involved in those).