HI you must be the "new landlord" Here's my list!

[Danny Dang]

Hello all! I just picked my my first rental property which is a 4 plex. The old landlord told the tenants about them having a new landlord. One morning  I was walking around picking up trash and looking things to make my property have more curb appeal. I couple came out and said "you must be the new landlord!" I was so happy to meet them and their family. After chatting then the ugly list came out......this is not working, pest, carpets and rats......... I was shocked because I would never live in anything like that muchless my family! I felt really bad. These are good paying tenants always on time (all 4). I feel that they have been toss to the side and sold to me. But much after this meet with the first tenant. The other came out and added to the TO DO list. So Sad......I told my wife that I promise to make them live in a better place then what the last landlord did. Is this a good idea or ride the cash flow until they move out? I would love to make our tenants happy but if we lose money

[James Wise]

@Danny Dang 

welcome to the site.

I would start taking care of the main deferred maintenance problems. Show the tenants that you do intend to improve the quality of their building. But I would not go crazy & start trying to do everything on their "honey do" list.

Every Time I have inherited tenants they always come at the new landlord with "honey do" lists as long as my arm. Some issues are important others are just ridiculous. You have to pick & choose.

The following are all tenant requests I've received when taking over a new building.

Things that needed addressed.

• 1. Unit upstairs has water leaking into my bathroom ceiling.
• 2. My toilet doesn't flush
• 3. My bathroom outlet sparks when I plug in my hair dryer
• 4. My back door doesn't open

Unreasonable "honey do" list or items that can hit the back burner.......way in the back

• 1. Can you install a privacy fence for my dog?
• 2. Can you replace all the carpet?
• 3. Can you run electric to my garage? ($700 3 bed house)
• 4. Old landlord never shoveled my driveway. Will you?