Just closed on my first property "woohooo" Need advice asap

[Denita Ozenne]

I would like to formally introduce myself as a REAL ESTATE INVESTOR. After about 6 months of evaluating deals and reading TONS of information in books, forums and listening to podcasts, my fiancé and I just closed on our first duplex on 01/04/16. I cannot begin to explain the excitement of FINALLY closing. There were some minor hiccups but everything worked out and we are now HOME owners. Our first home is our first investment property and it feels darn good! We are house hacking this duplex so our tenants are also our neighbors , wish me luck. Details on the entire deal will follow on a later date, its pretty busy on my end.

But I do need advice ASAP. I am to give my new tenants the notice of change in management form today. We also want to request they pay via electronic payments and email maintenance request to us as opposed to calling or simply knocking on our door . If there is any push back we will allow them to continue payments via check and money orders as per their lease and give requests in writing BUT its worth a try as they have only paid rent once so the change shouldn't be a big deal.

My question is, what type of form should I get the tenants to sign for the request in payment method and maintenance request submissions. Is this something I can type up myself and get them to sign? Should the form be a legal document?

HELP!

[Marcia Maynard]

Congratulations!

You are not only landlords, you are neighbors. Start with an informal introduction and conversation. If they are agreeable to your new terms, simply write an addendum to the current agreement and have all sign/date it. If they have objections, listen carefully to what they have to say. Be fair, firm, friendly, and flexible for the good of all.