Repairs

[Ariel Goldenberg]

I see my rental properties as a business where my tenants are my clients and i provide a service. I try to keep a good and healthy relationship with them. My question is how do i keep balance between being attentive to them and provide repairs they ask for and keeping my interest as a business owner who obviously want to keep costs at minimum.

Thanks!

[Jerry W.]

The simple answer is be honest.  You must get the toilet unplugged if someone is going to live there.  If it is plugged up with kotex and feminine napkins they pay for it.  If it has roots in the pipe you pay for it.  If they want a new light fixture or faucet cause they don't like the look of it too bad.  You fix items based on need and function.  I sometimes explain that if they want new carpet I can provide it but the cost replacing carpeting every three years instead of every 6 or 8 means higher rent prices.  By keeping costs down I help keep rents down.