Stainless Steel Appliances?

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Cody Barrett · Answer

@Jon S. absolutely! Glad I had some helpful feedback.  I agree with you, take the bull by the horns and protect your investment.  Tenants need a swift kick in the rear sometimes to understand that you are serious about your job (which is growing and keeping your business safe) and those notices followed by someone (a repair man, handyman, yourself) stopping by to assure the appropriate remedy has been fulfilled.  Keep up the good work!!

Jon S. · Answer

Cody, that is a great suggestion, I'm going to add this clause into all my leases from this point forward. "As a company we value the time, money, and effort to strive for comfort, quality, and cleanliness in all our units. So every quarter we will do an inspection to make sure we are upholding our company values."

I've had a problem with a tenant in another unit that does not mop the floor properly, and therefore all the grout that was sealed properly has turned black, in a matter of two months. I wasn't sure how to approach the problem, but my lease did say that there would be periodic maintenance checks, not quite the same wording, but I think that will serve as a reason to send a notice. I did verbally say something, and was told they were going to get a better mop, but they didn't, and the problem persists. The base boards are getting stained as a result as well. I'm going to send a notice. Thank you sir.

Cody Barrett · Answer

That is an interesting situation.  I feel like if it is a higher end rental then the right kind of appliances really hits home.  Having an awesome kitchen only goes so far if the appliances are substandard compared to the rest of the kitchen.. The wife will always notice ; )

Also you should think about doing a quarterly inspection for maintenance and see how they are taking care of it.  If it is dented then boom note it and send a notice.  If you find that it is excessively dirty or scratched and not maintained then send a notice.

Train your tenants that you care and will be on top of all that hard work and investment you put in to provide such a great home to the public! Say that during lease signing, "As a company we value the time, money, and effort to strive for comfort, quality, and cleanliness in all our units. So every quarter we will do an inspection to make sure we are upholding our company values."

Sounds like you got a great investment. Good luck sir!

Brian Karlow · Answer

Not necessarily as long as they are all in the same good,  clean condition.  Cleaniness good a long way in my experience.

Good luck!

Marcia Maynard · Answer

What is common in your market? We tried SS in one of our houses and the tenant hated the extra care required and the look. Our standard is white and we have had no problem renting our places. White adds brightness to a kitchen. But we don't have places that are even close to what one sees on HGTV. Catering to your market and the type of tenant you want to attract makes sense, so start there.

Jem J. · Answer

I think not a lot of people ( those who are new to SS appliances) know that in order to keep it clean and shiny, they need to use a SS cleanser and  buff it dry with clean cloth/towel.  SS is a great match for your Kitchen.

SS cleaner is a nice housewarming gift for new tenants.. Throw in a bounty paper and such. :)

Brian Karlow · Answer

Jon

Your properties sound very nice and the ss would probably compliment the style very well.  Shop around for pricing and even package deals as I've found many times you will not spend much more to purchase ss but the look is very much worth it to prospective tenants!

Good luck

Jon S. · Answer

Thank you Justin, I appreciate the suggestions and I intend to follow up in this manner. Thanks again. This kind of community support is invaluable for new investors.

Justin Fox · Answer

@Jon S.

I only have one active rental right now but we do a walk-through every time we pick up the check.  I change the A/C filter, check the disposal, fan blades, top of cabinets in kitchen and sink traps.  If your tenants are keeping the floor excessively dirty I would let them know that you expect the unit to be clean and either they can clean it up or be billed for your time to do it or professional services hired.  It can be awkward and I'm not the most authoritative or blunt person, but it's my money on the line.I put that kind of language in my lease for the lawn as well.  Same for appliance damage due to tenant negligence.  Having a year+ worth of grime on the baseboards and floor isn't normal wear and tear either.

Justin

Jon S. · Answer

Thank you Brian!

Stainless Steel Appliances?

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