Met my tenant today by accident, any tips?

[Jonathan Perez]

So I'm House hacking a duplex, and I'm still in the middle of getting my side rent ready so that I can move in asap. While I was outside with my grandfather looking around the house, my tenant came out and asked if I was the owner. I said yes. I felt like I was put on the spot because I wasn't expecting her to just come out like that. She asked a few questions and I tried to give minimum responses without being too standoffish. I wanted to be respectful but at the same time not too easygoing. She mentioned how she was moving in July when her lease was up because she's got a job in another state and that she might consider doing month to month until they give her a start date. I currently have a property manager managing it but I'm thinking that I really want to manage it myself when the lease is up. I feel like this could be an opportunity for me to grow, not only as a real estate investor, but as a person all around. I feel like there are valuable skills that I can develop while doing this. I must say, I am pretty nervous but I'm going to push forward. Are there any tips or pointers on how I should talk to a tenant? Are there any basic guidelines that I should start off with and then maybe later I can change? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Deanna McCormick]

As a Landlord I make promises any time I feel like it. If this tenant had approached me with the same situation I would have done the same ...agreed to month to month .... I LOVE MONTH TO MONTH...

As far as raising or increasing the rent for that period I don't think it really matters that much,, if her plans fall thru and she doesn't transfer and is still there you can on a MONTH 2 MONTH lease give her a rent increase 2 or 3 months down the road.. so your not stuck for a whole year.

YOU should  manage your own properties,, You should take note and introduce yourself to tenants if your on property so you know who belongs there, you should be proud of what you own, and take measures to induce the same pride of ownership in your tenants,, this tenant wondered who was walking around is a prime person,, concerned enough to wonder what was going on.

I recommend you start with downloading the landlord tenant laws for your state, join a landlord association if there is one around you and take advantages of classes and other things they offer.

Choice to dump your management co is fine,, personally if you live close enough like people and interaction then try it.. if you find it's not your cup of tea , then switch back.