Handyman wants to move in

[Taylor King]

So I met with a handyman yesterday who wants to take my rehab on. He was recommended by my realtor who seems really knowledgeable. After going through the house and imagining the possibilities, he was interested in even moving in. He stated he would do work in exchange for a decrease in rent. Has anyone done this with a handyman? What was your approach? Did you still do a background/credit check? What percentage of rent did you take off? Thanks for any info you may have!

[Nathan Gesner]

It's way too common for Landlords to get too comfortable and chummy with the renter/handyman. They make a list of work to be done verbally. Handyman fails to finish the job or does it poorly and you're stuck hiring someone else to fix it AND you've lost all that rent you gave away.

Rent is rent. Work is work. Keep them separated. He should be screened like any other applicant and he should pay market rent just like everyone else. Any work you want done should be given to him in writing with an understanding of when it will be done and what he will be paid. After the work is finished to your satisfaction, you pay him for it.

Any handyman offering to rent cheap in exchange for some labor is a red flag. If he were really a good handyman, he would afford market rate and he would charge for his work like a professional.