All Forum Posts by: Kevin Sargent

Just my opinion... do NOT go with he lowest bidder on this, and expect it to be a very open ended contract. There is NO way to tell the extent of the damage in this situation without tearing the drywall / plaster out until you get to good wood. Rot is always worse than you think you can see.

I need to replace several flush mount fixtures in a duplex and I'm curious if anyone is having any luck using integrated LED fixtures without replaceable bulbs in their rentals. There seem to be many available in the $35-55 range. 

Pros would be 1) no more issues from tenants changing their own bulbs, 2) selling point, less bulbs to change, efficiency, etc. 

Cons are 1) higher replacement cost, 2) Doesn't last as long as advertised lifespan of 30,000  or 50,000 hours.

Is anyone using these?

There are no upsides to pets, in my experience, that are worth the risks. An extra one month deposit? an extra $100 per month? That's what, $2400 a year extra? One bad dog will do double or triple that that in damage in two months between inspection rounds.

You answer your own question here. You have a choice right here to be the a-hole landlord everyone on rental boards talks about, or be someone you're happy living with. There was no extra repairs, cleaning, move-in expenses involved and it cost you nothing. Doing the right thing is always the right thing to do!

Why did the tenant bail on you? 

If you paid on CC, then you hold the title, correct?

Be careful carrying a large balance on credit cards. Even with perfect payment history, and above minimum payments, they can turn on you and be considered a 'long term loan' and skyrocket your rates. 

Whats the details on rent, expenses, etc?

Three months seems good to me. Four months would probably be fine.

On of mine is 6 hours away, so I have property management send photos.