All Forum Posts by: Alyssa Wright

For us, we wouldn't charge a pet fee for anything small such as rabbits, bird's, etc's. For fish, we may charge a higher security deposit or require a higher renters insurance depending on the size of the aquarium.

Typically we do all pets on a case-by-case basis pending owner approval, and there would either be a $500 non-refundable pet deposit due prior to move-in per pet or a $50 non-refundable monthly fee per pet. 

Appfolio is a good software to look into! I do know that the pricing varies based on the unit count as well as what level you sign up for; but overall, it's super user-friendly for tenants, PM's & owners.

Plus they're always updating their software and adding new automation features to make everything so simple as well as well as great customer support. 

 I completely agree! I would also consider in finding a polite way to inform her that if for any reason, the tenant defaults on payments, that she will also be held responsible for any un-paid rents. You'd be surprised how many people don't understand what being a co-signer actually means. 

It does seem that is both a mix of a faulty PM company as well as a picky tenant - not a good combination. 

As many others have mentioned, it does seem very likely that an adequate walk-through/turn was done by the PM company as well as it may be possible that they also have a poor contractor that is not fully resolving issues like leaks the first time around. 

If the tenants are being picky, it is also possible that they are being picky because of the shortcomings of the PM so they may not be able to (understandably) trust that the unit and carpets were actually cleaned. 

If this has been or seems like it will be a reoccurring problem with your PM team, I would 100% recommend shopping around for a new team. 

Our team uses Appfolio as our primary rent collection method; which is also great since overall Appfolio is a great property management software with TONS of other tools and faucets that keep everything running smoothly. 

I think it really depends on what your motive is here with the early termination clause. Either way, I would definitely recommend checking with your state's legal guidelines as well as getting legal council just to be sure you stay within both your's and the tenant's rights. 

 I've never considered this before. I'm assuming that the tenants are only finding out they the other is/is not on Section 8 from talking with each other, but I'd be surprised it tenants had an issue with another tenant because they are on Section 8. Or is it more due to the stereotypes around people on Section 8/the other tenants are paying a considerably lower amount every month?

 You make some good points here! 

With you already having the property; or atleast a few units approved, for Section 8, what is your thought process on not using Section 8 tenants moving forward? 

As long as you're willing to make sure you have good, quality properties, Section 8 can be a good way to go! The main issues a lot of investors/PM's run into is the inspection period since Section 8 inspections are no walk in the park. But you could always request an inspection checklist from your Section 8 and start getting those things taken care of ahead of time. 

Overall, Section 8 is a good way to get some pretty reliable income to get the property cash-flowing, provide additional experience, as well as with the required annual inspections, make sure your property stays in a good condition! 

I would move on to another applicant especially if you have other people currently interested in the property. Worse comes to worse, you could always hold onto their application and let them know you will keep in on file for later consideration.