All Forum Posts by: Amy Canfield

Relative newbie here.  I'm using a lease that includes language obtained from the BP lease documents I downloaded a couple years ago.  Potential tenant is asking me to change the following.  Yes or No to the change?  If I say no, do I just say "No" and leave it at that?  Should I be giving an explanation why I'm not willing to change it?  Thanks!

Language from my lease:

ATTORNEY/COLLECTION FEES: In the event that legal action must be taken against Tenant to enforce any part of this Lease or applicable laws, Landlord shall be entitled to its recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith. If Tenant becomes delinquent on rent or fees due, Tenant agrees to pay all landlord/agent charges including 18% annual interest.

Part they want changed:

ATTORNEY/COLLECTION FEES: In the event that legal action must be taken against Tenant to enforce any part of this Lease or applicable laws, Landlord shall be entitled to its recover costs and reasonable attorneys' fees incurred in connection therewith with collection actions. If Tenant becomes delinquent on rent or fees due, Tenant agrees to pay all landlord/agent charges including 18% annual interest.

I have two STR properties coming online in April/May. What tips do you have for finding cleaners? I am not in a typical vacation area, so I doubt there are many cleaners used to dealing with STRs. Do I look for an established cleaning company? A single person? Craigslist? Care.com? What's worked best for you? Do I post a "wanted" ad or reach out to companies and discuss my needs?

Thanks!  Bought the outdoor set - it's perfect for one of the rentals I have under contract.  Thanks for saving me money, Mike.  Last week - on your tip - I went back to Costco to get a refund for the towels I bought a few weeks ago when they weren't on sale...and also found that the Ring Doorbells I had purchased happened to be on sale too.  Saved $60 on the Ring Doorbells alone, $100 total with all the towels thrown in.

Yes!  I just bought probably $100 worth of these for my rental based on recommendations from people on here...they weren’t on sale.  Time to get my price adjustment :)

@John Underwood - do your cleaners come on the same day every week?  I'm about to start searching for cleaners for my property, but I've been debating between looking for a single person or a company.  If I go with a single person but my cleaning needs are random - a Friday here, a Wednesday there, etc. - is that going to be too hard for them to handle?  What if they are sick?  Or don't show up?  I'm assuming I will need to find an on-call back-up person in case I'm in a bind.  I was also thinking of offering my cleaners an incentive...like every time a reviewer mentions the place was clean they get an extra $20...or something like that...thoughts?

This group is awesome - you are all so responsive, I love it.  

@Wendy Schultz thanks! 

What about mattresses?  There's way too many to choose from...which ones are comfy AND affordable?  I don't want anyone complaining about the bed.  Thanks - so many great recommendations in this thread.

@Chase Hoover, @Jon Crosby, @Avery Carl, @Michael Baum, @Mindy Jensen

@Michael Baum yes!  Thanks for the awesome list.  Another host recommended forgoing cable and just getting the Roku TV - he said he hasn't had anyone complain either.  Everyone seems to love Costco towels too...good thing I have a membership.

@Mindy Jensen good idea on the Duplo blocks.  I have little kids and we're ready to get rid of ours...looks like I know where to put them.  And you're right about the non-stick pans vs. utensils...we'll make sure they are compatible. 

@Jon Crosby I hadn't considered Ikea...thought it might look cheap...but your photos look great and bang-for-the-buck is a big concern.  I don't want to go broke furnishing this house.  Good point on the kitchen too.  When I visit Airbnb's, the biggest annoyance is when they have hardly any kitchen items - I swear none of them have containers for leftovers.

@Avery Carl I like the black towel suggestion.  I should buy some of these for my own house - my husband would thank you :)

@John Underwood thanks for the tech recommendations.  I need to be able to have control from afar and keep an eye on the property.

@Paul Sandhu I'll go with a grill...but I think my goal is to not attract your guests...haha :)

We're closing on our first STR next month (yeah!) and need to get the property set up for renters. Please tell me about some of your favorite STR furnishings/kitchen items/bedding/towels/security gadgets/etc. Put on your Oprah hat. What are the items your guests love? What makes your life easier? What items are the best bang for your buck? Which products hold up well? Have a checklist of items you use to furnish your property - please share! Thanks - I'm looking forward to reading the responses...and shopping :)