All Forum Posts by: Andrea M.

I would send an Addendum to the Residential lease to include the newest occupant or possible create a new lease agreement with all occupants and back date it to the move in date. Once you have collected the newest occupants information (proof of income, picture identification and anything you require for your rental process

You can probably Google the contractor company name and in some states you check the state licensing website to ensure the contractor is licensed and in good standing, letter of reference with a contact number to verify.
Since you are not local to the property,communication(weekly updates with before and after pictures) through out the entire process would be a main factor for me. Also, you may want to get a few quotes to compare pricing and materials that will be used.

In my area, the Section 8 program has a "Landlord Briefing" it's about and 1 hour-1 1/2 hours where they brief you on the specifics of the program, rules and regulations..you may want to contact the Section 8 office in your area to see if they have the same thing..it's very informative

I lean more towards Lowes because it's closer (although home depot is not that far from me) for everything except paint, which I typically buy from the local paint stores (mis-tints)-typically $25 per 5 gallon. Sometimes based on what I am looking for I will search both Lowes and Home Depot website to see who has better prices.

Typically I try to stick with an earth tone color..antique white/beige- nothing too dark or too light or gender specific. I don't install garbage disposal and if it's already at the property, I have it removed by the plumber, unless you have a dishwasher or plan on installing a dishwasher (prepare yourself for maintenance calls) ...about the floors, I would spruce up the current hardwood with maybe carpet in the bedrooms since you can get it for a great price.

All of my tenants are in the low income bracket and I don't have any problems with them..I have had problems in the past, but have part ways with the tenants, whether it be through the eviction process or releasing them from the lease and they move out. I beleive it has alot to do with your your rental process and criteria.

In my opinion, whomever may be brokering the deal for you (Realtor/Wholesaler) or even the current owner should notify the current tenant that the new owner would like the property vacant upon closing and give the current tenant the 30 day notice and that should be a contingency in your purchase contract. If not then I would assume that you would have to go through the normal eviction process based on your local/state guidelines. I wouldn't attempt the piss off the current tenant to avoid them taking it out on the property and possibly damage the property.

I wouldn't let the tenant fix anything as you mentioned in your post. Hopefully you have something in your lease regarding tenant neglect, which would make the tenant financially responsible for the repair.

As long as you use the same criteria for a disabled tenant and document your reasoning in the event that you deny a prospective disabled tenant. I don't see why you would be sued. Disable persons are protected with under the Fair Housing Act.

Thanks everyone for your input/suggestions..I have decided to try the Minwax PolyShades (one step-stain & poly) after doing some research. This is a low end rental, but figured if I don't like it..I can always paint over it..LOL