All Forum Posts by: Bart Slak

The cost of natural gas is projected to soar this coming year....50% increases or more. I own an appartment building that has a boiler and the heating cost is part of the tennant's rent. I cannot absorb the kind of cost increases that are being projected. How would you pass the increases in natural gas costs to the tennants?

Any ideas welcomed.

Thanks, Bart

Hello Everyone-

Last fall we bought a 11-unit apartment bldg located in Northern Ohio. It is heated with a gas boiler. When we took over the building in September, the boiler was shut down and we fired it up as it got colder. As we approach Spring/Summer, I'm thinking of shutting down the boiler again. Is it common to shut down a boiler for the Spring/Summer, or was that done only because the previous owner was selling to us. We are thinking of shutting the boiler on May 1st.

Any thoughts and ideas are welcome.

Thanks, Bart

I purchased an 11-unit apartment building 6 months ago. The water bill is much higher than the historical average. Any ideas for a diagnostic test that could help me determine way the usage is so much higher. Occupancy is about the same. What could be causing more water usage.

Also, besides buying a more efficient boiler, any thoughts on what to do to get the gas bill down.?? new thermostats??

Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks, Bart

I have an 11-unit apartment building and am having difficulty filling it to capacity (3 sometimes 4 vacancies). I've taken out ads in the papers and have a sign posted outside. Does anyone have any tips on how to do more to market the building and attract additional tenants? I have a few Section 8 tenants....can I advertise there? All ideas appreciated.

Thanks, Bart

I have a potential tennant who has informed me that in the past she has made extra money by running a daycare business out of the home she is renting. She wants to run the daycare business out of the home she rents from me as well. She informs me that the State of Ohio will inspect my home as well as her daycare operation. She says she has about 2 or 3 children in her daycare and that she is compensated by the State for her daycare duties.

I have concerns about this tennant that are related to liability issues surrounding daycare. Does anyone have advice, or experience, or guidance in this particular issue?

Please advise.

Thanks, bas125