All Forum Posts by: John A.

Congratulations!  You found a tenant that actually knows the filter should be changed and is willing to change it themselves.

Yes, I would buy the filters for them and right it off on my taxes as a maintenance expense.  You can get them in bulk at any big box home improvement store.

I don't have any tips for finding a tenant this time of year.  But I recommend using either a 6-month or 18-month initial lease to help prevent another winter vacancy in 12 months.

It's federal law that you must provide tenants with a lead-based paint disclosure and the "protect your family from lead in your home" pamphlet for any homes built prior to 1978.  More information is found here:  

https://www.epa.gov/lead/real-estate-disclosure

I used to charge a one-time pet fee but now charge pet rent.  Like @Steve R. said, it discourages tenants from getting too many pets.  Also, it's awkward to ask for another pet fee at lease renewal.  The pet rent/fee is a motivator for me to accept pets.  If I can't continue to collect it for as long as the pet is in the property, I have no motivation to accept pets.  Finally, the pet rent/fee is not to cover damage from the pets.  Pet damage is charged to the tenant.  I make that clear to the tenants.

If they have not returned the keys, they have not turned over possession of the property.  So, if they have stopped paying rent, sounds like you'll be doing an eviction with a judgement for back rent.  Time to talk to a lawyer.

I ran into the same dilemma with pet deposit/fee when a tenant renewed the lease.  So, now I charge monthly pet rent in my leases instead of pet deposit/fee.  The pet rent is an incentive for me to accept pets.  It is not to reimburse me for damage caused by the pet.  Damages are billed to the tenant.

I use Cozy.co for marketing, background checks and rent collection.  But I always require applicants to fill out my application form.  I want their signature on a piece of paper for my files.  Some of the online application/screening services do not share applicant SSNs with the landlord.  If I need to take a tenant to court, I want their SSN, Date of Birth, and driver's license number.

"Why are you moving?" tells a lot about the applicant.  I also ask "how long to do plan to stay if you sign a lease for this house?"

Cozy.co

Did you have the home inspected when you bought it?  It the leak was present when you bought it, I would not hold the tenants responsible for damage caused by the leak.