All Forum Posts by: John A.

It would be easier to evict them for unauthorized pets or disturbing the neighbors than for lying about their social media account.  I would be a little creeped out if I had to give someone access to a private social media account.  I didn't even need to do that to get a government security clearance.

The local home improvement stores sell replacement blades.  No need to buy a new fan.

I've been using Cozy.co ever since Intuit Payment Network starting charging for use.  Cozy.co has been very easy to use for marketing, screening and rent collection - all at no cost to the landlord (tenants pay Cozy for credit/background checks).

Just notify the tenant you need to do some preventive maintenance of the property, such as checking the condition of the HVAC, window seals, electrical outlets, etc.  They cannot deny you entrance to do maintenance if you give the advance notice required by your state's laws.

I used to charge $50 as a late fee.  But I found it didn't motivate all my tenants to pay on time.  Now I charge 10%.  That works out to $85-$90.  Given the choice, I would rather have the tenant pay on time than collect the late fee.  If I didn't mind getting the rent late, I'd keep a lower late fee and just add it to my cash flow.

1. Learn your state and local laws about landlord/tenant relationships and find out about any local restrictions (HOA) or rent taxes.

2.  Tenant proof your house (smoke alarms, fire extinguisher, locks, door stops, fix overdue maintenance).

3.  Get a copy of a tenant application and a tenant lease from an experience landlord or property manager in your area.  Modify the lease to fit your property.

4.  Research tenant screening services like Cozy.co and SmartMove.

5.  Establish some method of bookkeeping.  An excel spreadsheet will work fine.

6.  Market your rental through Cozy.co, Zillow, Craigslist, etc.  Put signs out on the property.

7.  If necessary, create a savings and/or checking account for deposits, rent payments  and expenses.

8.  Practice saying "NO" to applicants.  Trust your gut and your screening criteria.  Don't fall for the usual sob story.

Since this heat source is more hazardous than most that are normally found in a house, I recommend adding something to your tenant rules about placing flammable material near the heat source, just to be on the safe side.  I have a fireplace in one of my properties.  The lease has an extensive clause about what can and cannot be used in the fireplace.  Ignorance is no excuse for the tenant's actions.  But I prefer an ounce of prevention so my property doesn't burn down.

The lease, as a contract, should be fair to both parties.  You shouldn't tell the tenant they cannot break the lease but you can.  That's ridiculous.  Why would anyone sign such a lease?  If you don't want to go with a month to month, you can put a clause in the lease that either party (you or the tenant) may break the lease with 30 days notice and a payment to the other party of two months' rent.

I advertise on Facebook, Craigslist, Zillow, Cozy, etc...  The Facebook responses are usually from people without jobs who have time to surf Facebook all day.  I haven't yet placed a tenant off of Facebook.  Most applications come from Craigslist and rental sites like Zillow and Trulia.

All the recommendations above are great.  I never answer the phone calls from tenants.  Google voice is a godsend. 

Another thing I learned is when a tenant asks for an upgrade, I always make them put some skin in the game.  For example, want an upgraded washing machine?  Sure! But I'll have to raise the rent $20 a month.  Want me to install a garage door opener?  No problem, but the rent will go up $15 a month.  Pretty soon they stop asking for upgrades.