All Forum Posts by: Chintaka R.

@James Hamling ,  Thanks for the information. I'll try to get someone on the phone.  @Amber Gonion . Thanks!

Hello, I own a duplex in Saint Paul. Does anyone know if there is a restriction for charging utilities on a new lease? I am planning to start charging a future tenant for trash.  There is a section in new control rules regarding the charging utilities to existing clients, but it does not specifically address new leases. Below is an excerpt from the rent control website. Your input is much appreciated. Thanks!

"How utilities are billed to Tenants depends on several factors including previous lease arrangement and how utilities are metered in a building. Utility costs paid by the Landlord and not passed through to the Tenant are captured in the Maintenance of Net Operating Income (MNOI) Worksheet.

1. When a meter is shared between multiple units in a building and a Landlord wishes for the Tenant to pay the Utilities, the Landlord must follow all conditions established in Minnesota Statutes section 504B.215, subdivision 2a.
   1. If the Landlord previously paid the Tenant’s Utilities and the Landlord changes the Rental Agreement to require the Tenant to pay Utilities as a Pass-Through Expense, the Landlord must decrease the Rent to account for the increase in the Tenant’s monthly payments.
2. If a separately metered building requires tenants to pay the utility service provider directly, then payments to the utility service provider are not considered Rent.
   1. A Landlord with a separately metered building who pays a utility provider directly may pass-through the costs to tenants for the utilities that are consumed by the unit.
   2. If the Landlord previously paid the Tenant’s Utilities and the Landlord changes the Rental Agreement to require the Tenant to pay Utilities as a pass-through expense, the Landlord must decrease the Rent to account for the increase in the monthly amount the Tenant will pay.
   3. If the Landlord previously paid the Tenant’s Utilities and the Landlord changes the Rental Agreement to require the Tenant to pay the utility service provider directly or the Landlord wishes to pass through the utility cost to Tenants, Rent must be reduced to account for the increase in the Tenant’s monthly payments." 

Thanks, @Randy Bloch and @Tim Swierczek , I will contact Aaron.  

 Thank you, @David M. I have a list of Minnesota contractors that I called. Most of them are not interested in a small job such as this. I have about 6 windows need painted.The house is build in 1920 so there is high probability of lead paint there.  I haven't tested the areas yet. Since section-8 is going to perform a contamination test prior to approval. I don't want to take any chances. I'd like to get this done and move on.

Hi Everyone, I had a section-8 inspection recently and I was told that there are several windows with chipped paint and it needs to scraped and repainted to pass the inspection. I am having a hard time finding contractors (painters) with EPA Lead certification. I looked into getting the certification myself but not sure if that's going to help. Has anyone run to issues like this in Minneapolis , Saint Paul area and any recommendations on how to resolve this issue ?  

I am looking for a  carpet and flooring contractor in St. Paul MN  area. Any recommendations ?  

Thanks!

I am looking for a good carpet & flooring contractor in St Paul area. Any recommendations ? 

@John Woodrich , I agree. I really don't want be in a  situation where there is high tenant turn over and damage to the property.  @Jordan Moorhead I don't  want to  get into auctions at the moment, but foreclosures sound appealing. With that being said, I need learn more about buying foreclosed properties, thanks 

I am curious to know if anyone had success finding single family homes in Minneapolis St.Paul area lately ? I am new to this market looking for properties under 150K 2-3 bedrooms with minimal repairs.