All Forum Posts by: Christine Swaidan

Thanks, @Thomas S.

Thanks, @Frank Gucciardo. No they are gone. I'm just processing their security deposit return now. So I will prorate the cost of the microwave (not sure how many years yet) but I can charge the full amount for the install of the new one?

I'm processing security deposit. Two year old carpet that had to be replaced. My question is are the tenants charged what I originally paid for the carpet or the replacement cost of the new carpet. Basing this on 5 years.

Hi All,

Replaced a damaged OTR microwave and will be charging tenants a portion of the cost. May I charge them for the cost of installing the new appliance?

Hi @Mitchell Van Overloop  and @JD MartinHouse got a total rehab two years ago. Ceramic tile everywhere but bedrooms--I wanted to "save money". What vinyl planking to you use. Is this from the big box store? Glue down or snap together? We just started putting glue down vinyl planks in apartments. When I looked at it for possible use in a SFR it just looked cheap to me. So far I have not had a turnover in the units that we have put this in so I will be very curious to know what it looks like after a few years. I did discover that I can't use it for the entire upper units as it transmits too much sound to the lower unit. Flooring is a tough one.

Hi @Kim Meredith Hampton The dog was legal and I did collect a larger security deposit because of the dog. In California I don't think we have "pet deposits" even though I will still call it that sometimes. It's just extra security now.

I'm still learning this business and when I did their lease I did not have a clause in there stipulating that they would need to clean the carpet. I'm considering adding that in but I'm not sure it's a good idea. There are many mediocre cleaning services that may not do a good job. Thoughts on that? 

Hi @Natalie Schanne I like to do everything by the book and legally I'm required to give an invoice for any service over $127 (I think that's the amount). I truly had their best interests at heart when I had the cleaner come in. Plus the carpet cleaner said he was pretty sure he could get the smell out.

@Matthew Olszak I hate being stuck with either bill. Really nice people but this turnover is costing a lot! Also replaced two year old OTR microwave and wondering if I can charge them $150 for installation of it. Also had to do a lot of  paint and cleaning. Will charge them full amount for cleaning service and will have to figure out proration of paint.

I have just replaced carpet and pad in bedrooms of a SFR that had pet damage. Before replacing it I had it cleaned professionally but odor remained. Carpet is two years old and tenants lived in house for 14 months. I will charge tenants prorated carpet cost. Can I legally charge for carpet cleaning also?

Thanks @Christine Kankowski You are right. So much to do--do little time!

Thank you all for the input on the microwave issue. I called the Lowes appliance part store and was told it is not possible to just buy a new door. The whole unit has to be replaced. I called our local appliance repair company and was told that they had nothing that would allow them to test the safety of the unit. 

I do not believe this is normal wear and tear and have decided I'm not willing to let this be whether the microwave still works or not. I will be replacing the microwave and deducting the cost of the new unit from their security deposit. 

@Greg S. Where do you find this home test unit? Sounds expensive.