All Forum Posts by: Christine Swaidan

Thanks, @Marcia Maynardand @Patrick M.  I hate to upset the boat but realize I can't have it both ways. 

One year ago I decided that as tenants left I would transition to non-smoking. All new move-ins sign a no smoking agreement as part of their rental package. We've definitely had some bumps in the road but I'm toying with the idea of going smoke free for existing tenants. I have four buildings. I'm nervous about losing tenants. I do not have a problem providing an outdoor area where smoking could be allowed. Any advice or words of wisdom to share? 

I’ve found people are less concerned about things being dated then they are about cleanliness. We have added crown molding, two tone paint, wider baseboards. We use the wood look vinyl plank flooring. Also like to replace the toilet with the taller style. Windows and screens are cleaned and the whole apartment is spotless. 

Will be doing a rehab of a tri- level house starting November. Planning on laminate for Flooring. Undecided about stair material. What do you use? Carpet or laminate on stairs?

My insurance was going to be cancelled because of a “dangerous” breed. 

Maintenance man is called out when we have several jobs for him to do unless there is an issue that is urgent.  Then we would ask him to come ASAP. He emails me his invoice whenever he feels like it which could be a month or more. There is no set schedule. I treat him as an Independant contractor. 

My biggest gripe is dealing with Section 8 people--not the tenants, the case workers. The phone is never answered and call backs take a long time. 

About 20% of my tenants are Section8. I can't say that none of them are a PIA but I would say that at least in my situation there is not a higher percentage of problems with Section8. 

$25 late fee for one bedroom apartments. $75 late fee for SFR.

Asking for screens is not unreasonable in my opinion.