All Forum Posts by: Dawn P.

"I am not in a business to spend thousands on the new AC unit or pay someone 1500 to come and look at it."

Well, you kind of are in that business. I don't know what's wrong with the unit - parts, old age - but get it fixed or get a new one. I'd be irritated too if someone kept coming back to my house daily to tinker with the ac. 

Threatening with non-renewal because of this could be seen as retaliatory - I wouldn't go there. If you still want her out, just send a notice around the end of August or so. After everything is fixed.

I've found those home warranties to be fairly useless. Keep a decent reserve fund on hand and call your own plumbers/repairmen as needed. Way less hassle and expense.

I send a short email also:

Dear ___,

This letter serves as notice of our intent to increase the monthly rent at _______. from $__ to $__ beginning _____.

After careful consideration, we’ve determined this increase is necessary due to our increased utility and maintenance costs. We are providing this notice well in advance to allow you ample time to plan for this change. You have been a great tenant, and we hope you will choose to continue the lease agreement under these new terms.

Please confirm your acceptance of these terms by responding to this email. If you reject the terms of this increase, your current lease will expire on _____.

Sincerely, ___

Don't overthink it or apologize or offer anything to "soften the blow." Your costs increase every year, tenants expect incremental increases in rent. I felt bad when I sent my first increase notice too, but you have to cover your costs to keep the homes up. It gets easier with experience.

@Jeffrey Yarusso when your DTI gets to where the banks won't work with you, check out DSCR loans. And sometimes you can find a property with owner financing.

I'm partial to the CoreLuxe sold by LL Flooring. Plenty of styles and colors to choose from, and all of it that I've installed has held up beautifully.

I'm not a fan of reglazing. The last tenant had a suction cup mat down and whatever cleaner they used just sat underneath and ate the finish up. I sanded and used a stick down liner for now but I'll just tear the whole thing out at next turnover. If you do reglaze, make sure they know not to use any strong tub cleaners and to rinse well!

Nah, if this person is yelling at you and calling you names, get rid of them asap. The other tenants will probably be as relived as you to see them go away.

I'd literally just ask them whose brother it is. As far as the dog, make sure your insurance allows that breed, some don't. 

I'm wondering why your place hasn't rented in 3-4 months. Price too high, location...?

You should always do a background check. I go through Apartments.com, I think they charge about $30 for the application/background check which is sent to me after the potential tenant completes it. 

If that looks good, I do my own google check and also look at local court records just in case something was missed by the background check.

I'd keep her but keep an eye on the mess. I've got one that looks really similar, she's been there 7 years and seems to be addicted to ordering from Amazon, lol.