All Forum Posts by: Deanna Boss

Good to know! Thank you. Maybe worth it to upgrade? Now that I'm back online here it would have more value. 

A few months ago we were in the process of evicting some tenants. The complaint and the letter from my lawyer stuck strictly to facts of the lease violations but, as could be expected, the tenants' response was filled with personal attacks against me. One of their points was that I was trying to dodge my responsibilities as landlord because of a question I had posted in an online forum. I went through that entire eviction process craving advice from all of you but scared to say anything because I knew these (now former) tenants were trolling me. My only goal is to be an exceptional landlord, to always do things right. It's hard to be new since the only way to learn is through experience so it's really valuable when there is someone who has had that experience already and can share their insights. I realized I was limiting myself and only making things harder by not using this forum, so I'm back! I'm not afraid of anything I've posted and I stand behind my questions and statements - I've never had any intention to dodge my responsibilities. I'm sure it's in the terms of service that we all click "accept" without thoroughly reading but know that what you post here might be read by a tenant. I thought with the paid membership there was some exclusivity but there isn't. Be careful, be honest and act with integrity because what you post here just might end up being quoted in an attempt to discredit you or hurt your business.

@Aaron K., so if I replace one free washer and one free dryer with two coin-op washers and dryers that's cool?

I have a duplex that has long term tenants in the upper unit and the lower unit has been short term rental (Airbnb). I have a long term tenant moving into the lower unit now. There are two washers and two dryers in the basement, however only one set has ever worked. I didn't give the short term guests access to laundry so it wasn't a big deal but now that there are regular tenants moving in the upper tenants asked when I plan to repair/replace the other two machines. I guess my plan was to not replace them! There is nothing in the lease that I can find that would require me to do it. I pay for water and they aren't coin-op machines. Am I being stingy or is it reasonable that there is one working washer and dryer that all tenants have access to for free? Oh! And the upper tenants' lease is up 9/30/18 and they already told me they are moving out of state. Thanks for your valuable input.

We completely disassembled the drain and trap and very thoroughly cleaned it. Seriously - when we left the water was almost being sucked down it was draining so well. There is a utility sink in the basement next to the washing machine (a machine that has a delicate cycle and I pay for water) - so for this property it's actually not reasonable to wash a sweater in the bathroom sink. Clearly I need to update my lease to reflect that moving forward! 

So after spending some quality time to resolve a clogged drain (hair) and replacing some worn parts our tenant's bathroom sink was working perfectly. Draining like a champ. We did not charge the tenant figuring this was basically maintenance. Barely a week later I get a note that she washed a sweater in the sink and now it doesn't drain again. I'm going to go do my baking soda/vinegar/boiling water treatment but if that doesn't work is it fair to say I'm calling a plumber and she's responsible for the cost? I'm digging up my lease now to make sure it has something in there about repairs due to tenant damage but of course I have to hear what all of you have done. Thank you! 

I see the SoFi ads all the time and ignore them because I felt like "$100,000 personal loan" would come with all sorts of fine print. Thanks for sharing! I'm excited now to look into this for my next project. 

So my tenants have a trampoline. I ignored it because it's -20 here and it's covered in ice and snow so figured I'd address it in the summer but then my insurance sent a notice that they were canceling the policy because of the trampoline unless I signed an exclusion. Long story short as I researched and talked I decided there is too much risk to me for the trampoline so told the tenants it has to go. They asked if they got their own insurance to cover it and I said yes but they also have to talk to an attorney to have something drawn up that makes them 100% responsible for anyone who uses it. Yes? No? Anyone else have a tale to tell?

We dropped off peppermint oil and traps and chatted. Decided we won't use poison anywhere in their unit so we will focus on closing holes in the attic space. I did say they need to keep their kid and dogs out of the basement because we are going to be aggressive treating the lower unit and basement. I said they could hire their own exterminator to treat their unit at their expense just let me know who and what they will be doing. I got a note yesterday that it was the first time in many weeks that they didn't wake up and find any droppings in their kitchen. (Um, so gross I would have taken poison over that any day but that's me!) Thank you all again for each of your comments and advice. It all helped.

Thank you all for your continued comments. This morning I received a pic of poison chunks that were found in their laundry basket that was left on the floor in the basement, so clearly the issue is not resolved for me yet. I'll be heading over there later today to drop off peppermint oil (I'm a big essential oil user so embarrassed this wasn't my first idea!) and traps. I searched for an organic exterminator in the Minneapolis area and I only found ones that deal with bugs. If any of you locals have a referral please share! My sis (landlord in Brooklyn, NY) dealt with a massive rodent problem (rat's nest in backyard) that ended with a $4,000 exterminator bill and she said basically we're all mammals - if it kills them it kills us. Along those lines it's us vs. them (rodents) but sadly I feel like it's us (my husband and me as landlords) vs. them (tenants). I'm still new (closed on this property May 2017) so really, really appreciate all of the insight you have shared so far. I am looking forward to supporting other future newbies with all the wisdom I'm gaining from this experience. ;-)