All Forum Posts by: Dan Perrott

Good job on responding to the needs of the tenant.  Things like this will happen and they are all part of the business.  However, if the contractor is at fault for not properly sealing the water pipe, then you will need to make sure that they perform the repairs on their dime.  Accidents do happen and that is why they should be bonded and insured for their mistakes.  If not, it should be skin off of their back, not yours.  Good luck.

Will the 20k upgrade enable you to get higher rent(>$900)? This will need to be considered as part of the decision. ROI on the upgrade needs to be analyzed.

@Account Closed  Welcome to BP.  Sounds like you are moving along with the multi's.  I like them as well.  This site is a wealth of info and I too have recently joined.  This site is like getting a drink from a fire hose.  Take a look at the guides in the learn menu.  They are a wealth of info.  Good luck! 

Welcome to BP. I too have a couple of duplexes. I would consider them one of the best starting points in REI. Good Luck and again welcome to BP.

Duplexes are a great starting point.  My advice is to get the rental unit up and running first and then concentrate on the one you plan to live in.  It will allow the mortgage to be paid for (as least lower the payment) which will ease your stress.  Good luck!

Today my tenant called me to say that I needed to call a plumber - the toilet was clogged.  He had attempted to unclog the toilet to no avail.  Needless to say, I went and unclogged the toilet and told the tenant that I am not their plumber for unclogging toilets and that there would be a charge the next time.

Questions:  How do you as a DIY landlord handle this with a tenant?  Do you charge a tenant a fee for unclogging a toilet?  Are there statements that can be added to a lease that cover this?

Looking for ideas to improve.  Thanks for your input.

@Ronald Hunt can you get more specific as to where the property is at?

Small claims court is probably your best route.  You may be able to garnish wages to get the money over time.  Key is to know where the tenant is now and where they work. 

You need to talk to your lawyer.  Good luck.

@Alexander Merritt 

My recommendation - repeating others - is buying the worst properties in the best neighborhoods.    I would put a caveat on it that the best neighborhood should be defined as what you have a tolerance to manage.  In most cases, the better the neighborhood the less problems and less cost (lower repairs) in the long run. 

@denman ros

@Ross Denman - welcome to BP!  I am an investor in Indy as well and look forward to meeting you as some time.