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All Forum Posts by: Rick L.

Rick L. has started 51 posts and replied 192 times.

Post: Hiring Full-time Maintenance-man/Property Manager?

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

Good points.  At what point does it make sense to seek a part-time/full-time handyman?

Post: Hiring Full-time Maintenance-man/Property Manager?

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

Bump for the day crowd.

Post: Hiring Full-time Maintenance-man/Property Manager?

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

I'm reaching the point personally where I'm considering hiring property management for my rentals.  Don't ask me why but, the thought of utilizing company I don't know to oversee my rentals and delegate maintenance requirements, lessee interactions, etc. has me concerned.  Besides, most generate additional revenue by performing repairs and maintenance.  I suppose I'm just a skeptical person by nature and like others, I believe no one will take care of my properties as well as I do.

For maintenance issues, I typically use a gentleman who is plumber by trade but is a jack-of-all-trades.  He does have some property management experience being a maintenance man for a property management company several years ago.  Since his heyday, he's slowed down and has since retired. He now performs side jobs and collects disability due experiencing mild multiple sclerosis symptoms.  I believe he's trustworthy, meticulous, dependable, and most importantly...self-sufficient.  Usually, once I receive a maintenance request from a tenant I relay their information and general problem to him and he takes it from there. He'll provide me with a verbal estimate prior to completing the work.

The only problem is that he's REALLY expensive!  However, I see value in his characteristics (trustworthy, meticulous, dependable, self-sufficient) and would like to continue working with him.  I'm contemplating whether it would be more cost-effective to pay him a salary for management and maintenance based off a percentage of collected rental income.  

For example, generally property management is 10% and maintenance can be 10-15% over time.  I was considering offering him something like 12% of collected monthly rental income with reimbursement for materials.  Ultimately, I would like to cap the salary and maximize profit once my portfolio reaches size and possible hire a second worker that would report to him. I think it would be appealing since he would receive a stead income stream.  

Does anyone have anything similar established?  

I'm preparing to undergo a large rehab of a rental property duplex with the help of a contractor.  As the project progresses I'll ultimately have to decided what materials I like for design finishes, ie- paint, floor tiles, bathroom tiles, backsplash, light fixtures, etc. 

Don't get me wrong, I'm all about using the cheapest rental grade materials that get the job done!  However, I'm curious what other, more experienced individuals use to attain bathrooms and kitchens that look great now and 10,15 years from now?

Does one simply go for white subway style tile with black & white floor tiles???

Post: Help! I have a "High Maintenance" Tenant

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

Ya, the first two months of her tenancy it was literally every couple of days....I tried to be very receptive and proactive to her request to demonstrate that I was a great landlord and establish goodwill.  However, this is just getting ridiculous...

I'm probably too nice of a guy, lol

Would you guys recommend responding to hear in a email just telling her to basically back off a bit?!?

Post: Help! I have a "High Maintenance" Tenant

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

I appreciate all the responses.  She stated in her email that she's okay not utilizing the shower for several days if I choose to reglaze the tub.  

I plan on repairing the shower area.  It appears as if an old area of skim coating is coming loose.

@Steve Babiak   There is no exhaust fan in the bathroom.  It's the old 60's style build with brick exterior and window in the actual shower tub area.

Post: Help! I have a "High Maintenance" Tenant

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

Post: Help! I have a "High Maintenance" Tenant

Rick L.Posted
  • Investor
  • Saint Louis, MO
  • Posts 198
  • Votes 25

Background:

I have a tenant who has been renting for about 10 months.  She is a retired probation officer and currently works part-time with one of local city governments in the traffic court division.  When she first moved in she had a laundry list of items she wanted repaired.  For the first 2-3 months of her occupancy I received a weekly email asking for something new to be fixed/repairs/replaced, etc.  Granted, I'm on the high end as far as rent and amenities in the area...ie-stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, granite countertops.

First, it was the tub reglaze paint was chipped and she felt it was a health hazard and would get in her "woman parts."  She asked that I reglaze the tub.  I denied her request to reglaze the tub.  

Then, she said the stainless steel oven stovetop was bent causing her gas burner to cook her food unevenly.  This was SUPER important since the beautiful kitchen was one of the main reasons she rented my unit and wanted it fixed because she cooks a lot.

Then the kitchen sink pull down/out faucet would toggle between a shower sray and stream spray. I replaced the whole faucet for her

Next, she wanted a laundry room washer drain stack installed (I've owned the building for two years and everyone just runs the washer drain hose to the drain in the floor).  She stated it was not in code to not have one. I denied her request stating I've passed multiple occupancy inspections and this has never been an issue.  The building is over 60 years old.

She pulled the ceiling fan chain out.  She wanted a brand new fan...my handyman replaced the broken chain.

Last month, she dropped a wine bottle on the kitchen tile floor damaging two tiles. She would like them replaced, but she takes responsibility.

She complained that I didn't have the snow removed quick enough last week citing in her lease that I'm responsible for it's removal.

Now I receive two separate email with the attached pictures. One of the plaster/drywall/skim coat cracking or falling off above the shower tile.  And another email requesting that I reglaze the tub...again citing health concerns due to the paint chips when she takes a bath.

She has literally almost had a maintenance concern almost every month.  She has access to lawyers doing her part-time work in the city courts.  How to our deal with her without going broke honoring all her repair request.  I pride myself on being a very responsive and great landlord, but at some point it's just a rental and an investment I intend to make money one.

I appreciate all the responses.  There were some very good ideas to repair the tiles.  I was able to match up the tile via Home Depot last night.  So, crisis was adverted for now! Thanks again everyone!