All Forum Posts by: George H.

Originally posted by @Joe S.:

Originally posted by @JR C.:

Forgive me if this has been posted before. A search didn't find anything. As you probably know, the Democrats in the House passed the Hereos Act, A part of this bill calls for a Federal Ban on evictions of any residential property for non payment of rent. This is extended for 12 month after the pandemic is over. No recourse for landlords. I rely on my properties (which are paid for) for my living expenses. Also in there is a provision stating the back rent will be forgivable. If the Senate passes this bill, I may be without income for a loooong time. Does anyone know any more about this?

You ever notice how so many bad laws, acts, groups and movements are titled in such a way that it is considered shameful to oppose them?

Yep, Patriot Act comes to mind.

@Percy Matsunaga

I'm not the guy to ask. I am not from Cleveland. Actually my first time there was when I closed on my house. I did a lot of research and was looking for good buy and hold areas that cash flow. I hope to buy another duplex around the first of the year. Thinking of possibly trying section 8.

Did you check out @James Wise Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods? Great place to start. 

Also, there are some local realtors I have heard that invest @Erin Dorsey Robinson is one that comes to mind.

@Nathan Gesner Thanks. I have not heard back from BP customer service regarding my previous lease forms I purchased here, but opted to upgrade acct. and have them now.

@Percy Matsunaga Yes, my duplex is in Cleveland.

I thought I had purchased the lease package for Ohio from here a couple years ago, but can not find it. Has anyone used the ones from this site? Comments?

I need a lease that is compliant with Ohio law that includes any necessary disclosures like lead, asbestos, mold, etc. I also want to specify the percentage of utilities the tenant and I agreed upon. Her unit is twice the size of mine and we both agreed it fair that we split the bills as such.

A local attorney quoted me $500, but he was only 1 of 4 or 5 to return my email, so no way to compare.

Thanks

@Remington Lyman 
Thanks...I just did.

I have a duplex and would like any info on submetering the water. I read the posts in regards to doing this in Columbus with 3rd party vendor Guardian. Any experience with this in Cleveland? 

@Ron S  Thanks Ron. I'm guessing it is a numbers thing. Contacting x number of homeowners to whittle down the numbers to finding a deal. 

Like with most things...time and perseverance are the key. 

Some have mentioned only contacting those with equity. How do you know there is equity? And if there was equity, then one might think they would have tapped into it to prevent foreclosure. 

I have a rather large duplex in Cleveland, it is 3 floors (not including unfinished basement accessible only from larger, apartment). The square footage is approx. is just shy of 4k square feet. As the building is square. My apartment on the 3rd level is about 1,200 feet, leaving the rental unit at about 2,700 finished ft. I mention this to show my percentage of use. My PM'S lease states tenant is responsible for all utilities. The reason it was done this way is because I work for the military and am deployed at least 10 months out of the year. And of those 2 remaining months, I spend less than one month in the unit. Now, 6 months into an 18 month lease the tenant is complaining about paying all utilities. A situation they were aware of when signing the lease. When I spent 2 weeks there in February, my apartment was quite warm. The thermostat is in the common hallway, and the tenant has access. They do not seem concerned about heating costs. My property manager is now saying that I could be taken to court and lose. Even though tenant signed lease knowing full well they were responsible, and the fact that the much smaller apartment is empty more than 80% of the time, I tend to agree that I would lose in court. So far the tenant has been paying on time and has been no problem. The property manager suggests a monthly flat rate for sewer and water (clearly in the lease as their responsibility), as well as addressing the heating oil issue. I unfortunately have an issue with people that choose to not honor their word. I feel it rewards bad behavior. I know releasing them from their lease is a bad idea in this economy, but I also feel the need to replace this PM who I am contracted with through the end of the lease. In just over a year this is my 2nd tenant. The last guy was military who screwed me for over 5k. That is easy for most...harder for military who's rent is being paid by uncle Sam. My expenses on the property last year was 93% of income. Great for PM, not so much for me. Hardly sustainable. Sorry this is so long. Any thoughts from more experienced landlords would be appreciated.

@Ben Smalley regarding the annual inspections, are you referring to fixing normal wear and tear, or tenant caused damage? Do you have notice of inspection and check property beforehand?

If they loose subsidy and lease is voided, does that entail a normal eviction?

I am an OOS investor and seriously considering a section 8 duplex end of this year or beginning of next year.