All Forum Posts by: John H.

I purchased a sf house in MA that the title v passed a year ago.

The owner at the time has passed away, and the out of state daughter sold me the house.

I talked to the tenant today, and they told me the septic has backed up 4 times in 3 years and that the tank is crumbling and needs to be replaced.  The original owner of the house was related to the title v inspector if that makes any difference.

I do not have the cash to spend $20k for the new system. 

So what are my options?  If it backs up, do I have it pumped and inspected again?  Do I have any recourse, or just pump it a few times a year until I can drop $20k into a new septic.  

Also, I can't just ask my board of health what my options are in case the system is bad as I would not be able to fix it.

Fingers crossed tenant is wrong, but I can't imagine why they would make that up.

I  used to use foremost but they kept cancelling me as well.  I now started using Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Company.

I know around here you cannot buy a house with a credit card, but you are on the right track with the 18months no interest cards.

Look for credit cards that offer 18 months of zero interest or similar, then take the cards and do a "balance transfer" not cash advance.  Most credit card will offer a balance transfer directly into your bank account.  Some cards are 0% fee's, some are about 3% of the total amount transferred.  

The only downside is your credit score can drop short term if you apply for too may cards and max the out.

Scott I need to hire you to rehab my properties.  Those are some cheap rates!

I'll admit I read your post wrong and mistook "of" for "off" . 25% of asking price on an MLS property is pretty bad. hah

<------- is that guy. (and proud of it)

Just curious how long its been since the passing.  

I was under the impression if your tenant mows your lawn or removes snow they are now your employee.  A fellow landlord (Massachusetts) told me if my tenant mows the lawn, I need workmans comp on each tenant.   And supposedly if someone finds out the tenant mows the lawn (grumpy neighbor maybe) they could complain and get me in trouble with workmans comp and its $300/day until resolved.

I did a quick search and this popped up...

http://www.startribune.com/housing/rent/11362341.html

 Hi Keith, I'm in a similar situation....did you have any luck?

I have a 2 unit house that used to be a single family.  Right now there is 1 electric meter, all circuits go to each unit respectively it should be simple to add a 2nd meter.  I have never owned a multi before and am not sure how it works.  I will be talking to my electrician next week but I want to gain some knowledge first.

The question is, I need 3 meters, 2 for the units an 1 for owners? Or can I just have 2.

Here's why I think I need a 3rd meter, but I figured I'd ask.

***   There is are 3 exterior doors, so the units do share 1 entry way that has a inside and exterior light.

***   I'm fairly sure I need to install hard wired smokes (building is 100+ yrs old) and since they are shared, i'd have to put these on an owners panel?

***   I need a dehumidifier running in the basement.