All Forum Posts by: Jack Collins

A simple example might be a clogged toilet. Tenant 'A' might choose to forego the hassle of making any attempt to unclog it on their own, and may instead simply throw in the towel and request the landlord hire a plumber. If Tenant 'A' knows he/she is responsible for the first $50 of any maintenance call, they may be more likely to give unclogging the toilet a solid attempt prior to calling for the cavalry.

Again, I'm not advocating one way or another, simply looking for advice from someone familiar with this concept.

I've heard some great arguments on both sides of the aisle, for and against the practice of charging your tenant a deductible for home repairs. On the positive end of the spectrum, it would seem to be a great deterrent against the "habitual complainer" or for cases where the scope of the repair is easy, clearly within the capability of the tenant, and doesn't warrant an overpriced contractor. On the negative end, you run the risk that your tenant prefers to live with seemingly minor issues (e.g. pipe leaks) rather than call you to have an appropriate repair accomplished, in which case you could end up with extensive (and expensive) longer-term repair costs, such as water damage.

I'm interested in some sage advice from those of you having experience applying a tenant deductible...good or bad. For that matter, is it even legal?

Thanks in advance!

@Larry Russell

I have never signed a contract with an agent in advance of finding a property. Most agents I have worked with have the mindset that, if they work hard for me and hustle to show me the properties I need to see, I'll have no reason to work with another agent (which is true!). If you do sign, I would recommend that the contract has language that allows you to escape the agreement with written notice - you don't want to be stuck for 6 months if you soon learn that you and your realtor are not compatible.

@Andre Q.

Did you accomplish any repairs to the "bones" of the house (plumbing, electrical, structural, etc.), or was this a generally cosmetic rehab project?

@Michael Noto

Michael - I'd recommend NOT painting over wallpaper. Often it will bubble up and separate from the wall giving an awful appearance. If you're interested in doing it yourself, I'd recommend using a spray bottle with a mix of equal parts fabric softener/hot water. Let this soak in for a few minutes and the wallpaper should peel right off. Good luck!

@Andre Q.

Looks like you did a great job on the rehab, Andre! Nice work. I'd love to see some "before" pictures...

@Al Williamson

Thanks for the link! I love any opportunity to make my money go a bit further.

@Joe G.

The thought is buying unwanted gift cards through clearing houses, like ABC Gift Cards for example. Lowe's will not sell them at a discount for reasons you note, but there are plenty of online market places that do.

My concern is that I am not sure who is/is not reputable.

@Al Williamson,

Incredible idea to compound the military discount by purchasing the discounted gift cards! That said, the thought of purchasing discounted gift cards online makes the hair on my neck stand up a bit - considering the potential to be scammed.

Any advice on how/where to get discounted gift cards without the fear of receiving a bogus card?