All Forum Posts by: James Erickson

I'm not sure if she does, she moved in less than 2 weeks ago.

Do you charge the tenant if they clog a drain?

A new tenant had a small water leak in her apartment due to a clogged drain. I cleaned up the water, which did not damage her belongings since it was minor. I had to shut the water off to the apartment since, at the time, I did not know what was causing the leak. This happened Friday evening around 6:00, and the plumber went by to fix the issue around 9:30 the following day. Her water was restored at that time. The tenant is now asking for reimbursement for her trouble since she had to spend the night elsewhere. She says she wasted gas and time cleaning. I did the majority of the cleanup which was not much. She does sound quite petty, would you provide any compensation for her trouble?

The properties are primarily duplexes and triplexes. The water meter is usually in the alley and 1 water line goes to and then splits off to the various units.

Thank you, I would not be able to do it if they have an active lease but after their year's lease is up it goes month to month so I would be able to do it then.

In 2015 I spent $16,742 on water for some of my rentals. There is only 1 water meter feeding multiple units so I cannot tell which unit is using how much. I can usually tell who may be using more water than the others based upon past usage and diligent record keeping. I have thought of paying to split the water into separate meters feeding each unit and then having the tenant pay the water. I know this would be touchy to have a tenant start paying the water since they rented the place water paid. Can you provide me with suggestions on what I can do to put the burden of water payment on the tenants rather than the owner? Thanks.

I also have not had tenants ask when their place will be improved. Places are only improved when a tenant moves out(excluding repairs of course). Now I have had tenants ask to move into the improved apartment and I usually am okay with that if their place is in pretty good shape.

Here is a link to one of the properties and is indicative of how I advertise on Zillow.

http://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2514-Montana-Ave-APT-1-El-Paso-TX-79903/2106513120_zpid/?view=public

That may be an idea but I would not want to give the first month free because they are now in your apartment with a signed lease with little invested on their part.

I primarily manage duplexes, triplexes and single family homes. The units are in great condition and the interiors are very nice though the buildings were built many years ago. The units are all located in the now older, poorer part of town. I am having trouble renting the units as some have been vacant since April. I post a sign in the window with my number and I advertise on craigslist and Zillow which posts to other sites. The qualifications are pretty standard like 3 times the rent in income, good rental history but no credit check. If I checked credit I would probably have to disqualify nearly everyone who applies. For instance, I have a 2BR/1BA apartment renting for $550 a month water paid with a $200 deposit and I just can't seem to move it. Trust me when I say the units are very well maintained, the owners pour a lot of money into their properties and I always get comments on how nice the places look compared to others prospective tenants have looked at. Any advice on what I can do to rent these places quicker?