All Forum Posts by: Janet Orgill

@James S. I'm just returning to this thread and wondering how it worked out? What did you do, what did you learn?  Some of these landlording tips were really helpful to me already.

Most of my reasons to own property in Utah, though I'm out of state, have been listed already.  However, if you are keeping a tally I'll add them here.

• Equitable balance between laws protecting tenants and landlords
• Many highly qualified applicants (most of my tenants are married students with great credit scores)
• Growth economy assures stability going forward, whether renting or selling the property

I would second @Jeremiah Maughan list of downsides however, that local government in Provo are not always willing to see that the best and highest use of a property might not be a single family home.  I've also had a little trouble finding affordable contractors since the economy is booming and building is rampant.

Well that dilemma explains why this house is about $100K cheaper than a similar duplex.  The property is zoned R16A, but it is .45 acres with plenty of adequate off-street parking. I spent over an hour on the Provo City website but I can't seem to find the requirements for a duplex.  I assume that separate utilities are a must, which would mean two water heaters and furnaces, right? 

If anyone knows where to find those requirements, I'd appreciate a link!

Thanks, @Zachary Morrell! I think it is really short-sighted of these communities to deny the fact that there are 71,000 students in the neighborhood, all of which need housing!

Any idea what sort of "proof" they would be looking for?  I would be paying the utilities, taxes, Google Fiber account, etc. but my primary home is in Nevada.

@Alex Ericksen and @Jeremiah Maughan

I'm finding this thread and wondering how the story ended?  I am buying my 3rd split house in Provo this month, only one of which has a legal accessory apartment (though it isn't legal I guess because I don't live there and I rent both units).  My focus is married student housing because there is a tremendous need/demand.

I'm adding a kitchen to the new house so that I can divide it into two apartments.  It would certainly meet all of the requirements for a legal accessory, but now I wonder if getting permits for the kitchen will expose me to lots of unwanted attention?  I got building permits for one of the other houses and it wasn't a problem, but I get the feeling that extra kitchens raise eyebrows.  Any thoughts?

When is the term of his lease actually up?  How easy do you think it would be to find a new tenant for this property in your market?

I have purchased two duplexes in the last two years, each with existing tenants. You've put a lot of work and money into this house already, with a little more work you can have an excellent tenant without the headaches.  

I am far from the most experienced voice on this forum, but I would get him out as soon as possible if you think you can replace him.  He can be asked to leave based on late payments or the blight notices, but check your lease to see what's allowed. Then, I would raise the rent and hire a gardener/snow removal person, or whomever is needed to maintain the property according to the community standards. Advertise this as a benefit to your new tenant.  Have your furnace serviced and replace the filter, just in case. You should have had a thorough inspection of the heating and electrical systems when you bought the house, so you already have information that could verify his claims.

Comfortable tenants aren't always the best tenants! Good luck.

@Mike F. 

I am absolutely intrigued with the idea of a short term rental in the Chapel Hill/Durham area. I would really love to know on average, how many nights per month you were able to rent?

My daughter and son-in-law have just moved here for work. I would love to have a place to stay when I come to visit that also makes money when I am not here. I figured that they could help me manage it. I live at Lake Tahoe, and we are really struggling with the laws surrounding short term rentals. We do not have a hospital, University, or any of the other secure types of visitors. However, we have a truly unique place, and visitors still came from 2008-2011.

Anyway, I'd love to hear even more about how to select the perfect STR in the area, and how the regulations are shaping up.

Essentially, I want to know what the default case is. I am assuming that it is a month to month contract, based on payment of rent.  Utah has a 3 day eviction timeline for non payment of rent.

Believe it or not, there is no termination date anywhere in the lease. I have not had a direct conversation with the tenant about this, there are 2 realtors and an owner between me and them. When I made my awful, it was represented that the least went through March. What I don't want is to have to evict a tenant just to get them out because we have no documentation.

I am purchasing a two-unit property that has one current tenant. The lease began February 15th of this year, but for some reason the landlord did not put in a term. It is not an annual term, it is not month to month, that section of the lease is blank. The property is in the state of Utah. Can anyone guide me as to how to handle this?  The current rents are about 20% below market, so I'd like them out. I close on 11/21/18. Thanks!