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All Forum Posts by: Jason Tassinari

Jason Tassinari has started 5 posts and replied 37 times.

Originally posted by @Patti Robertson:

Virginia considers both ESAs and Service Animals to be "Assistance Animals".  I do use petscreening.com but don't like the way they address Service Animals.  Virginia allows us to validate any Assistance Animal. 

 You're the best, I knew that you would know lol .. Thanks :-)

Originally posted by @Nathan Gesner:

First off, service animals are covered by Federal law so it's pretty much the same everywhere. The term "Service Animal" is typically referring to an animal that is specially trained to help with a physical disability (e.g. guide dog for the blind) while an Emotional Support Animal is prescribed for someone dealing with mental issues like PTSD, depression, anxiety, etc. The ESA requires absolutely no training and can be any "common household animal" such as a dog, cat, or lizard. The ESA is where you typically see fraudulent applications. I say fraudulent, but the applicants are actually following the law. The problem is that the law sets a very low standard, making it easy for anyone to claim a disability and have an animal prescribed. Based on personal experience and what I've heard from other Landlords and Property Managers, the vast majority of ESA claims are people trying to skirt a no-pet policy.

Second, you could spend the time researching the law and learning how to enforce it, but it's very time-consuming and can be difficult to weed out fraudsters, non-compliant applicants, etc. My recommendation is to sign up for a free account with Petscreening.com and let them handle it. They ensure every applicant meets the legal requirement. They verify the prescription is legit and current. It weeds out a lot of applicants, but it won't stop every service animal because some Tenants are smart enough to know how to abide by the law.

Virginia law: https://www.nolo.com/legal-enc...

HUD Guidance on Service Animals (important to read/understand):

https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfil...


Great reply. Thank you!

I'm reading a lot about tenants and prospective tenants trying to skirt around "no pet" leases / rentals by claiming that they have "support animals" .. 


I am in Virginia and wondering if anyone is familiar with how this issues is handled here? Also what are some of the industry "best practices" regarding the subject? Id love to hear from you all about your experiences. 

Thanks in advance 

Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

Rent a job-site fence from a company that provides those...they usually provide PortaPotties too. Secure the fence to the building front and back, then lock it with a combination padlock so your subs and workers can get in easily. This may not stop all theft but it will make it harder. Thieves are generally lazy.

As to insurance....yes insurance companies often have loopholes (imagine that!) so that they can avoid paying out. I once had a break-in and lost about $20k worth of tools.....when I called it in, they said that that was not covered..........Make sure that tools, uninstalled fixtures, supplies, Etc are covered.

 Thats a great point. I assume that any contractors are responisble for bringing their tools and equipment home at the end of the work day, but the uninstalled fixtures and stuff

Post: Norfolk Virginia Rental Market?

Jason TassinariPosted
  • Posts 38
  • Votes 14
Originally posted by @Takee Brockman:

@Patti Robertson Wow, Thank you so much this is Extremely helpful! For Section 8 in Norfolk do they also require a inspection?

I am based in NYC and for a lot of people here the inspection limits a lot of options for renters.

 Takee, I am brand new and still learning but as I understand section 8 requires a pre inspection as well as an annual inspection. But again defer to the other that know more but I "think" that is their inspection requirements. 

Originally posted by @Bruce Woodruff:

Rent a job-site fence from a company that provides those...they usually provide PortaPotties too. Secure the fence to the building front and back, then lock it with a combination padlock so your subs and workers can get in easily. This may not stop all theft but it will make it harder. Thieves are generally lazy.

As to insurance....yes insurance companies often have loopholes (imagine that!) so that they can avoid paying out. I once had a break-in and lost about $20k worth of tools.....when I called it in, they said that that was not covered..........Make sure that tools, uninstalled fixtures, supplies, Etc are covered.

 That's a great point. I assume that any contractors are responsible for bringing their tools and equipment home at the end of the work day, but the uninstalled fixtures and stuff may be tough. Might consider a rented Conex box. But thanks that great stuff, I appreciate you taking the time. 

Originally posted by @Jason Bott:

@Jason Tassinari in regards to insurance, Theft coverage as part of the Builders Risk policy will be difficult in high crime areas.  Most policies will have Theft and Vandalism excluded.

If you can find coverage, it most likely have a $5k-$10k deductible with a high premium.

 Yikes, well at least I know that it can be done. .. Thanks.

Originally posted by @Jody Sperling:

Fix all the locks and entries first: including doors and windows. Buy an inexpensive video camera and use it during the evenings when not working on the property. Invest in a motion sensitive flood light.

If the neighborhood is too dangerous for these techniques to protect the home, you're going to have a big problem on your hands. Best of luck!

 Jody, I am brand new to investing so I an not certain as to exactly how bad the area is I just know its not good. But I like these ideas. Thank you 

Hey group, I wanted to reach out to you all and get some of your ideas on the best practices for protecting your investment during the rehab process.

I am looking at a property in a lets call it a “D” neighborhood. The numbers are great but the unit would need some rehab and I wonder how to protect the unit from theft and vandalism while the work is being done. 

Looking forward to your thoughts and comments.


Thanks I’m advance !

Originally posted by @Paul Moore:

@Jason Tassinari. I agree on the Steve Bridges book on multifamily investing and I’d also do The One Thing by Keller and Papasan.  Good for every business person and human! 

 Great reference, I haven't heard of "The One Thing" .. I will be sure to check that one out. Thanks again.