All Forum Posts by: Jeremy Anhalt

I have a tenant moving out after residing in the apartment for 5 years. She is a heavy smoker and the nicotine is dripping off the blinds. Needless to say, all walls and ceilings will need to be primed and painted. Should this be considered normal wear and tear or can some of the cost be deducted from the deposit? I am in Wisconsin.

Here's some info you may consider. Oshkosh has implemented an inspection program. All rentals in blighted areas (which includes student housing) will be inspected every 5 years. Any repairs that the city requires you to perform must be done with a licensed contractor.

Saying that, student housing can be quite profitable. Generally, you are signing a lease 10 months in advance, so it should be pretty easy to maintain 100% vacancy.

Thanks Mike and Scott for quick replies! My agent is stating that I can only get out of a deal by having a licensed inspector do the inspections. I have the experience to know what I'm looking at inside of the apartments and don't want to spend the money unless I truly have to. From your experience can I make an offer contingent on my inspection and still get out if I don't like what I see.

I am currently trying to add to my portfolio. I recently put in an offer for a complex after viewing 2 of the 28 units. I had a contingency written in that I would be able to view/inspect all of the units and gave the seller the right to cure. Upon inspection, the units I was shown were not reflective of the property as a whole. Most of the units were in poor condition and needed upgrades. It was a pain in the butt, but I got out of the deal and am supposed to receive my earnest money back. I am now looking at another property and the agent wants me to write an offer after I viewed only 2 units. The agent is saying I would need a licensed inspector to state defects if I want to be able to walk away from a deal. I would like to view all of the units before writing an offer to avoid the need for a licensed inspector. Is that reasonable? What is the normal process?