All Forum Posts by: Jordan Laney

So, what do you all pay for the entire season? Last we paid $300, FOR THE ENTIRE SEASON!

With another snowfall in the forecast, we are already at $1500.

Hey all, I want to ask if you would sign this contract.

PM has a snow vendor who comes out to shovel if it snows more than 2". They charge us $250 per "push". Since we have 2 buildings (right next to each) the total is $500. So far this winter they've been "deployed" 3 times. Is this a fair price for snow removal? They don't cover parking spaces. Also, if you're familiar with Chicago, it's your standard 6-unit building, so imagine the sidewalk surrounding it. 

As if you needed more reason, the PM doesn't even verify they do the work. They just pay the invoices. We have had tenants shoveling snow the snow all along. 

What are some of your thoughts? 

Welcome Vivien!

Great place to kick off your REI journey. Make sure you tune into the podcasts and read some of BP's books!

 James, 

I believe you are assuming it was going to be shut off and that was the risk. If the PM did nothing, the electric bill would still fall on the tenant and thus be responsible. Although the tenant refused to pay rent, they were paying the utility. Otherwise, it would've been shut off in August when the lease expired. I don't know if you saw this part, but the PM hasn't exactly given me a reason yet for the utility cost. I've uncovered some info only after speaking with other tenants. 

I believe that the PM acted too early, without ensuring the tenant left - leaving me on the hook. My only goal was to share a story and prompt a discussion. Thank you for your time and insight!

 So, what would you call it? Just dumb luck? Unforceeble circumstance? Should I just chalk it up as a loss and move on?

What if the pipes did freeze? Are we as owners always at fault for the actions of the PM? 

Would you demand they pay for the fix? 

 Hey Michael, 

It's a 6 unit building and the winter has been mild so far here in Chicago *knocks on wood*. So, I don't think frozen pipes were a concern. What I've gathered so far, is that it is more than likely a step in their process to change the electric utility back into PM's name (they took care of all bills on our behalf) by the move-out date. The problem was that the tenant did not move out. I don't think they verified that the tenant was planning on leaving either. All in all, it is what it is. In this game, there's always something!

@Patricia Steiner @Travis Timmons , I 100% agree. This is just one instance, though. I have a few other stories on why the PM wasn't a fit for us. One of my 2025 goals was to be more active on the website. That was the biggest motivation to post it, and this was the most recent story I could recall. The interaction and insights people shared were worth more than $250. 

 James, 

I am unsure why. I suspect it was two or more months on 1 bill in addition to what we pay for common areas. It all just got paid at 1 time. I normally get a monthly statement and a copy of all bills. I haven't received that yet.

Hey Kristian, 

Very good insights! The only thing that was changed was the electric, for whatever reason. What I view view as a blunder, other may not. So thank you for your input!

 JD, 

The tenant was responsible for electric and cooking gas. The only one that was changed was the electric. I got a report that said electric for November was $295. This prompted more investigation as to why. Everything I talked about in the OP was what I discovered.