All Forum Posts by: Johanna V.

@Irina Belkofer I like that you say it like it is. Will do! 

@Joe Splitrock tenant is a male, in his late forties, only house occupant, and he is a contractor - does remodel, construction work -- licensed/bonded.... I believe, he has 2 issues: 1- his problem with security (setting cameras inside/out the house) from a robbery experience. 2- He is a contractor, probably doesn't like that no company or contractors bonded and insured are used for this type of work. He's bias. 

To top it off, he's temperamental, and constantly I have to be specific, factual, and firm. Then, he complies. The problem is that it;s an ongoing issue. I just told him, I'll be flexible to let him go before the contract ends with no $ consequences. I just want him out whichever way i can. 

As i said before, It's not worth saving, and then be liable with very costly consequences. When it's required i do hire companies to do the work, for this particular situation it's not worth it, and I won't do it just because the tenant demands it. Per the city/county anybody can do it, even myself. But i rather have someone skilled and trusty to do the work and pay for it, but in this case it's not worth paying an arm and a leg.

I never thought that asking the community will be a mistake or seeing as inexperienced-- for sure, one ever stops learning. But, I just wanted to see how other more experienced investors deal with this kind of situation, and if they were in the same state, even better. 

Thanks all for your support and help sharing your thoughts and opinions!

I do get @Natalie Kolodij 's point. As a woman, i'd have the same concern if renting, so i put myself in their shoes -- and also because i don't want to be liable as a landlord if something were to go wrong. 

So I've never sent a random person to any property. If someone else besides the guys that do my work need to go, then most likely it'll be a company, because it'll be out of the work scope that my guys can cover. I'm very conscious about it. It's not worth saving, and then be liable with very costly consequences. Again, my guys are doing the maintenance of the properties for many years, i know them well through the years. They'll have more to loose anyway.

Btw, this tenant is a single male in his late forties, the only house occupant.

@Joe Splitrock yes, i did contact City of Maple Valley, you probably replied before my posting went live. The city cannot say "licensed and bonded contractor are not required". But I was told: "when swapping out or replacing like for like, no permit is required". I asked specifically for what i was doing -- swapping a dishwasher and the p-trap installation. He said you don't need permit for it. Hence, anybody can do it, given that there's no permit required then no inspection required. 

I've contacted City of Maple Valley, WA (where the property is located) I was told that anything that it's been replaced for what's already existing don't need a permit. Hence, I can do it myself (which i don't) or anybody without needing to licensed, bonded contractor. 

@Frank Chin This tenant has a problem with security (because he has installed cameras inside and out) so I understand what you pointed out, it could be a pervert or thieve if not bonded and insured -- that gives a bit of security. But, I have re-assured the tenant that the guys that do the maintenance work, have been doing it for me for years. I trust them even in the house i live in, and let them in when i'm not in town if i need something done. I cannot afford to be at the properties all the time, and worse if i'm out of town, I do it all virtually. But my guys are there when i need them, trusty and hardworking people that are not charging me a leg and an arm.

@Richard C. What are your screening criteria tips to avoid tenants that "demand"? I have very specific requirements starting in the ad itself, to weed out unwanted tenants. But character is hard to figure i guess, given my experience with this particular tenant. He was very proper. I know some tenants need more training that others, but this one has shown to be nice and then this demanding temperamental character comes out! I've already proposed to let him go, then he comes down (all on emails) For sure, no renewal at the end of the contract!

So glad i have found BP community. Your thoughts and input, help small investors like myself. Thanks all for sharing your experience and input, it is very valuable!

@Brian Varmuza correct! and don't want to bend here or no where, that's not how i run my properties. I wanted to know if this is a common practice in the field, then it's ok to tell the tenant no. I cannot do it myself and don't want to either. I rather have my skilled and experienced guys do it.

Trying to dig the local WA codes or having to contact a lawyer is a longer and tedious task, given that I have the work scheduled on Saturday and the tenant is asking me this now, so need to reply soon! 

@Matthew Paul the one taking the risk would be me, as a landlord, if contractors are not licensed and insured. There's no risk involved for him as a tenant, for changing a dishwasher and installing a p-trap in the sink anyway. As you say bonded, not necessary.

I also think the request is ridiculous, but since this tenant is such a pain, i wanted to say something firm-- such as, in Washington State it's not required i provide the contractor's info to you (the tenant). I'm constantly having to be specific and firm with him because of his short temper. For sure, he's out at the end of the lease! I'm not renewing it.

I'll try to contact the county, but hoping there's someone in the community that could answer my question. Thanks all for the input!

@Bettina F. He is a security freak. He has installed cameras inside and out, and is temperamental. He knows the people i use, so it's not a random person/company (If it'll be the case, I've gone to the property if he cannot be home). Now, he's asking if they are licensed and bonded... 

The reason why i'm asking the community. 

I'm a small investor and have found people that have the skills and experience (from working in the field) they are hard working honest people. I even trust them with the house i live in. Otherwise, if i'll be paying companies for these jobs I wouldn't be able to make it. This tenant needs intensive "training"...

@Michael Plante thanks for the suggestion, i'll contact the county. Hope it won't be an ordeal to get a simple answer. 

True, it depends on the state laws, so if there's anybody knows how it works in WA, will be greatly appreciated it!