All Forum Posts by: Joyce Tavares

Craigslist and Apartments.com are good.  Rentometer will also list rentals and I like that they tell you what places are renting for and have an abundance of information for landlords...and I don't mind paying for the service, even tho it is free.  When I want to increase rents I check there first.  I do like Zillow for listing rentals, but not their apps.  If they charged for listings I wouldn't list there tho.

I ran into that myself and that is why I use my own applications and text applicants from their phone numbers on the Zillow site.  I then give them my email address to contact me for an application and pictures.  Too hard to deal with someone you can't "speak" to.  Go back to all the responses and send a text to their phone.  I also ask, in the text, for their email address and who will be occupying it and if they have pets.  Makes it a little easier when they respond, especially if there are a lot of responses.

I highly recommend NOT showing it until tenants are out and it is ready to show.  I have found this does not work out well if you try to show ahead of time.   Pictures should be enough.  If someone wants it, they will wait.

I would pre-approve new tenant and let them know the situation.  You can show them pictures of the unit prior to it being rented and give them the option of putting down a hold deposit, which goes 100% towards the security deposit once the rental agreement is signed.  I am sure new tenant wants to lock this down, as do you, so if they should change their mind, you can use the hold deposit as a re-listing fee and not refundable.  Make them very aware of this.  Most of my tenants rent ahead of time, often site unseen.  They drive by the unit and I show them lots of pictures and a video walkthru.  I have never had a complaint.  As soon as it's cleaned and the flooring and paint is done, then I let them see it in person.  They can walk thru with you outside.   The last tenant I rented to I did a Facetime walkthru and it worked great.  

Personally, you might want to look for another PM.  Seems like they did not do their due diligence on screening so if they didn't do it with this one, chances are the next one will be the same and YOU will be out the money.  

I would need to know more facts, but just from what you wrote, I would find another PM with excellent reference.  

Is this tenant still there?  Have you personally talked to the tenant to see what is going on?  I would want to hear both sides of the story.  It is your property and you have the right to do this.  Do you have a copy of the application they completed?  It should have the information you need to contact them.

I use Tenant File and list new appliances added under Notes.  You can list both to tenant notes and unit notes.  I am my own property manager so I also include complaints and any and all repairs on each tenant and unit.  That way I can justify rent increases, if need be.  

https://www.tenantfile.com

Hi Mark.....Since housing is now at a premium, you may be able to get it legalized.  You really need to check with your building department to see what the rules are for this and see if permits had not already been issued to convert it.  

I purchased a home that was sold to me as having two in-law units.  After putting tons of money into it and renting the two separate units to a senior and one to a student, thinking it was OK, someone reported it to the County and I had to remove the tenants and destroy the darling units.  It was a very expensive lesson.  I did take the realtor to Court and was able to have them take back the house, but I lost a lot of money and time, which is precious.  

So, I think you need to find out what is accepted and if the units could be made legal, if they are not already.  Maybe they could designate it as a triplex.  Not sure the ceiling height would pass in the basement, and you could always add a second door pretty easily.

If it could be permitted, it would be worth it in the long run, even if you were to sell it as a triplex.

Does he pay his rent on time and take care of the property?  I have let tenants do this if they have renter's insurance, just in case something happens to the bike or your shed.  Is the shed locked?  You should have a release of liability if he is parking it in your shed and it's not in the rental agreement.  Also, it should be stated that if he leaves, the bike leaves, unless you want to charge for storage separately with a separate agreement.  Why can't he put it in public storage for the winter?

How severe is water damage?  Do you have photos?  Do you own the lower condo and are renting it out?

Lots of units have mildew issues, but mold is something different.  There are test kits you can buy to see if it is

just basic mildew, or if it is a severe mold problem.  Many companies will give you a free estimate, especially easy

if the wall is already open.  I had this happen in my fourplex and three companies came out and

all agreed it was just mildew and not mold.  They closed off the room, removed all of the mildewed sheet-rock, sprayed the wood areas with a retardant, and then put new sheet-rock, painted, etc.   

How much does it cost to hire someone to remove mold?    Mold remediation services start at around $500 for a small, contained area such as a crawl space. This involves sealing and cleaning the entire area. Costs of only mold remediation typically run between $500 and $4,000, with most people paying about $2,000.

Compare quotes from top-rated Toxicity & Mold Removal Services

https://www.homeadvisor.com/se...

 Give them a fan to use in the meantime?  That is what I do.  I know it's not a fix, but it does show you care.  With Covid going on you are lucky to get anyone out to fix it.