All Forum Posts by: Joyce Tavares

I personally prefer to get the new tenants in as there is a per-day cost for it being vacant, and then if the new tenants have problems, take care of the problems right away.  If there is time before the new tenants' move-in, then I try to make ALL repairs so that there is nothing else to do, at least for a year or so.  I also make sure to take LOTS of pictures prior to the move-in.  

The above for sure, but bad credit still an issue...I would pass on this one and move on to the next applicant because of the FICO score and send them the letter to contact Experian, TransUnion and Equifax.  Not sure I would believe anything present landlord is saying as they may really want to get rid of them and don't want to risk telling you the truth.  

And the reason you are renting to someone with bad credit??????  Let's see....They have bad credit, haven't given previous landlord a 60 day notice (per the landlord) and lease is ending this month.  Did you ask Landlord if they are up to date on their rent??; do they pay on time??; are they getting their deposit back and if not, why not; are they presently working or have a steady income, enough to cover rent?  Have they ever been evicted?

What breed are the animals and how many animals do they have.  Did  you ask this before they mentioned that the pets were emotional support animals?  I have restrictions on those breeds not covered by my insurance.  They will cancel your insurance if they have restrictions on your policy.  

I have checked on this, and you can ask for proof that the pet is an emotional support animal.

Question:  Can any animal be an emotional support animal?I  It's an animal that has been registered as an Emotional Support Animal (ESA) by a licensed therapist, psychologist, doctor, psychiatrist or any other licensed mental health professional. ... All domesticated animals may qualify to become Emotional Support Animals; however this depends on who you register your animal with.  FYI:  Service Animals are different from Emotional Support Animals.  You need to read up on this as a property manager and/or property owner.

Check the rules in your state.  I'm in California.

You need to do your due diligence before you accept them to rent.  Get the book, LANDLORDING by Leigh Robinson and read some of the nightmares you will endure by not doing thorough screening.  Do lots of research on the internet and familiarize yourself with housing laws.

I prefer an empty unit to a unit where they don't pay the rent and damage the property.  Evictions are very expensive and time consuming.   

First, check with the County to see if you can make it into a duplex.  As rental income, you would be getting 2 rents.

It is a great idea if it doesn't cost too much, and also if it is allowable, and I would think the value of the duplex would be greater than that of a SFR. You should check with an appraiser to see what they think. As a rental it would be a great investment, especially down the road. You could also refinance and pay back your hard lender. :0)

I am a solo Property Manager for my own properties... Highly recommend purchasing LANDLORDING, by Leigh Robinson to start out.  This book has been like a PM bible for me through the years...check it out.  A used copy is fine...I think the 12th edition is the most recent.    

https://smile.amazon.com/Landlording-Handymanual-Scrupulous-Landladies-Themselves/dp/0932956378/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=landlording&qid=1594081006&sr=8-1

Just search the internet for a free, downloadable one that fits your needs.  There are hundreds online.

I have all my tenants pay with  Zelle, Venmo or Paypal.  Have not received a check in years, but when I do, I just do a mobile deposit.  So easy.  Zelle goes directly into your account, Venmo you transfer directly into your account, as you do with PayPal.  Does not cost any money, unless tenant pays with a credit card, then they have to pay 3% fee.

Or, you could call a handyman to do it.  :0)  Sounds like something I would not want to tackle...you could make it worse.  Just sayin'  (experience)

You need to chill if they are still paying rent.  Put them on a month-to-month and hope they find a home and move out.  We are in a pandemic and a lot of landlords are not even getting paid.  Also, evictions are expensive and take months.  They can also reply to the eviction and get additional months.  Feel lucky they are paying rent.

I always check YOUTUBE....works every time.  I even send to tenants when they have easy fix plumbing...