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All Forum Posts by: Justin V.

Justin V. has started 5 posts and replied 212 times.

Post: Nightmare Warning: don’t let utility inspect to shared meter

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

Hello All,

I have a minneapolis duplex from 1931 which is separately metered with a shared basement that is separately wired for each unit. Each unit has their own laundry, light circuit, and outlets permitted in 2019.

I’ve never seen a landlord meter on a duplex in minneapolis.

Tenants in unit 1 were complaining that there are some electric baseboard heaters in the basement on their panel which never usually run. (Unit 2 turned one on due to a cold laundry room). I explained this is typical of an old duplex. They wanted the local electric company to do an inspection, which I assumed would result in them being told the same thing. Big mistake.

The utility company declared both units to be shared meters: Unit 1 because of the baseboard heaters and unit 2 because there’s a dehumidifier (unit 2’s dehumidifier) plugged into their outlet. Transferred both accounts into my name plus any balance owed which turns out to be $5000 for my unit 2 tenant. I don’t have landlord agreements on any properties.

I was made aware of this via a bill in late March. No report or prior call. I keep having to call the 800 number and they keep not letting me talk to people who can do anything. One manager called back and left a useless voicemail while I was still talking to his underling. They wouldn’t tell me the issues or share the report on the property. They eventually sent a letter which I attempted to call and challenge today: 800 number again. It’s a nightmare and I have at least a full 8 hrs into this so far. It’s frustrating and I’ve been very angry on several occasions now. Post another 40 minute 800 number call just now, another manager has been sent an email with my phone number.

TL:DR utility company claims my basement meters are shared, transferred accounts into my name plus an overdue balance of $5000 for 1 tenant and I can’t talk to anyone important.

Post: Minnesota Duplex with Shared Utility Meter Billing issues

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Dave Gallogly

Hi Dave,

I see this issue was a while ago for you, but I’m running into it now. Any chance I can chat with you on it? I’m keen to hear how everything ended up and what corrections you applied.

Thanks,

Justin voegele

Post: Anyone have their Real Estate Limited Broker License?

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Shandrea Tanglao

You can join the local mls with a limited broker license in Minnesota for anyone looking at this thread later.

I’m a limited broker with mls access.

Post: Lead inspection when purchasing a new home

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Brandon Y.

Would the seller need to agree to a lead inspection?

What are the mitigations? Paint everywhere?

Post: Last Month Rent from Security Deposit

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Pavan Krishna

I don’t know the rules in California, But I’d start eviction proceedings so they don’t get the idea that they don’t need to move out at the end of the month.

Better now than after 1 month of lost rent.

Post: Zillow new fee structure etc

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Paul M.

Hi Paul,

Pre-screen it up.

I have my Zillow account linked to a random email (for nothing else) with a generic auto reply which looks like an inquiry response:

Basically:

“Thank you for your interest.

What’s your desired move in date?

Do you meet my listed rental criteria?

Please tell me about your pets?

What more can I tell you about the property?

Thanks again,

- justin”

Ignore all who don’t reply.

No idea the difference on tiers but guessing the free is plenty good.

Post: Tenants not home. Can I enter with text notification with notice?

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Brent Reid

Replied earlier to the wrong person, so read that first.

Then had the following thought.

What are the St. Louis park mandates, though? I’ve heard they have some of the strictest from a city standpoint. My properties are minneapolis.

Post: Tenants not home. Can I enter with text notification with notice?

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Isaac S.

Minnesota mandate is “reasonable notice” and is vague. 24 hr notice is more strict than the state mandate.

You can legally enter if you want.

I have entered when told “no” to maintain control of my property with a couple of overstepping tenants (once during an eviction).

I do typically reschedule, but you are within your rights.

Not a lawyer and not legal advice, but this is what my lawyer told me during my eviction situation.

Post: My apartment is not renting, my agent says price is not the issue

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@Marvin Michel

Do you have both sides listed? I clicked 2 different listings.

Reading what others wrote: I agree that your realtor isnt helping. I’m sorry he got you into this. Down the road with him. Did he also help you buy this? If so, don’t use him to buy your next house either is my gut feel.

I apologize in advance, but there’s a number of things I dislike about this place. Hopefully there is stuff that can help.

The shotgun: never seen this but I hate it. Can you take the second room from the front, move both doors to the other side of the wall (can leave the livingroom door in place, but it screws up livingroom flow) ( they aren’t load bearing) and add a hallway down the middle/non window side to make it an actual 2 bed? (Front to back would be bedroom, bedroom& hall, living, kitchen and they enter from the back). How much more is a 2 bed worth than a 1 bed in your area.

You’ll have to toss the carpet, so that’s a plus. Green and pink are dated and the brown isn’t any better. Get those carpet scraps out of there if you are committed to as-is. Paint the smoker ceiling, paint the paneling. New carpet or vinyl wood look click lock through the first 3 rooms.

That coil top stove also makes me feel dirty.

Triple the photos also add inside the garage and the bathroom/ basement if there is one. Agree on curb appeal statements, but people live inside the house, so I focus there. Curb appeal can come later if needed.

Hopefully not too harsh.

Best of luck,

- Justin

Post: Sweet 80 year old tenant can’t afford rent

Justin V.Posted
  • Rental Property Investor
  • Minneapolis, MN
  • Posts 214
  • Votes 131

@JD Martin

Love the “people can be old and nasty” comment.