All Forum Posts by: Justin V.

@Scott Mac

Hi Scott,

Thank you for the feedback.

My only concern around pet vaccinations is protecting my self from being held liable and sued if a tenant owned animal had rabies and bite someone or a sick animal got another animal sick in another apartment.

2. Good to know. Can you elaborate on which ones and for instances? I’m learning a lot from this forum post, so thank you for your input!

@Greg M.

I don’t have cats, but im more of a “protect my property and don’t get sued” person.

It would be “Protect my property from pet urine smell by requiring spay/neutering” in this instance.

I figure requiring proof of rabies vaccination would be all i’d need, but I don’t know much about cats. Minneapolis requires it is what I’ve found after a little research. http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/animals/pets/index.htm

Are you a cat person? Can you educate me a little further on any other critical (if you feel any are) vaccinations for cats?

I honestly don’t know too much about dogs despite owning 3 of them...

@Bonnie Low

Hi Bonnie,

Thank you for the reply. That is what I’m concerned with. Both infecting another animal or tenant and myself being held liable.

I have new tenants moving in. I talked about requiring proof of vaccination for pets at the showing. Didn’t have it in this listing... :(

Now I’m asking for proof and they don’t have their cat vaccinated. Tenant says “it’s an indoor only cat and her vet says it’s normal to not vaccinate indoor cats.”

My gut feel is I should require vaccination. Anyone have a resounding don’t you dare require or not require it?! court case references are always a bonus and super helpful.

-Justin

@Justin Voegele

I’m also the type who smiles or laughs when they are nervous. I’d be nervous in that situation.

@Jack B.

I used to think that. Now that I have kids, I respectfully disagree.

So... how many kids do you have?

@David Pai

Got it. Been there on both sides of buying and selling landlord.

I’d think sellers agent would be attempting to smooth things over with them. Gift cards sometimes help, but we’ve had them not work at all.

@John Pfeifer

How much would you leave with after the sale? Condos tank first and come back last typically right? Is your city growing? What’s the vacancy rate? Market rents?

Depending on where you would end up financially after a sale, I might keep it and ignore it for a bit while I invest in other properties. Equity is money.

@Michael Taylor

1.5 miles is pretty far in my area and can dictate a lot. What does Zillow and rentometer say for the 10 block radius? Any rivers, highways, or railroad tracks in between your sets of properties?

Start talking to your real estate attorney. If you don’t have one, it’s time.

I have done this for a 6 unit that needed varying work. I wrote introduction letters that said who I am, my understanding of their verbal lease, market rents, and my plan for increasing the rent (going up ~ $550 in 4 months to still under market rent) and plans for the property. Increase rents and renovate vacant units. Gave them the option to sign it and I take pictures or I tape it to the door and take pictures (proper notice for my area). I also gave 1 unit 30 day notice since it needed a gut.

I ended up with more vacancy than I was expecting quickly, and 1 eviction, but my units weren’t ready for new tenants. There was also no covid.

Due to covid I’d do a smaller rent increase if you are under an eviction hold. Would be bad to tick off a tenant right now and have them stop paying rent and sit tight for the next few months before starting the eviction process which likely wont move quick.

@David Pai

Glad I’m not in your situation. Sounds very rough. Has your real estate attorney provided any feedback on the situation?

I’d be negotiating early move out with the tenant or some rent paid for the forced vacancy. How did they find their new place during “these uncertain times”?

Luckily I wasn’t in your situation, but I listed one recently. I took more photos (50 pictures on a 3 bed),

Added 360 view with my iPhone (looking into 360 cameras soon), took a 90 second video that I added to the listing and emailed out as needed. Also Screened way more up front and stressed trying for 1 showing and have it rented to discourage tire kickers.

“I’d love to show it to you, but first how well do you meet or rental criteria and what’s your desired move in date?” was a go to phrase.

I required masks, gloves, and had hand sanitizer at the ready. Also asked the current tenants to turn on all light and open all blinds and doors. Spaced clusters of showings 3 days apart and clusters of showing 20 minutes apart instead of the usual 15 minutes. Did 1 showing, then had someone call and rent based on pictures, video, and a phone conversation. Cancelled the second cluster of showings once the deposit was in and lease signed via email.

Good luck all.