All Forum Posts by: Kimberly T.

I personally do not participate in S8, and have not bought any properties with any S8 tenants, so I can't speak from experience. I have, however, heard some of the typical horror stories about S8 tenants, such as: they may not agree to raise rent to what you want to charge upon lease renewal; it can be harder to get the tenant out at the end of the lease (they may argue you're not renewing simply because they're S8, even if that's not your reason); they're not as responsible/clean of a tenant (let's face it, people tend not to appreciate and take care of something as much if they're not the one paying for it).

Clearly, these anecdotes are not universal, and I'm sure some S8 tenants are good tenants and good people. You'll have to do your own research on S8 and decide whether it's something you would like to be involved in. Perhaps once you see how the tenant maintains the unit, you'll have your answer.

We buy midgrade, agree with other comments above about wanting solid, working class tenants. We buy in working class areas and get pretty good tenants (income of 3x rent, credit score of 600+, etc.) who just want a relatively safe area and clean unit, and don't need the fancy high end amenities. We won't buy low end stuff (bars on windows, chain link fences in front yards, etc.), because that won't attract the kinds of tenants we want. People looking for decent, clean units in relatively safe areas won't live in areas that look like that. It just depends on the type of tenants you want to deal with.

It is very important, and there is certain info that has to be on the form, or they can sue you for their entire deposit (if they know the law, which is frankly unlikely, but why take that chance?). Do some research on the form to make sure you use a solid version. Also, read the CA landlord tenant law handbook on the Dept of Consumer Affairs site to make sure you follow all the laws.

I just looked on Dennis Block's site, he does not appear to have that form. I am sure you can google "ca right to pre move out inspection form" if you cannot get one from a CAR office. Just read the handbook on the DCA site to make sure you follow the law and your form has all required info.

Did you already have them sign the form informing them of the right to a pre move out inspection? You can get that form at some CA Assoc of Realtors offices, and probably on Dennis Block's site (evict123.com). I have no association with either of those.

At the walk through, you should be looking for items that are more than normal wear and tear (broken items, dirty items, holes in walls, etc.). You are not expected to move furniture or give a cost to fix the items, only identify items that would result in you deducting from their deposit.

Thanks Rob, glad to hear that my research of CS is fairly accurate, will let you know if we have any questions on CS. And thanks for the Mexican food tip! ;) We are really hoping we can find some legit authentic Mexican food there.

We currently own a triplex here in CA and two fourplexes in AZ. Looking to branch out to other states now that prices have shot up in AZ, looking at a few states.

The worst we had was a young woman who asked us to wait about 15 minutes while she "tidied up" (read: hid their drug para.). She was clearly on something at the time, and was a frequent user, based on her teeth. Unit was otherwise disgusting, and they had written graffiti-style on the wall and fridge. We ended up evicting them for not paying rent the following year.

My parents had a guy sleeping in his boxers on the couch once, and there was another unit that was so gross (gross = dirty + pictures of the male tenant in full tranny get-up) that my dad did not let my mom go in and look.

Hello, and welcome!

Your post caught me eye because I have been researching CS for a while now, as my husband and I are considering moving there in a few years. I have been looking at real estate there and learning about the areas (online only, we have not been there but are planning to visit this year).

First, to answer your question, no, I would not buy in an area that I would not be willing to live in if something happened to our house and we needed a place to stay (hypothetically). Buying in a place where I do not feel safe is not going to attract the quality of tenant I want. That is our philosophy, clearly not a universal one.

With that said, there is a difference between buying in a middle or lower middle income neighborhood, and buying in a bad neighborhood. I have no problem with decent, clean, but cheaper, areas. I will not, however, buy where I see bars on windows, lots of chain link fence and graffiti, etc.

Based on my research of CS, it sounds like you generally want to avoid the southeast area of town (roughly, south of Constitution and east of Union). There are a few other pockets to avoid, but that is the major area. Of course, that is the area with the best price-to-rent ratios, but that is how it goes. I have seen some areas with multifamily west of the freeway that appear to be ok, as well as north of Constitution. I personally have not looked much at the stuff downtown because I do not want to buy stuff that old (personal choice, nothing inherently wrong with them).

Hope that addresses your question. We are looking forward to visiting this year (hopefully June). If you have any Mexican restaurants you recommend we try, please let me know! That is a big deal breaker! ;)

I agree with others, better to replace it on your terms than scramble when it gives out. Also agree with @Joel Owens about not getting an ice maker.

@Rolanda Eldridge was it a good tenant you wanted to keep happy? You technically aren't required to replace their spoiled food due to a fridge kicking the bucket (that would be covered by their renters insurance), but I can certainly understand wanting to keep a good tenant happy.

Is the property in an area with any known soils issues (liguefiable soils, expansive clay, etc.)? Have other properties in the area had similar problems? As a structural engineer, those are the first questions that come to my mind. Getting those questions answered may help you narrow down whether it's a soils issue (soils moving and damaging the structure) versus an engineering/construction issue (soils are fine, but building was not properly engineered or constructed).

I second the idea of getting some foundation contractors or an SE in there to look at it, if you think it's worth pursuing.

LOL, just realized I didn't make it clear by saying that I'm looking at new markets. This property is thousands of miles away, so driving by is not an option. I have been doing lots of google streetviews in several markets to check out areas, as well as looking up info about particular neighborhoods, so I think this property is in a decent area of town. Love google streetviews, what a time saver! Definitely plan to talk to some local PMs about areas before proceeding further, and also plan to take a trip to a couple markets we're looking at to see first hand.