All Forum Posts by: Kalyn Williams

Hey Everyone, 

We are in the process of buying a Duplex with tenants already in place. I have found a couple of issues with the seller and would like some input! 

Issue #1: Originally my real estate agent told us that each unit comes with the following appliances: stove and fridge; and that both units water bills are the responsibility of Lessor (landlord) . I received a copy of the leasing agreements to confirm what I was told was documented, and this is what I found: 

According to the lease the owner has acknowledged the following appliances: refrigerator, stove, microwave, and dishwasher for Unit A. Also for Unit A, the Owner states the water bill is the responsibility of the Lessor (landlord).

For Unit B No appliances are listed or acknowledged in the Lease. Also for Unit B, the lessor takes responsibility for no utilities. 

Therefore I had my real estate agent reach out to the sellers and the explanation is as follows: They had a management company draw up the lease for the second unit and unfortunately they did not list the appliances or the responsibility of the water bill. 

So, I want to get the seller and the tenant to sign an addendum before we proceed with the property acknowledging the appliances at minimum are the sole property of the Lessor.  But, here comes Issue #2!!

The Seller has not told the tenants the property is being sold, and we have an inspection this coming Friday, so this is another issue. The sellers agent told my agent to tell us to write the tenants a letter and post it on their door that the property is now sold etc. In my opinion this should be the responsibility of the seller to communicate with the tenants before the property is sold that nothing changes within their lease, just the property will be under new ownership. 

My concern is I dont want to start a relationship with these tenants that is in any way not hostile. Because I am not sure what they told the tenants about the inspection but I am sure they will not be too happy about being lied to. Just want to get some input on this as well and if any of you have a sample letter I can look at that is introducing the new payment method to the new tenants etc please send it my way!?  

Thanks everyone for the Information! We will have to start implementing some of these methods for next month. We are very new to this, so I am glad this exists!

Hey Everyone, 

My husband and I are relatively new to being landlords. I am trying to find the most efficient way to send out a notice for Rent and collect it as well. Currently, I send out a formal text message 2 days prior to the rent being due and then my husband will pick it up personally. I am starting to think sending out a text message may not be the best, so I wanted to see how ya'll are going about this. Should we send out an invoice to the tenants with a due date and have an option for them to mail it, just want to get different takes on this. 

Thanks!