All Forum Posts by: Karen Jackson

Hey BP! 

I’m not familiar with NJ landlord tenant laws. My dad has his rental property in jersey city and tenants are refusing to let the work man come in and do the necessary work. What’s the protocol for this ? Also I told him he has all right to enter the apartment, yet how much notice does he need to give the tenant before entering. Or can he just enter ? 

I actually suggested they pick up some dry ice, I said hey is there any where near by that sells dry ice? he said No. So today I sent him screenshot of a place right within miles and he said this is not doable why didn't I suggest that yesterday. I would think that's common sense. But common sense isn't too common with these tenants. 

Yet, I like that cause and I will be adding it into my lease moving forward. Thank you 

Thank you for all the feedback, I greatly appreciate it. I would think they would want to purchase a cooler or buy some ice to preserve the food. Furthermore the guy said they waited to mention it because they thought it would've started back working again. Like really? 

But nonetheless, thank you all. And I will suggest that they file a claim with their renters insurance.

Hello BP, 

So I own a property in Bridgeport CT one of my tenants fridge broke down. It stop working since Saturday and they just told me on Monday. I sent out a repairman, the parts will be in within the next few business days. The tenant is sending me picture of the inside of the fridge saying their food is about to spoil.

Is it my responsibility to aid them with this or they should try to find means of preserving their food in the meantime while we wait on the parts?  Cause the way they are texting me it seems like they're insisting I pay fro their groceries or provide some form of compensation for their food spoiling..

Thanks! 

Hey Biggerpockets

I'm looking into wholesaling in Chicago, can I get some insight on this market, and how quick can you get these properties off your hands?

Hey Bigger pockets.

So I have a tenant who has a back porch and they’ve been using the back porch as a garbage dump. Tenants are now complaining about the scent and reported that they are seeing mice and roaches. Which was never an issue prior. I spoke to the tenant about cleaning up the trash. He said his wife was going to do it. Yet it’s still not done. What should be my next step moving forward with getting them to clean the mess up? It’s been two weeks since I originally told them to clean. In addition, they are on a month to month lease. This is in the state of CT as well. Thanks guys!

Hey Biggerpockets!

I’m starting to explore the Cleveland, OH market, is Ohio a tenant or landlord favored stated? Feel free to share your investing experiences in Cleveland and experiences with dealing with the court systems, tenant eviction process etc.

Thanks and looking forward to all the great feedback!

@Brandon Ribeiro

Hey there, going 100% in sounds great but it’s not feasible especially considering that you have other obligations, bills etc. Starting up can be very costly and difficult, marketing, desk fees you name it. Buyers are liars, everyone’s ready but no ones really ready, clients can ghost you be sneaky or go behind your back, be dreamers, shoppers etc. I’m being real it can take months to close a deal that may or may not even close. However, Real estate is super flexible. My suggestion is to get a job to cover your day to day expenses, partner up with someone in your office that you can trust to cover you if showing time conflicts with work. You Can have a job and schedule your showings around your schedule! You control the narrative.

Take it from me I’m a full time kindergarten teacher, and investor and I also do real estate part time and that is my strategy and it works. I’m honest enough. To say I don’t make enough going FT in real estate to quit my job just yet. Many times I’ve been fed up with my job and wanted to quit and do real estate ft and My broker has advised me not to quit my job just yet either. (Having the w2 helps with getting into other investments) So make it work for you. Get a social media profile and make it all about real estate to attract more clients, take them out on nights and weekends depending on your schedule. I’ve even realized these are the times most buyers can view anyway because they are off on weekends and get off work in the evenings. Not everyday you’ll have a showing so on those days you can go into the office make calls, post listings etc. So weigh your options. I like financial security and a cushion in the bank as well lol

@Jason Martin

I personally wouldn’t want to mix business and family. Someone always gets the short end of the stick and more than likely it will be you and you don’t want real estate to cause any rifts within your family. I’ve seen it happen to several people I know and even within my own family. Just don’t mix the two of your don’t have to.

@Jake Wong

Hey there and congrats!!!

Honestly, since this is your first property I would suggest cutting cost as much as you can in the beginning. A PM is not necessary especially for a single family. You can manage it yourself. Keep as much money as you can in your pocket!! I live in another state and manage all my rental properties while working a FT job as a teacher.

First things first ask your realtor to connect you with a reliable Handyman, a plumber or electrician. Build your team/ connections in the area. Then develop a strategy/ plan and stick to it.

This is your business, so operate just As a Property manager would, create a google voice # act as though you’re the PM. They don’t need to know you’re the owner. Address them like you’re a part of a bigger organization. Say things like “we “ instead of “I “ when you’re addressing them.

If the property is vacant all utilities will have to be in your name. Once you get a tenant give them a week to transfer everything over to them. I’m not sure how water bills work in your state. Where I am LLs are responsible for water.

When you can read the bigger pockets book on managing rental property. Really great book!