All Forum Posts by: Ken P.

I prefer looking at listings through realtor.com.  Listings on zillow are delayed but realtor.com usually are not delayed.

Thanks @Ricardo R.!  All of that information is super helpful.

Hi friends,

Small landlord here. Three questions for the community:

(1) Do you charge a fee for lapses in renter's insurance coverage that  may occur during your tenant's tenancy? Is it lawful to do so in DC? And what do you think is a fair penalty/fee to charge in that situation?

(2) Do you require that tenants add you as an "additional insured" on their renter's insurance?  I understand it is common practice but have you heard of any downsides in terms of risk/liability mitigation?  Somehow I imagine having my name on the renter's insurance policy may make tenants think that I'm liable for any of the stuff that is covered by renter's insurance.

(3) Does DC law require that move out walkthroughs be conducted at a particular time?  I've seen something about a three-day rule but can't find the relevant municipal regulations.   Are there any requirements with respect to walkthroughs? Does the tenant need to be there?

Will send you a PM.

I use third party websites to carry out credit/background checks so that I don't have to ever see my tenants' SSNs.

I've used various companies in the past but now I use a service called Rentalutions for all of my property management work including tenant screening.

Hi everybody,

I own and self-manage two properties in DC. They are both units in large luxury condominiums.  One is in Chinatown, the other is in Capitol Hill.

Wondering if the community has some wisdom to share on the following topics:

1) Does anybody hire property inspectors for move-outs? I have a set of tenants moving out of a unit in a couple of months and I'd like to hire a professional to examine the unit and let me know what repairs will need to be made after they move out.    Professional property inspectors who examine units before you buy them are one idea, but are there professional property management companies that offer this service on an a la carte basis?  Or is there another, more efficient way to do this?

2) If you hire agents to find renters for your units, what percent of first month's rent do you offer to the renter's agent?  I know the standard in NoVa is 25%.  Is it higher in DC?

Any wisdom you all can share on the above issues is much appreciated.

And if you'd like an excellent handyman/plumber/contractor recommendation, PM me! I finally found a dependable person after 2 years of looking.

Ken P.