All Forum Posts by: Kevin Hunter

Thanks John for the info! So yes, it’s a “bonus” garden unit. It’s commingled with the 1st fl (gas and electric) and the 1st fl tenant is aware, garden unit is vacant right now but they are aware. 2nd fl unit has own furnace, I’m finishing up “light” rehab and should be done in the next week or so. I plan to market it out as “gas and electric” paid by tenant. But I’ve just been wondering if the gas is a “dealbreaker” given the area I’m in. 

Good evening BP community, I’m checking in to get a few thoughts related to utilities being paid by the tenant. What’s the standard in Chicago for what utilities tenants are responsible for these days? I have a multi-family property in the East Side neighborhood. Tenants pay own electric but building also has individual furnaces. When I bought Previous owner was paying for heat but had “Lockboxes” on thermostats in units to minimum 68 degrees. Should I remove lockboxes and push costs to tenants? I suppose I should also ask myself if that costs would push them “over the edge” from being able to pay rent. Also is anyone charging individually for water/garbage, on top of what they collect in rent? Just wondering how you’d assess that accurately. Building is 2 unit plus garden unit. Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Hello BP Community! I'm looking for some guidance on what's best to get a tenant out as efficiently as possible. I posted last week under the title "How to remove a tenant, "softly"....Here's the update! Tenant is on MTM lease, I provided a 60day notice last week, it played out EXACTLY how I thought it would. She's now stating she will not pay rent the last 2 months and that I'll need to take her to court! I've told her that I hope she doesn't choose that route and as that would be a violation of the lease, at which point, an eviction process can begin. Rent is due the 1st of every month but grace period until 5th, my gut tells me she will not be paying anything for July...At this point what is the easiest? Do I "dig in" and start with a cure or quit notice to begin process after she's late OR do I attempt to offer cash for keys? I just want her gone and to start fresh but I also really don't want to give her money to leave! this would be my 1st time doing either process (eviction or cash for keys), and I hear the WAIT TIME on evictions take forever for Chicago.  Any insight or guidance would be appreciated. thanks 

 thanks Theresa

 thanks Tommy

 thanks John! 

 thanks Paul!

Hello BP community! I’m reaching out to my landlords for some advice. I have a tenant that moved in at the beginning of the year, 1st apartment for her so no previous rental history but credit and steady flow of income was solid. I was willing to give her a chance. I’m sure some know the story from here…out of 6 months she’s been late on 2 of them. I hear from her repeatedly about every little thing that she “thinks” should be better. I respond right away and take care of repairs in a timely fashion. It is a garden unit, not a dungeon by any means but probably could use some updating. She was late last month, I assessed a late fee and she only paid the rent. At this point, it is not worth the hassle, I just want her to go. I did place her on a MTM lease just to see how things played out. I’m glad I did. In cook county so I know I need to give her a 60 day notice. I want to collect my rent these last 2 months without issue but I’m afraid things are going to get messy once I break the news. Any suggestions? This is my 1st go around! I assume I need to deliver a “termination of lease” notice or something before I just call and tell her about it? Thanks for any info!

 Thanks Tom! I've been a fan of the podcast now for the last year, i'll have to go back and listen to that episode! Keep up the great work, the content you and Mark provide has been invaluable in my landlording journey!