All Forum Posts by: Kevin Janssen

Hi John,

I'll be switching the duplex to either a dwelling fire or BOP.  BOP's tend to be a bit more expensive but typically have better coverage mainly water backup being my biggest concern.  The company i work for has a pretty standard list that most use but will definitely need to check with whomever i end up with.  In Wisconsin it is difficult to go after the landlord for a dog bite unless you can somehow prove he was negligent like knowing of past bite history.  Definitely will be looking for $1m standard liability though on my policies as like you said deeper pockets are always a target.

I work in the insurance industry and tend to underwrite several properties.  We typically require a letter from a licensed professional and not one of those go online and give us $20 sites to get a certificate.  But is definetely tricky as its not just dogs but have heard of large lizards as well.  

Thank you Mark, that seems to cover a lot of bases and seems to ensure that you have a responsible tenant.  

I'm going to be leasing the unit of a duplex I am currently living in as I just bought a 4-plex i'll be moving into.  My Duplex has a nicely fenced in backyard and my girlfriend asked if i'd consider leasing to someone with a dog.  I was a bit hesitant being that the first floor is all hardwood but she mentioned in the past that she has had to put down a non-refundable pet deposit, an extra refundable pet deposit and paid an extra $50 a month in pet rent.  I'd be curious as to how others handle leasing a unit to a tenant who has a dog and if you make any of the before mentioned charges?  Do you find that the dog typically causes more damage than its worth?  I guess the same question would apply in regards to cats. 

My Dad does some lending and is familiar with these city owned properties that are for sale at $10k.  The city will often say you will need to make these repairs which cost $20k to fix in order for the home to be habitable.  What they don't tell you is that $500 repair for flooring is for the two SF section in the living room to be fixed but in reality you need to replace the whole floor to make it presentable and get a decent tenant.  Or you need a $500 patch on the roof to stop the current leak but in reality your 3 weeks away from having 30 leaks due to the age of the roof.  

I'd look for contractors in Green Bay or maybe Sheboygan.  Thought with only doing the one wall on each is if they have to replace the wall in the backyard are they going to take the equipment over the new driveway and wreck that?  Would it maybe be worth just doing one building now and the other down the road? I don't know anything about foundations but just my 2 cents. 

In regards to previous owner knowing you could look at the city or county assessor they usually show purchase history and can tell if this owner would have even had ownership in that time frame 4-5 years ago.  

I don't see much changing.  Foxconn had to have insurances in place incase Walker was not re elected.

@Long Vang

Did you buy in the city or Racine/Kenosha, or other neighboring cities of Milwaukee?  I know with Foxconn Racine & Kenosha are getting bought up quickly.

I've been looking for something as well.  Seems the only ones that are advertised you have to pay to go to after the first visit.  I'm sure those meetings are very beneficial but i'm looking for something more casual at this point.  I'd be happy to work with you to set up a simple meet and greet somewhere.

HI Drew, 

When I go through the apartment with my tenant to sign the lease I open up a fresh pack of batteries and put them in.  I then have them sign that there are new batteries and they are now responsible for keeping the batteries in the detector and replacing them when needed.  

It also wouldn't hurt if your going there for one reason or another to just test them out quickly would only take a few extra seconds.