All Forum Posts by: Kevin Smith

I use erentpayment.com it handles late fees, late notice email, emails me when rent has been submitted, $3 per transaction. I would recommend setting up for no partial payments or tenant pays fee. I no longer give tenants an option, I have it in lease. might make an exception for older folks.

I Had a contractor leave the back door open, someone came in and took a roto-zip and couple of other tools. when I was showing the potential tenants the mini barn I found the tools in their, someone had a conscience and brought them back.

I tell potential tenants right of the bat that I will be changing furnace filters and inspecting under sinks every 2 to 3 months. If I fell I need to see more I have a electrical plug and GFI tester. So far  no one has given me any trouble over this.

I would say It depends on you and what work you will be doing yourself.

• showing to potential tenants
• drive by inspections
• inside inspections (I change furnace filters, and inspect under sinks)
• regular maintenance / upkeep
• Turn overs / cleaning painting

I am not a big operation and never will be, so I do most things myself. I like to be able to jump in car and be there in 5min. I can even run back home for lunch and get a tool or part if need be, but ultimately you must be the one to decide is it worth a 2hr round trip. 

Good luck with whichever decision you make. 

I like the Watermark idea - (Watermark with phone # and price)

When they go MTM or sign new lease I would not give option,

I use Erentpayment only, I may give other option to the digitally handicapped.

I put in lease that I must be present for installation and they can be charged for damages to property.

After going in to crawlspace and pulling full length spaghetti out of drain for 2nd time

Me: the next time you will pay for a plumber.

Tenant: I don’t even eat spaghetti.

Me: then why is there spaghetti in your sink (in non-disposal side)

Tenant: silence

She later called my wife complaining I was rude to her.

Would have saved myself big headache and expense if I had gotten rid of her then, Lesson learned.