All Forum Posts by: Kim H.

@Sherief Elbassuoni, thanks so much, that is super helpful!

Hi all,

I'm a first time landlord.

I was wondering if others have a "holding agreement" they use to hold the unit prior to a tenant signing the lease.  If so, how'd you create or obtain the agreement? (I'm not seeing any sample templates online).  And if so, what do you charge to hold the unit and how long after do you request lease signing?  

Since I only have one unit, I'm thinking I may skip the holding agreement part altogether and just require the potential tenant to sign the lease (and then pay the security deposit within 24 hours) through the online portal payment system I have set up via Apartments.com...any general thoughts or suggestions for this process?

@John Wright, Thanks for the follow up! I think I’ll upgrade my plan so I can access the lease. 

Do you have a specific document you use for “holding agreement”? As in, a holding deposit fee if a tenant wants you to hold the property? Or do you have them sign the lease and require the security deposit immediately to hold it? 

Hi all,

Our real estate agent provided us a free previously attorney approved lease, but I noticed it's outdated (example: it mentions 3 day notices but WA requires now a 14 day eviction notice for non rent payment).  I updated those specific issues, since I'm aware of the local housing laws so that isn't as big of a deal.

But the lease doesn't include some key things, which I know the BP authors have recommended (examples: no large vehicles in parking; no storage on lawn or driveway; quiet hours, etc.).  In wanting to incorporate those, and since I had the suggestions originally from BP, I'm guessing their paid leases that are attorney approved would be worth it?  Hiring an attorney to review it sounds like it would be expensive?

Wondering if others have used the BP paid leases and if it was worth it? Or if anyone had issues with them?

Thanks @Jim K., that's super helpful.  You are correct that most handyman won't touch it. I think you're also correct that the easiest thing at this point is to replace the slab and sink (and replace with a drop in sink).  We just bought this duplex so it's been a quick learning experience to not do undermount for rentals!

Ok so we have an Undermount sink basin in our rental that is cracked and needs repair from a tenant. I’ve found out that this isn’t an easy fix because the slab that the sink is mounted under is generally custom made for the sink. And most places won’t install an Undermount sink for you unless you pay for a slab too. The estimate starts at $750. 

I thought maybe I could just put a drop in sink instead but that sucker is like cemented in. See picture. 

So I’m thinking I’m going to have to repair the slab as well as the sink? And then get a plumber to install the plumbing fixture to the sink (additional $300). Sigh. 

Maybe remove it altogether? Get a stand-alone sink pedestal? 

Any recommendations or help on this? 

Looks like a good location. They have an outdoor deck we could sit at. 

I would be interested in joining if we can find a place. I’m need to the north Seattle area so not sure of the ideal location though. Could just be a park or restaurant with out door seating? 

Thanks for that tip! Very helpful. 

Hi all,

When reading the Managing Rental Properties book, I noticed that it recommends we have an emergency # which tenants can call if there was an urgent repair (such as pipes are bursting).  I'm wondering if landlords have recommendations on who to call for an emergency like that?  How do you ensure the tenant only uses that contact information in case of an emergency (versus a minor leak)?  Thanks for the help!