All Forum Posts by: Laura Kusto

@Jay Compton - I did get the CEO of Spartan involved. It wasn't helpful but I think it was because of the order in which things happened and I get a very strong impression that they are overworked and understaffed right now. We are working through it - I have concluded that I need to stay very close to this and remain vigilant in the near term until we get into a good cadence of communication. I'm viewing it as a relationship building period and going into it optimistically.

Update/resolution - I met with them yesterday and also pulled up my property management agreement in advance. I was able to find a couple clauses in there to make my points. They definitely should have notified me of the issue when it happened and they came clean on that. They were undergoing some turnover at the time and admitted that was the cause. I really appreciate the advice here as it gave me complete confidence to clearly state my expectations and re-set the relationship moving forward. We had a bump in the road here but I'm optimistic about the road ahead with them. Thanks again - this community is so helpful!

Yes, it's turnkey - in the subject of the thread.

Thank you all so much! And such great detail @Jay Compton! I have a call with them today and will use this information. I did happen in the summer - back in July - but I wasn’t told. I found out what happened myself by searching the tenant on Facebook and seeing a post she made. Jay- since you’re in Birmingham, could tell me your honest opinion of my property management company? It’s Spartan Invest/Alamaba Rental Property. I flew down to met them in person before investing and was impressed. But their ability to communicate with me in a transparent and timely manner on this issue is making me feel like I’m being played.  

Thank you both for that validation. I have a call with them today and this has been my approach all along but because it was falling on deaf ears I needed a bit of a gut check. What is so concerning to me is that this company has a great reputation- even out here in Bigger Pockets! 

Back in July a leaking HVAC unit in the attic caused substantial damage to my rental home. It resulted in replacement of flooring, ceiling tiles and repainting certain areas. Total damages were over $1000 (on a monthly rent of ~$650) and the tenant had to file a claim with her renters insurance policy.

When this happened, my property management company did not proactively call me. Eventually, invoices started being posted to my account and the tenant ended the lease early. I was told it was because a pet was discovered during the process of fixing the water damage and when she was told she had to pay a pet deposit she vacated. All in, the move-out repairs (I am told her dog did substantial damage) and water damage eroded nearly 50% of the annual rental income. The property management company has not yet provided any pictures of the damages either.

I'm struggling to get any sort of acknowledgement from the property management company that anything was handled out of the ordinary. Is it unreasonable to expect proactive communications what such large damages are incurred?

The rental is in the Birmingham, AL area and the attic was installed in the attic. There was a blockage in the hose and it caused substantial damage. I'm struggling to obtain clear explanation from my property management company as to what is / can be done to ensure it doesn't happen again. But is installation of HVAC in attic common practice?

Hi @Cassandra Murray - I am on a similar path to you and looking for similar. I have tentatively planned a trip for this weekend and have a few folks I'm planning on meeting. If you'd like, circle back with me in a few weeks if you'd like. 

@Anthony Jensen - I'm going to send you a message and would love to connect.

I'm looking at investing in Birmingham, AL and going to plan a visit in the next couple of months. Does anyone have any recommendations for real estate agents in the area? Ones you have done business with and would recommend. I am looking for someone experienced with SFH rentals, all neighborhoods, etc. Someone who would be willing to sit down with me for a couple hours when I'm in town and provide their take on the "lay of the land." Thanks in advance!

This is an awesome thread! Thank you for starting it @Blake La Grangeand for all who chimed in - especially  @Jay Hinrichs and @Clayton Mobley - - I may be crossing paths with Spartan very soon.