All Forum Posts by: Lee L.

@Greg they probably have set dimensions and other rules. You couls call them and find things out for sure. 

@Mike Lee On SFR's, I wouldn't say this is normal, but it is typical when dealing with multi-family.

I usually wouldn't bother with agents such as these unless it was an absolutely killer deal. I'd probably try to determine the value based on comps and see what I can find on the internet. Then I'd walk the property and talk to neighbors, and if I bump into a tenant, then great! I'd find out as much from the agent as possible.  I'd find out how many offers they had, if any of them were over asking. I'd consider how long its been on the market. 

Then based on these, and hopefully without spending too much time, I'd throw a reasonable offer. Then I'd see the inside with my contractor, and if needed, ask for credits. 

Hi Greg, 

I should correct what I just said about L.A.. Two of my units do not have a backdoor. During the safety inspection, they made sure that there was a window wide enough for someone to climb through and that the safety latch on the bars on the windows were in working order. 

In L.A., having a backdoor is one of the things they look for during safety inspections. I'd put one in. 

Hi all, 

I'm evaluating a triplex in the city of L.A. One of the units, a standalone house, has an unpermitted room, which was perhaps partly a garage conversion. In that room, they have a hot water heater in one corner, a washer & dryer in another corner, and in a third corner a bunk bed where two children sleep.

Obviously, this is room is non conforming, although the property is legally three units. Since this is L.A., which has rent control, it would be difficult to remedy the situation through eviction.

What options are there if eviction isn't really an option? Is this a dealbreaker? 

Thanks!

Lee 

I see CCR but no COC. Perhaps NPV (net present value)?

Perhaps try installing a range hood made for Asian cooking. What's the best way to make the tastiest stir fries? HIGH heat and LOTS of oil -- so your whole house smells like a Chinese restaurant! 

These range hoods are made for odoriferous applications. They have 700-1000 CFM air displacement, in contrast to around 300 CFM you'd be getting from the typical non-Asian range hoods. 

Your curry cooking friends would probably love the upgrade. 

Two popular brands:

Sanyangpai

Pac Air (媽媽樂)

I installed a lower-end Sanyangpai in one of the unit I've been fixing up, and it's pretty awesome. It's an under cabinet type with a top cover. Paid around $360 for the range hood and $80 for the stainless steel cover. 

The sucked up oil gets pumped into the tanks -- no mesh air filters required!

My parents have one at their house -- now I have one; a dream fulfilled

I think I'd splurge a little and get nice matching faux wood blinds for all windows on the front side of the house. Not only would make the tenants happy, it would make the property look nice from the outside with all windows having a uniform look. 

Home Depot has really nice cut-to-width faux wood blinds. They offer a custom look, and dare I say -- a high end look, but much cheaper than custom blinds. 

Probably a $500-$600 project

Hi Elsa,

@Elsa Welcome to BP! I grew up in Claremont and own 3 units in the Silver Lake area. Hunting for another L.A. property now. Glendora is a great place -- I go to the 24 Hr Fitness on Gladstone all the time!  

@Elsa Rhodesundefined

@Jason V.The estoppel establishes that the old lease is in effect, states who is currently on the lease, what the apartment is currently renting for, along with other vital details. If you don't have the old lease spelling out what the tenants can and cannot do, and you only have an estoppel, you still don't have a lease.