All Forum Posts by: Athena Flint

Thanks for all the info and positive responses! 

I've had a few showings of the property and so far everyone is saying that we're charging way too much.... which we probably are. My mom (the owner) has a $900/month mortgage to meet still, which, even if we cut even, would be high for the area. 

Fingers crossed we can find someone who's able and willing to pay at least the amount of the mortgage. I don't know how she managed to get herself into this situation, but it sure is a great learning experience for me. 

Newbie here trying to compile a lease for a house in PA. It's a country house so it has well water and a sump pump, and I want to make sure that it's clear in the lease that if the Tenants cause damage to the sewage system by disposing of improper things down the drain they will be covering the costs of fixing it! 

Is there anyone who would be willing to share how they have written that into a lease? 

Hello! My name is Athena. I'm from Pittsburgh, born and raised. 

I'm so very glad to have found this website and forum. 

About a month ago I decided that I wanted to buy a house that I could live in, and also collect rent from. While I was slowly trying to learn some of the ropes before I jumped in with both feet, my dear mother fell into a pit of landlord doom while trying to rent a house for the first time herself.

Her house is in New Castle, about an hour from myself, and god love her, she's an amazing woman, but the last people she rented to totally took advantage of her and ended up abandoning the property after building up a debt of $2,000+. 

Since I wanted to head down the landlord path anyway, I've firmly inserted myself as her new property manager, and am looking for tenants for her. She is grateful, and I'm relieved that she's breathing a little more easily, but I am also HIGHLY aware that I don't know what I'm doing. 

I listed the property as a rental yesterday, and have already received numerous emails stating interest in renting. I've set up some viewings (all from an hour south of the house) and I downloaded the SUPER HANDY rental application form. 

Now comes everything else. I'm currently putting together a lease, using the PA standard rental agreement form and some resources I've found on the FilePlace. 

I've been on the computer and in the library all day today. I've already learned some very important things and I'm excited about this little adventure that will help me when I DO buy my own multi- family house (fingers crossed) But I'm also scared that I'm going to mess things up. 

So, in advance, thank you all to the active members here that have already taught me things, thank you to the real estate guides, and thanks for any and all advice you feel like sharing with me.