All Forum Posts by: Lois S.

Check out the rent control ordinance online for Oakland.

http://www2.oaklandnet.com/Government/o/hcd/o/Rent...

It would not apply to an owner occupied duplex.

I also suggest going one of the upcoming Landlord 101 meetings at the EBRHA - the East Bay Rental Housing Assn.   If you decide to joint the assn, there are other benefits that are worthwhile.  ebrha.com

If you send the proper notice to Sec. 8 housing office that the rent is being increased, they will take probably a few months to get back to you with approval or tell you how much rent they will allow.  I suspect it will not be market rate rent.  

Make sure before you buy that you get all documents from the current owner that relate to the tenant's lease and security deposit.  Regarding that, BP has a post here :

https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/06/03/existing-tenants/

Do you know any other landlords?  Is there a landlord association in your area?

If you can develop a network of other landlords, they may be willing to be available to take your tenant's calls and you could do the same for them when necessary.

Also try out some local handyman services before you leave town, and if they seem OK, they could be available for your tenants if you feel comfortable doing that while on vacation. 

Why aren't you speaking with the aunt or uncle who are your legal tenants?

I'd make a copy of the lease clause re: alterations to the unit, and present it to them.

They need to know you're in charge.

If you let  them re-paint, tell them you need to approve the color and do it in writing (and make it something neutral).

If the kid is over 18, and living there, he needs to fill out an application and sign the lease.

Thanks for all the great responses.

Lease states that maintenance issues should be reported immediately to landlord.

Even though I go over the lease clause before signing with tenants, they frequently wait weeks before reporting things such as leaks or clogged drains.

How do you respond?   Any way to train tenants better?

Just read this incredible headline 

http://abc7ny.com/news/woman-apologizes-for-fire-s...

I received a notice of changes to a credit card account, which includes a statement that 

"the issuer may, from time to time, obtain employment and income data from third parties to assist us in the ongoing administration of your account."

This seems like a good statement to add to my rental application form, with a statement that applicant consents  to this practice by signing the form.

Does anyone do this and would it be legal?

State regs doesn't cover duplexes or single family units.

While inspecting the grounds of duplex in CA, I saw a charcoal grill on the second floor wood balcony. It's right next to the wood railing and probably less than 2 ft from the shingled siding.

The state regs. only address this issue for multi-family units larger than a duplex, so  I can't site state law to tenants.  I think it's too close to the house & will ask them to move it to the yard.

How would you approach adding an addendum to rental agreement?  

You can also search for mugshots online. And don't forget LinkedIn and Instagram.