All Forum Posts by: Meg K.

@Troy W. Got you!  I'm just thinking i don't want to replace the floor for a long time..the location is not great...ive had 4 tenants in 12 years...i don't want to replace the floor every time tenants move...leaning on th Vinyl Traffic Master planks...i stopped by Home Depot and thought they looked nice...im just not sure about the timing due to the cold weather now...

@Cindy Meyer Thanks! I will check it out. And thanks for the best wishes :)

I see everyone has a preference...

**i wish the pod casts could be transcribed for those of us who are hard of hearing or Deaf.

I would like to re-do the kitchen floor in a rental.  The current one is only 12 years old but it's cheap tiles that crack on the corners.  I'd like something that will last long--20-30 years. I put in laminate in my own kitchen floor and it still looks great after 10 years.  However, I have mostly lived there alone--no kids or dogs.  Is it worth it to spend a lot in a rental? I ve seen many rentals that have vinyl or linoleum but was thinking of high grade tile or laminate.  My friend doesnt think the current tiles are all that bad...i guess im still an emotional landlord instead if a logic one.

To those who read my panicking post, I am still looking for a tenant.  I 've screened many and still have not found one who meets the rental criteria.  Hopefully i'll find someone for Nov.  I had to pay this month's mortgage...

Thanks, Meg

I'm having a similar problem but i live downstairs in the duplex I am trying to rent.  I ve been screening and glad i read about it because most of the people i've been getting don't seem responsible or good quality.  I am also located in a not so desirable part of the city...when i talked to a PM i asked him where he advertises and it turns out he would have used the same sources i am using and he also has vacancies of his own as well...so i decided to save the money and do it myself...the previous tenants just moved out and i am giving myself the month of Oct. to fix up the place and continue screening...after that I'm sure i will get desperate...Good luck!

Thanks guys.  I was not aware of leasing agents.  I will try that.  It's just that my property is not in a highly desirable area although the property is in great shape ;)

Meg

Update: I've been screening prospective tenants like crazy! No one has met the requirements.  Last week i added Section 8 as an option.  Wow, these people are spoiled.  They are looking for single homes.  I guess Sec. 8 became very generous :)  So, I started looking for PM companies.  The 2 that responded want a month's rent to place the tenant then 10% monthly for management (such as checking on tenant--WHAT??)...One company states on it's website that to place a tenant they charge $250.  I wonder what the catch is.  None have a stipulation that the tenant has to stay for 12 months.  I responded and asked for a custom agreement because i live downstairs and can collect the rent myself and possibly handle maintenance ;)...did not hear back! Ugh

I see youa 're in NYC .I doubt strangers would want to share a house here...I'm not close to the colleges where that happens a lot...

@Cheryl Packham I am not in a position to purchase a primary home at this time.

@Ricardo S. 3 BD for $815/mo.  The market rate is $750-$850.  12 years ago I rented for $700...

@Shannon Sadik...good to have a Rochesterian here...as for the heat, I wouldn't want to take that on...my own bill goes up to $350-400 in the winter!!!  Thanks for the feedback...i'm prepared to stick it out to get a good tenant.

@Steve Babiak I'm prepared to evict Sept. 30th if they are still there...if cleaning out their basement is not a positive sign they will be moving i don't know what is :)

@Bryan 

@Bryan O. Crown Molding...NOT MOLD...Yes, I cannot afford the rent without tenants due to low income despite 2 masters (yay social worker low pay) and being single and having school loans...doesn't mean i wouldn't get a second job if needed...being an immigrant i've survived in this country for 20 years...cuz i'll clean toilets and flip burgers unlike most Americans...no equity because I over-paid 12 yrs ago.  That's a mistake i've accepted...doesn't mean you can't learn from mistakes...im not in this to turn a profit like most people here...im in this to have a primary residence i love...at a reasonable price and pay off this house so i can live completely rent free :)  The unit is in great condition...just repainted the whole kitchen due to a fire caused by current tenants...I am replacing the whole roof...it is in rentable condition.  Thanks for your feedback.

@Michael Noto I am deaf so i can't listen to podcasts...wish they were transcribed...yes, Im considering a management company but that would put me in even more financial bind.  The last one i had when i had to move to PA for a job was an accountant and billed every single thing that ate into my rental income...i see the financial worth of a PM for a single unit.  Thanks for the ideas though