All Forum Posts by: Melanie Thomas

Hi Mike, I appreciate this thread and I'm also looking to get into the STR market in San Antonio. Right now, I'm on the lookout for industry conferences or mastermind groups. If I come across any good ones, I'll be sure to pass them along to you. Good luck & happy investing!

This is a great list! However, I would also suggest making sure the property management company specializes in property management and isn't just offering it as a side service. There are a lot of agents who, after struggling in sales, are opening property management companies and trying to play the role of a property manager without fully understanding the intricacies of the industry. This can put owners in difficult situations and lead to costly mistakes. It’s important to verify that the company is truly professional and dedicated to property management, not just dabbling in it. Good luck & happy investing!

I recommend treating this situation as if the new tenant is a brand new resident. This means you'll need to write up a new lease agreement with the family member, as they are essentially a new party entering into a rental contract. You’ll also want to conduct the same screening process (background checks, credit checks, etc.) that you would for any new tenant to ensure they meet your requirements. Good luck & happy investing!

It sounds like you’ve already gone above and beyond to address the issue and support your tenant. You acted quickly to bring in a service provider, offered a space heater, found them pet-friendly accommodation, and provided them with additional heaters. Given that the space was still livable and the temperature was maintained at a reasonable level, I would not agree to a rent abatement. You’ve already made considerable efforts to mitigate the situation and cover additional costs, so it seems fair that you would not need to further reduce the rent.

Sometimes, tenants might feel entitled to compensation even after receiving a lot of help, but your actions demonstrate that you’ve gone out of your way to resolve the problem. It’s important to set clear boundaries while being empathetic, and it seems like you’ve done everything you could to ensure their comfort. Good luck & happy investing!

My vote, tile! Good luck & happy investing!

Yes. This is a common issue when dealing with these programs. Unfortunately, there is a lot of red tape involved. The extensive process required to place a tenant often leads many landlords to avoid working with subsidized housing. Good luck & happy investing!

Hi Amanda, just seeing this post and wondering how it all worked out?

These are all great points on how professional property management can be beneficial. For me, the biggest advantage is legal compliance and risk mitigation. The best property managers know the laws inside and out and can help keep you out of hot water. From ensuring compliance with fair housing laws to navigating rent control ordinances, they make sure you're protected from costly legal issues down the road. Good luck & happy investing!

I strongly recommend that you start the eviction process immediately. You’ve already given ample time for him to leave, and not receiving rent for three months is a serious concern.

It’s essential to follow the lease terms to the letter. The moment a tenant deviates from the agreed-upon terms—whether it’s non-payment or failure to vacate—you must take immediate action. Giving an inch often leads to them taking a mile. By starting the eviction process now, you'll be in a better position to protect your investment and avoid further delays or complications. Good luck & happy investing!