All Forum Posts by: Mike Flynn

Thanks for the responses. Yea so it's an emotional service animal technically. They provided documentation proving that, but just won't return the addendum to the lease for having a pet. We are able to charge a refundable deposit, but no extra fees or rent, and she already gave us the deposit. But is there like a a fee I can charge while waiting on a required form? This doesn't have too much to do with the pet anymore I guess, it's about the required addendum for owning a pet - ESA or otherwise.

Hey BP friends! So here's the full quick story... Our tenant recently got service dog, however we only found out about it because the neighbor complained to the HOA that it was peeing on the balcony. After we found out, we did research on how we can charge for a "service" animal since the rules are confusing and what not for anything "service". Anyway, we decided on a refundable deposit, proof of it being a "service" animal, and an addendum that she sign and return that basically protects both parties. She got us the deposit and proof pretty quick, but it has been weeks of emailing her and texting her to send back the addendum with no luck. Can we charge a daily fee until we receive the addendum back? Or what are other options? She's a good tenant, just flighty and forgetful sometimes it seems.

Thanks!!

@Drew Stuhrenberg Hey Drew, I was referred to a realtor in Des Moines just last week and spoke to her about rentals since I’m in the market for the same thing. She doesn’t own any herself but has helped some people find some rental properties. Plus she sounded like she knew the area very well and she was very friendly and helpful. I’ll shoot you her info in a pm.

@Account Closed Yeah the North Liberty market is interesting. Prices are comparable to Iowa City, but the city is growing like crazy. I'm trying to get in before it gets out of hand, I'll let you know if it's successful. With it being right between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids it seems like a place where people are wanting to be. I know my girlfriend and I love it because she works at the the U of I and I work in CR so it's equal distance for both of us to work. Plus NL is getting a Hyvee (technically on the border of Coralville/North Liberty), so you know it's legit haha.

@Ron Rohrssen the landlord training info was from @Zackary Phillips, wish I could take the credit! Thanks for the helpful link on crime data!

Nice that is all very useful info. I'm new to investing and was looking around the Iowa City to North Liberty area and was a little nervous about Cedar Rapids because I don't as much about the city, but I'm going to start keeping an eye out in that area now as well. You guys rock! Glad your 4-plex is doing well @Zackary Phillips. Hope you find something great @Caleb Godsey!

Thanks AJ, that’s awesome. Just joined the group!

Hey Everyone! I just started listening to the BiggerPockets podcast a few weeks ago and it was life-changing. I’ve been interested in real estate for awhile, but when I stumbled across this podcast it really gave me the kick I needed to take the next step. I’m currently trying to assemble my core team and learning everything I can from them, as well as reading all kinds of books on investing. I can’t wait to purchase my first property and learn hand-on experience! I’d love to talk or meet up with anyone in the eastern Iowa area, so if anyone knows of any meetups that are held, I’d love to get some info on them. Thanks!