All Forum Posts by: Michael Schnyder

I have 2 single family homes on the same property that I recently finished remolding/building.
I'm now looking to have the first and back landscaped.  Can I please get some recommendations for landscapers to contact for the Sherman Oaks, CA area?

Thanks in advance!

I have tenants moving out at the end of August that have only been in the house for almost a year.  Do I automatically charge a cleaning free to have it professionally cleaned for the next tenants if they leave the house somewhat clean, lived in or do I pay the cleaning fee as the responsibility of the landlord?

Sounds like paying the upfront cost for a smooth finish over textured would be worth it for renters if/when I need to do any patching or repairs.

Thanks for the responses and advice.

I'm having a ADU built and need to decide between smooth vs textured walls. I'm leaning towards smooth being that it's a more modern look, but it's an additional $1,250. Being that it's a rental, it would be easier for repairs if/when new tenants rent it, just wondering if it's worth the upfront cost to go with a smooth finish. Just curious to hear some opinions / advice on which way to go.

thx

I have a 3/2 rental that my daughter lives in with two other females since September.  The lease agreement states that the three
of them live there and if anyone else should live there on a regular basis, they would be in violation.  Around October, one of the females
got a boyfriend that is now at the house almost every night.  The problem is that not only is the rent way below market, but I also pay all of the utilities (both to help my daughter out).  The agreement was that I would pay the utilities bills provided that they don't drastically increase over time.  Now that the boyfriend is staying there the one tenant is violating the lease, not only that, but the utilities have gone up with the boyfriend now there.  I've already texted the female tenant last month saying that because I pay the utilities he couldn't stay there on a regular basis or she would need to pay an increase.  She simply replied that she understood, however according to my daughter he's been there almost every night since.

I wanted to get some advice / help on what to do.  Do I ask her for a percentage increase when paying the rent in January, if so, how much of an increase can I ask for?  Do I confront her sooner to let her know that I'm aware that her boyfriend has been staying there and that she's in violation?  Based on what I've said, I believe she's in violation, but maybe I'm incorrect about this?  This is my first rental property so I'm still learning as it goes.

Thanks in advance.

@Jon Schwartz thanks for the reply, but the gas is not rely my concern, it's primarily the water bill that I would be concerned about.  

@Joe Homs from what I understand, if I have separate meters installed, it would be $30K.  Would a submeter be something different?  

@Matthew Forrest That's what my contractor suggested to split the bill approx. 60/40. My concern would be if lets say the ADU which would be paying 40% leaves the water running and the bill drastically goes up from one billing cycle to the next. The front house then says they didn't use the increased amount and shouldn't have to pay so much more.
What do I do in that case?  If could also because an issue with the house and ADU tenants, right?  

I'm having an ADU built from a detached garage which will be a 2/1, approx. 750 sf. The single family house is a 3/2 approx. 1200 sf.
The utilities are LADWP and gas, both properties would be on the same shared meters. 

Would love to get suggestions from those of you in the LA area on what would be the best way to split the utility bills?

Thanks~