All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

I currently manage vacation rentals. I have been very interested in doing this for a while now. Please let us know how this turns out.

Only twice have I rented to someone sight unseen, and I will never do it again. It isn't about meeting the people, but what if they hate the place when they get there? That was my problem. The people checked out just fine, but when they arrived, they complained about everything. They hated it and said it wasn't what they thought it would be. They made such a stink about it, that I just gave them all their money back and sent them on their way. I could tell they would be a nightmare for a year if I made them stick to the lease. My new policy: I never rent to anyone unless they have seen the place first. If they are moving across the country and can't come see it, then they can call someone else. 

I am a property manager and it drives me crazy when someone jumps to "fire your pm immediately", because sometimes people just make mistakes. However, in this case, I have to agree with @Thomas S. This guy needs to go.

The PM should never let tenants move in their stuff early. Now, like you said, they have keys and have not paid rent and have not switched utilities in their name. If they decide not to pay that first month's rent, now they have to be evicted. You could also have a liability issue. What if someone gets hurt? Or, someone steals their stuff? Who is responsible?

I would only allow someone to move in early with an addendum to the lease and their rent and utilities taken care of. 

@Jeff Gates That link is too funny!

The carpets can probably be cleaned. The smell might be another story. Take plenty of pictures of everything and you should be fine, if she protests any of the charges. Document everything, including all conversations with her.

I actually had this exact issue come up a couple of months ago. I told him that they both signed the lease and are both liable, so I can't take her name off. I told him that when the lease ends, we could discuss renewing with just him. He has actually been really great and pays rent 2-3 days early every single month. I have no problem renewing with just his name on the lease.

@John Dirgo Deweese: My favorite new line: "We didn't physically prevent her from being stupid." I love it.

Yes, I could probably write a book about all the crazy homeowners I have had to deal with over the years. And, the guests are even worse! Just a couple of weeks ago, a guest called me because "the linen closet is in disarray." I sent the housekeeper over to straighten it up for her (I wouldn't want it keeping her up at night), and the woman sent the housekeeper home with all the linens in the house and made her wash them and bring them back. Sheesh.

As a property manager, I have fired many clients over the years. I work really hard and do my best with all of my clients. Most of my clients are awesome and we get along great. Unfortunately, I occasionally come across someone that thinks they can treat me any way they want, talk to me any way they want, and get super nit picky about things. This really is with my vacation rental business and has not been an issue with the full-time rentals.

I had one homeowner that wanted me to replace all of the steps to her deck (at my expense) because a small piece of wood had chipped or worn off the front of some of the steps. I tried to explain to her that they are wooden. That is normal wear and tear. All the steps at most cabins look like that. She threw a fit about it, and several other little things like that, so I told her we were done. That woman was a nightmare.

The bottom line is that when the hassle factor of a client outweighs the money I make, it's time for them to go. 

Your best bet is to call the Dept of Real Estate in Colorado and get a definite answer. In California, I have to be licensed to do property management for rentals of 30 days or more. But, I also manage vacation rentals and don't have to be licensed for that. 

Feel free to email me to ask any questions you want regarding managing a vacation rental company. I've been doing it for several years. 

By the way, I have relatives in Buena Vista, CO. That's a really nice place.