All Forum Posts by: Michael Rodriguez

I've been noticing the trash (mainly empty beer cans) building up in the ally driveway entrance to my duplex. This ally is also shared with a gas station 50 feet away. I've confirmed tonight that 3 homeless men are hanging out in this area as there are small trees and brush that give some cover from the weather. I'd assume they are camping there as well. My tenants haven't mentioned anything but I need to deal with this as quickly as possible.

Does anyone have experience with this? If anyone is in the Columbus area, do you know of any support services that might help sway them away from my property? I hate to get the Police involved but my tenants' safety is top priority. 

@Linda Liberatore @Thomas S.

Thanks for the responses! Great points and I have much to consider. 

My first duplex had existing tenants. They pay rent on-time, let me know of issues/concerns quickly, and take care of the property. Law forces me to honor their current lease agreement which ends in July. They signed a pet addendum to the existing landlord's lease (with no pet deposit) for their 1 year old boxer who I've found has had a few accidents in the house. They've expressed interest in renewing. I would prefer to not allow pets due to smells/floor damage/etc. but they've been great tenants.

What recommendations does the BP community have when I transfer these tenants to my lease? 

My thoughts are: 1) Non-refundable pet deposit due at signing 2) cleaning service due at start and end of new lease 3)sign my own pet addendum to avoid risk of losing a good tenant and use existing deposit to pay for cleaning service at end of term

Any other thoughts? Thanks in advance!

Thanks for the advice @Bill Bodziak and @Nicole A. I appreciate the insight. 

I recently purchased a duplex with tenants and their current lease allows a dog. The dog is using the house as her personal litter-box. Under Ohio Law, I must honor the lease the tenants signed with the previous owner. Does anyone have advice on how I can remain on good terms with my tenants AND get the messaging across? They have 6 months remaining on their lease and there are original oak floors that are absorbing the smell of a dog boarding facility. Their deposit did transfer with the sale but I fear the urine damage might surpass the cost to refinish. Thanks for the help!

Originally posted by @Jessie Niu:

Congrats! I just closed my first Duplex too couple of days ago!! I've been to COREE meeting for several months and quite like it. What area is your Duplex located at? 

 Thanks everyone! It's located in the Old North area of Columbus. I'm glad to hear so many positive experiences with COREE. I'll definitely have to check out their next meeting.

Hi Everyone, Closing on my first duplex tomorrow to officially kick off this new journey. I'll be a part-timer as I build knowledge (and hopefully more properties) but I can see this becoming a full-time gig in the future. Been following BP since my first interest and looking forward to contributing to the community. For starters, does anyone in the area know of good networking events/groups? Thanks in advance for the advice! Mike