All Forum Posts by: Ruben S.

Hello guys! And happy Thanks Giving!

I purchased my 1st rental property in 09/2022 in CA with tenants with a lease expiring in Dec, 31 2022. 

I would like to get your answers in the following questions.

1. Can I increase the required security deposit on my inherent tenants? They have agreed with the new rent amount and I told them I would need to increase the security deposit to the same amount of the new rent. 

2. When do we sign the new lease? 30 days before the last one expires or on the last day the old one is expiring which is my case would be Dec 31st? 

3. If we're signing a new lease, do I have to send them like a letter reflecting the new rates for rent and security deposit, have them sign it, send it back to me and then send the new lease for signature? We have already talked over the phone and txt messages about the new rent and security deposit so I'm not sure if is there still need to send the first letter reflecting the increase on both rent and deposit. Or since They already agreed, I should just send the lease new for them to sign it.

also, what do you guys think about sending new lease electronically via app? I'm using RentRedi app and I noticed there is way to send new lease to tenants over the app. My rental property is a couple hrs aways from where I live, so time and travel are not easy for me.

Quote from @Richard F.:

Aloha,

It all depends on what the existing Rental Agreement states. If it was spelled out in that, the tenant would be responsible. If it is not addressed, likely will fall to the owner. Check local laws as well.

 Thank you.

This is my first property and I had to honor the lease period there was when I bought the property. However, tenants decieded to stay and I will include this on the new lease.

Quote from @Greg Scott:

Technically, the resident should be replacing the filters. However, filters are cheap and HVAC systems are not. 

On all of our properties we always replaced the filters at least 2x per year for free.  Changing the filters protects your asset.  It also lets your people get eyes on the inside of the unit to see if there are any lease violations.

Thank you. 

that is a very good point.

Quote from @Greg Scott:

Technically, the resident should be replacing the filters. However, filters are cheap and HVAC systems are not. 

On all of our properties we always replaced the filters at least 2x per year for free.  Changing the filters protects your asset.  It also lets your people get eyes on the inside of the unit to see if there are any lease violations.

Quote from @Eliott Elias:

My lease has the tenant replacing filters, refer to your lease 

Thank you for the info. 
The agreement we have does not mention filters. However, Dec 31, we will renew the lease that there was when I bought the property a couple months ago. I will include this in the new lease.
By any chance, do you know a site where I can create a legal lease? The one BP has on the website does not include everything we would like to include in a lease agreement in CA.
Thanks 

Hi guys and happy early Thanks Giving!!

Quick question:

who is responsible for replacing ac/heat filters on the unit? Teant or landlord?

Just acquired my first rental property and managing it myself so im not sure who takes care if this filter that wr need to change every 2 months.

The property is located is california and I inhered the tenats as well.

Thanks in advance

Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Quote from @Ruben S.:

Biggerpockets sells a Lease Agreement Package under "TOOLS" at the top of your screen. $100 for a lease and several other documents, written by investors and attorney approved for your state. It's better than what you'll get from most attorneys and what you'll find on the internet.

 Thank you. That was very helpful. So much appreciate it.

Quote from @Eliott Elias:

What state are you in? 

 Thanks for your reply.

I'm in California and need it for same state

Quote from @Sergey A. Petrov:

Your pro membership gives you access to those right here on BP

 Thanks for your reply!

I have to look for them I had no idea they offer those right here! Do they have for every state? I need one for California 

thanks 

Quote from @Jessie Lang:

Do you plan to keep the resident? If they are already on an active lease (not month to month) you may need to keep the current lease terms until it expires. That's how it is in OH at least

They are on a lease but according to my realtor the property manager is going away when I close the scrow and I'm taking over the tenants so the realtor suggested to get a new lease from me. However, the terms of the current lease will remain the same (rent amount, fees, end date of lease..,) 
The realtor suggested to get a new lease from me everything the same but now month to month. Any suggestions?