All Forum Posts by: Russell W.

@Peter M. I've been thinking the same thing- It says I have to pay for it but nowhere does it say I can't pass that cost along to the tenant. Unfortunately for me I don't hold security deposits (as I understand many Chicago landlords don't) because of all the red-tape with the Chicago residential-landlord-tenant-ordinance, so it may be difficult to get reimbursed. Definitely agree that it's in my best interest to get the mitigation done before it becomes a bigger problem. 

These particular tenants have been there more than a year, so it was not an existing issue.

Fun fact I learned this week: Chicago landlords are required to pay for pest management services to get rid of bed bugs in a tenant's apartment, according to the Chicago Department of Public Health - "Preventing Bed Bugs" lease addendum; "What are my landlord's responsibilities under this ordinance? 3) Get rid of the bed bug infestation by providing pest control services by a pest management professional and paying for this service". Luckily it was caught early and is not bad.

I had a tenant reach out to me this week with concerns about a possible bed bug situation in their unit. They asked if I would please take care of the problem and my knee-jerk reaction was "no, that is your problem" but then I thought I better consult my lease before I respond. Lo and behold there was the language. Not sure that the tenant is even aware of the language, but I also don't want to create problems for myself later if/when they do find it. 

Thought I'd share to to make others aware, as I had absolutely no idea this fell under a landlord responsibility. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Clearly Charlie has the expertise here, but I will emphasize the importance of a wide-angle lens for interior shots, especially tight bathrooms, etc. It does wonders compared to a mid-range that typically comes with a DSLR "kit" or an iphone 

Same process to install, just a different product. Pound for pound slightly more expensive material because it is a "modified polymer" for the reason of preventing shrinkage. 

If you're going the way of packing the gaps, I would suggest a high strength non-shrink grout rather than your typical bagged concrete. The concrete will contract as water evaporates over time. Also, if it gives you a better sense of security, look into installing some Simpson "hurricane ties" to better connect your joists to the foundation wall.

 The attitude from a tenant that having uninterrupted hot water use, after a hot water heater failure, is unreasonable. Do you have a standby generator in case there is loss of power? Perhaps the question you should be asking yourself is "why am I unable to get a plumber to replace a hot water heater the same day it fails?"

Agreed with Jim. A HWH replacement is a dime-a-dozen type job for any plumber. It's a half day job to replace it. There should be no reason a tenant is waiting more than a day or two at most as you compare quotes.

If you have the time and the right tools, there is no reason you can't do this yourself. The absolute best resource for this is Youtube videos by Jeff Thorman - Home RenoVision. He was a guest on the podcast not too long ago. I did a bathroom in my primary residence as well; took my time, watched, rewatched and rewatched videos again (as I was doing the work) and was thrilled with the outcome. Would love to see before and after pics if you take it on!

Congrats! Would love to see progress pics when you get further along. T&D Electrical is local to the area and I've used them before. Fair pricing and they went over and above what I was expecting. Definitely recommend. 

One big thing to consider is that you'll need to run new water supply to the coach house, as well as new sewer lines away from the coach house to the street. That all needs to be below frost depth of 42", so it's no small job. This would all be in place already for a basement unit, you would just be tapping in to route new lines. Depending on what Evanston allows/doesnt allow, the coach house may require it's own separate metered supply (i.e. you might not be able to take it off the existing building supply). Just something to consider as you're weighing your options