All Forum Posts by: Steeve Breton

Anyone have experience renting to a blind tenant? I have a great candidate, seems like a good/clean tenant. As does his 20yr old daughter who will live with him. Planning to move forward with his application. My two questions are as follows.

1. How to proceed with signing lease? I'm sure he has the answer (e.g. his daughter may read it to him and then he sign it.). Any recommendations? Should I have my lawyer present at signing and have it notarized?

2. What sort of accommodations might I expect a blind tenant to request? He doesn't have a companion dog but I would certainly allow it.

Any other considerations?

PS. I self manage this unit

Steeve

Hi Shaun, I believe we met at Boston ARIEA last year.

After all expenses (including lawn care, snow removal, etc.) and setting aside for $2,000 in maintenance/upgrades/repairs and 8% vacancy (which is very unlikely here) I'm getting $275 per door per month after taxes on one and $320 on the other. Granted I am self managing and not "paying myself" for it. But in the end I am the only owner so I get all the returns and upside.

These properties will carry themselves just fine but this area is too expensive & returns too small.

Great question. I'm in a similar position. Own a duplex and a triplex close to home and looking in other markets for 10-30 unit properties. I did some networking and was introduced to a friend of a friend who has done quite a bit of commercial-residential investing. I'll be getting his help and advice but also wondering as you are about working with a broker.

I'll keep my opinion to myself for now since as a newbee it's not yet worth $.02

I know I'm replying to a dated post but figured I'd share my Boston suburbs (metro west) experience. I have a duplex and a triplex. Both in the $300,000 + range. I'm getting 1% on both of them.

They are both C+ properties in quiet blue collar neighbs. They were purchased with very little deferred maint. Probably could do slightly better if buying something that could use a little sweat equity but my 1099 job (and family/social life) is too demanding for that.

PS. Currently looking to buy & hold outside of the North East to get better returns. Just wanted to stay close to home to start with.

Thanks all for the responses. Good point about getting someone who is very thorough, especially here in MA.

Thanks Eric for the specific reference.

For sure someone who is professional (on time, etc.). I certainly wouldn't want to hide anything. I want to offer a safe place for kids in my units.

More importantly someone who can recommend cost effective ways to remedy any issues. I've seen other BP posts where people said an inspector saved them some money. I assume this is by offering sound advice... e.g. where painting over trim would be sufficient rather than just telling you to rip and replace all of your window trim and door casings.

Hi Ann,

Thanks for the quick response. I agree that lead is binary (exists or does not). I suspect there are some lead inspectors who will be more difficult to deal with than others. Perhaps I should rephrase the post to:

Wanted: MA Lead Paint Inspector who is relatively easy to deal with.

Hi Rob,

This is a 3 bedroom unit and EVERYONE inquiring is asking me for lead certificates because they all have young children.

I'm fairly certain there is no longer lead to be concerned with... or if there is it would be relatively inexpensive to remediate at this point. I'd like to have certificates in hand as it will make the property more marketable.

Also, if I rent to families with small children and claim "no knowledge of lead paint" I am still liable for lead poisoning in the future. MA is extremely tenant friendly.

Hi All,

I'm buying my 2nd rental property in Framingham, MA. It is 100+ years old but was completely renovated in 2004. Would like to have an inspector verify that there is no lead concern. Looking for a "Landlord Friendly Lead Paint Inspector".

Thanks in advance for any references.

Steeve