All Forum Posts by: Taylor Roeling

@Account Closed Sounds like you're a busy person! Ultimately, it is up to you and what you want to prioritize - there is nothing wrong with getting started in real estate investing right now and at an early age - in fact, as you will find out here on BP, many young adults buy their first property in their early twenties. Education also allows many opportunities for people career wise and there are those who balance property investing while going to school - once again, it's up to you and your financial position. Regardless, there are lots of helpful threads and people on Bigger Pockets ready to help! Best of luck!

Any good landlord knows having checklists is a great idea - saving time and keeping organized is a necessary part of the rental process! That's why we have created free downloadable checklists for the most important landlord situations including move-in, move-out, routine inspections, and drive-by inspections! To get all the checklists visit here.

@Jace Thornton This is a good question! Even though they are retired, you will still be able to pull credit, criminal, and eviction reports for the potential tenant! However, besides the hard data, you should get to know them personally - if they owned a house and are selling just to downsize than that's a different than if they had to sell it because they couldn't afford it. Although they haven't had a landlord in awhile, you can probably use your best judgement getting to know them and then also off of the background check and credit report. Check out the landlord resources tab on BP under tools and services to check out some tenant screening options. Best of luck! 

@Dale Abella The important thing to remember in this situation is that although he is your friend, you are also his landlord and he needs to follow all the rules and regulations provided in the lease. You can visit Law Depot for state specific leases - make sure you do get a lease from a reliable source instead of just creating one on your own. Some people have great success with renting to people they know and others can find it challenging - just be prepared for all the different situations that could arise from renting to a friend. Best of luck!

Evicting tenants can be a confusing and difficult job for any landlord. However, there a few things you need to be familiar with if the situation ever falls on you, including:

1. Understanding Your Landlord-Tenant Laws
2. Understanding Your Lease

To get the full guide on how to evict a tenant visit here. Being prepared before a situation arises will be in your best interest as a landlord. If you are looking for other landlord resources on Bigger Pockets, check out the Landlord Resources tab under tools and then services.

Hey BP members! Check out the new landlord resources tab on BP - if you are looking for helpful, simple, and FREE online tools as a landlord - TurboTenant is here to help! You can now find us under the tools tab, services and then landlord resources on Bigger Pockets: https://www.biggerpockets.com/tools/landlord-resources.

@Josiah Crocker Windsor, Colorado right?

@Nica Ferrante 

1) Yes! Make both tenants complete the application and background check so you have as much information about them as possible - you don't want to risk only one of them being clean on paper etc. Also, who knows what will happen in the future as one of them might move out for some reason.

2) If you use a free online application then most of the time they do charge fees - visit the landlord resources tab on BP under tools and then services so you can see some free options. 

3) I would do all of these things in the list - once again, if you use an online criminal background check and credit report then they will hit all of these things! (the fee won't be charged to you, but the tenant when they apply)

Good luck in your search!

Hi @Account Closed! I'm wondering if you told the landlord you were installing a new part to the toilet in the first place? A lot of times renters insurance will only cover specific items like if your computer or tv was stolen or damaged from an accident - since this pertains to the house, I feel the landlord should have some type of insurance claim on it. I would further ask both insurance companies to get more details regarding how to cover the cost - was the water damage significant?

@William Houstian This is a good question! However, if you are applying to live at the right place with an ethical and professional landlord, they should be able to tell what kind of renter you'd be. Obviously, they will probably do a background check and credit check which will show you will be able to pay on time and that you don't have a criminal record - furthermore, meeting with them in person and getting to know each other a little bit better will help determine if you will be the best fit for that landlord and their property. I feel like the "party" stereotype is usually associated with college students more as well and if you aren't in a college town, landlords probably wouldn't assume that. Just be yourself and it will all work out!