All Forum Posts by: Tony Murphy

So I have a random question. I'm a teacher and I purchased my first duplex over the summer. One of my tenants is being relocated for work and she gave me very early notice that they're going to be moving on July 1st and I'll be on summer break then. In Mass (and I think other states) only owner-occupants can pull permits for renos but I want to put vinyl siding up myself (did it only my primary several years ago.) I wanted to know if I moved in temporarily for the amount of time required to finish the project (let's say 1-2 weeks,) would I be able to pull a permit? It would save me almost $5,000 but I didn't know if there were time requirements. The building inspector in my town is a complete a** and refused to answer my question either way. Anyone ever done this?

Joe, you have no idea what you are talking about! I had a pit bull growing up as a child and used to ride it around like a horse. It was the sweetest dog we ever had and would get another in a heart beat.

Thanks, Elizabeth. He's living at the apartment and I believe commuting to college. I know his income wouldn't cover the lease but it may not hurt to add him anyway.

Not to hijack the thread, but I purchased a property with tenants in place who have been there for 7yrs. The son is now maybe 19, would you require him to be on the lease or just leave the parents?

My parents used to take "taxes" out of my allowance every week when I was growing up. (They had really just set up a separate account for me without my knowledge) It helped me understand the value of a dollar and hard work.

I just purchased my first rental property last month and have been using RentTracker Pro. It doesn't have any fancy bells and whistles but it's free. I can track all of my income and expenses and it will create reports for me. My only complaint is that there is no way to make expenses as normal maintenance costs or capital improvements.

Thanks for the advice everyone, she did sign a new lease with the security deposit mentioned. Hopefully, that will be enough if she ever decides to pursue the issue. Hindsight is always 20/20 and I'll be doing an estoppel agreement next time.

So I just bought my first rental property, a duplex, from an elderly owner and was given the security deposits for both of the current tenants at closing. When I went to reintroduce myself to them, one of the tenants asked about her security deposit and the last months rent. According to the previous owner, he only has security deposits. There was no last month's rent given and the tenant says she can't find her paperwork showing that she actually paid it. She's been there 7yrs and neither the owner or she kept very good written records. Will I be responsible for the money if she decides to move out in a few years and is able to find the paperwork then, especially if God forbid, the previous owner has died? Would she need to go after his estate? I appreciate the help!