All Forum Posts by: Xela Batchelder

Yes, it has me questioning them.  They are small, but they also have out-of-town people.  I have no idea how those people would deal without having them handle the evictions.

This is my first time having a property manager.  Looks like a tenant needs evicted that they booked into the house.  Who does the evictions?  I thought they would, but they are having me sign the Notice to Quit (and I assume later the eviction paperwork).  So I assume if it gets to a court situation I would have to show up, and not them? I haven't signed it yet.   I'm just wondering who usually deals with the eviction when you have a property manager.

(And can property managers do cash for keys?  They haven't suggested that, but that sounds like a better place to start.)

And yes, I'll be talking with them, and clear up all the assumptions, but want to go into the conversation knowing what is normal and expected from others who use Property Managers.  (ie if Property Managers never normally handle evictions, that will change how I ask these questions to them.)  THANKS!!!!

I'm planning on using a portion of one of my buildings to rent as a storage area.  I didn't see any boilerplate storage leases here at BiggerPockets.  Are there any good places for a base lease to start with for this?  (Yes, I have a lawyer who will look over it after I get something together to start with.)

OK, I guess it isn't super clear in the contract either.  It just says "For one house/dwelling the first months rent to clean, photograph, screen and place the tenant, and 10% of the monthly rent to manage it."  It isn't very specific about how it is calculated.  I was also wondering if it was a bit of a scam, but they are highly recommended in our town.  And never having used any Property Management company before I don't know what is usual or not.  So all your comments have been very helpful. I now know it could go either way depending on the contract.  And, I certainly know more questions to ask prior to hiring another company, (and it may be sooner rather than later).  I'll have to have a chat with them but wanted to go in knowing more about how other property management companies operate.  Thank you!

No, I don't!  It just always sounded like it was literally a % of what came in, to incentivize them to get good tenants.  So far the first tenant she got me went AWOL before 1 month was up, so she got that full month of rent for placing the tenant, and then this new tenant, and she got the first full month of rent, so she's made two months of rent, and then 10% of this month before I make anything.  But good to know you just pay the % if they collect rent or not.  Thanks!

I have my first property manager for one unit.  This is the second month this tenant has been in there, and he hasn't paid yet 21st of the month.  However, it is normal for the Property Management Company to charge the 10% on the first of the month if they get the rent or not?  My new property management company charged me the 10% on the first of the month (which I paid).  So just wondering if this is normal or not.

When you hire a Property Manager, does the Tenant sign the lease with the Property Manager or the Owner.  I have heard it could be either, if so - what are the pros and cons of each?

1. Pros and Cons of having the Property Manager sign the lease directly with the Tenant.

2. Pros and Cons of having the Property Manager have the owner sign the lease with the Tenant. (and then how does this work with eviction or other legal issues?  Do I as the owner have to do the eviction, since I'm on the lease and not the PM?  Does the Property Manager end up on any paperwork (besides the contract between them and me)?  What prevents the Tenant from demanding to just directly work with the owner?)

Thank you!!!

This is in the Bigger Pocket Leases: 

"Pest control, after the first ten (10) days of the Term of this Lease, shall be the sole responsibility of the Tenant, including, without limitation, prevention and remediation. Tenant shall keep the Premises free of all pests, including without limitation, rodents, fleas, bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, gnats, flies, and beetles. Tenant shall pay for all costs associated with remediating pests from the Premises and shall inform Landlord at first sighting of any pests in order to avoid any infestation of pests. In signing this Lease, Tenant agrees that Tenant has examined the Premises and certifies that it has not observed any pests in the Premises."

What insurance companies allow it?  Our long-time insurance company won't allow it and my kids do gymnastics and really want one.  I didn't know any policies allowed it.

That's a super nice ending to that situation!  Great idea!