I’m moving out of the house soon and will be living rent-free with my wife at my parents' place in the Bay Area due to some recent life changes.Here’s a breakdown of my situation:Location: Sacramento, CA (4 bed, 2 bath, recently renovated)Current mortgage payment: $3,940/month (including escrow)Mortgage balance: $475,000Current home value: $515,000 - $535,000 (based on comps)Rental estimate: Property management companies are quoting $2,600/month (with fridge/washer/dryer included), but some websites suggest it could go for up to $3,000/month.Planned budget:$540/month for capital expenditures and maintenance$100/month for lawn careTenant to cover utilities (gas, electricity, water)7.5% vacancy rateWe bought the house thinking it would be our forever home, but with our current situation, I’m trying to figure out the best long-term plan.

We also try not to install fridges with water dispensers or ice makers but if we do, we put in our rental agreement that tenant is responsible for any repair to water/ice makers. 

We had to have 3 major things done while we had it rented out. 1.The fridge went out so we ordered a delivery and haul away service from Lowes. 2.The oven went out and we also ordered a delivery and haul away service from Lowes. 3.

I always have a well-stocked fridge of beer, tequila, vodka, and even wine!

But remember that for studios, tenants typically would pay their own cable, electric and other utilities and maintenance, so the gap is bigger than just the base rent comparison.Our tenants have the option of paying an extra $10/week to have a mini-fridge in their room, and $10/week for weeks they want a window A/C unit.

But first… I think my wife left some cake in the fridge and for some reason I can’t shake it from my head ….

The lease already spells out the property owner's responsibilities regarding who is responsible for the repair of certain items like the fridge and AC. 

If you have a guest and the fridge goes out, the stove goes out, the AC goes out - whatever it is, has to be done ASAP.

The appliances are also all brand new installed this year- fridge, dishwasher, and washer/dryer.

NEW TENANT GIFTSHere's what we give new tenants.....Cleaning Bucket with Cleaning Supplies:white vinegar, baking soda, awesome degreaser, disinfectant wipes, carpet spot cleaner, magic eraser, all purpose cleaner, scrub sponge.Tote Bag with Useful Items and Tools:hand soap, paper towels, plastic garbage bags, toilet paper, toilet plunger, Zip-It (strip for clearing hair clogs from drains), plastic clothes hangers (6), shower curtain liner (good quality cloth one), laundry detergent, dish soap/dish detergent, cutting board, "Freeze the Grease, Save the Drain" kit, “Recycle” bag for collecting materials for recyling, magnet with our name and contact information, picture hangers.Refreshments In the Fridge (for move-in day): several bottles of water, healthy snacks, bottle of sparking cider with a welcome note attached.Larger items: Welcome mat, shoe tray.