You can’t create this precedent for you or any other one of your tenants.Snow removal is their job, end of story.The fact they they were going to sell the snowblower means that you need to start doing routine maintenance check ins at least once a month to make sure they aren’t stealing other things from you.Lastly, do not renew this tenant under any circumstance.On a personal level, the snowblower was very nice of you and for the right tenant with a good track record, it would be a nice gesture.

This is what I always suggest to first time investors, STRICTLY because its realistic and fairly easy to execute.  

Im on Zillow nightly so that would be an easy addition to my nightly routine.

In fact, here's one post that discusses how landlords there don't even bother taking security deposits (due to the strict ordinances) and instead take "move in fees": https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/826503-security-deposit-in-chicagoPoint is, if you really want information that will actually be helpful to you, I'd suggest posting what specific market you're actually in (or interested in) so people there can respond with advice tailored to that exact location.Just my two cents.

@Joshua Rowland, I agree with the rest regarding strictly the numbers.But I stay away from condos for 1 simple reason - I don't have full control over how my property is run and maintained. 

We never do on market deals they are strictly focusing on clients who are actually distressed and need to offload.

If anything, our screening criteria will become even more strict as it's pretty darn near impossible to evict at this point without being several months in the red. 

Are you strict on that policy?

This would help me get tax benefits on all the services being provided. (1) Strictly from a tax perspective, is this sustainable?

I would not be able to pay the water bill if the rent is not paid.Then the board of health will remove them with a "48 hour strict notice".If you don't receive rent, than you can't pay the water bill.Done this several times, it works!