@Austin Davis - Here’s how an attorney explained pet fees as a “prohibited provision” at a Cedar Rapids landlord training earlier this year.NOT okay:Non-refundable pet depositMonthly pet fees (increased rent)OK:Refundable pet deposits (up to a total deposit of 2x rent)Withholding security deposit or charging for expenses incurred due to the pets (i.e. vacuuming animal hair out of ductwork)The gist he conveyed was that fees (not just with pets) could get you in trouble, but charging for incurred expenses is ok.

It wasn't in bad shape, the owner was a non-smoker with no animals and had help come in to clean.

Professional HelpIf the infestation is severe or if you're dealing with dangerous pests like venomous spiders or aggressive rodents, it's best to call a professional pest control service.Environmental HazardsEnvironmental hazards are things in our surroundings that can be harmful to our health or the environment itself.These hazards can come in many forms, and it's essential to be aware of them to stay safe.One common environmental hazard is pollution.This can include air pollution, where harmful gases and particles are released into the air, making it difficult to breathe and causing health problems.Water pollution is another concern, where chemicals and contaminants get into our water sources, making them unsafe to drink or swim in.Soil pollution can harm plants and animals, disrupting ecosystems.Other environmental hazards include natural disasters like hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods.These events can cause significant damage to homes and communities and pose risks to human life.To protect ourselves and the environment, we must be mindful of these hazards and take steps to reduce our impact on the planet.This includes conserving resources, reducing pollution, and being prepared for natural disasters.By understanding and addressing environmental hazards, we can create a safer and healthier world for ourselves and future generations.Safety FeaturesSafety features are like the guardians of a property, making sure everyone inside stays safe and sound.These important elements are like your own personal superheroes, always ready to protect you from harm.Let's take a closer look at what safety features are and why they matter.Safety features in a property include things like smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and even security systems.These devices are designed to alert you if there's a danger, like a fire or a gas leak, so you can take action quickly.Smoke detectors are like little detectives that can sense smoke in the air.When they do, they make a loud beeping noise to let you know there might be a fire.Carbon monoxide detectors are like sniffing machines that can detect a colorless and odorless gas that can be very harmful.

The only time I'd have a rental with a pool would be the following conditions:- Property must be high end and attract high quality tenants who are more likely to care about maintaining it, will be observant enough to notify you of any issues with it, and will exercise some personal responsibility (keeping gates shut, dipping leaves out of skimmer and pool, filling it with water when it gets low and remembering to shut it off, etc)- The pool itself should have a fence around it to keep out children and animals from accessing it.

Talk to enough homeowners and you'll soon find someone willing to sell at a wholesale price, especially if the owner lives out of state.Driving for Dollars: The last method is to simply drive around and look for homes in disrepair... things like uncut grass, broken down cars in the driveway, or properties that could really use a fresh coat of paint.

No thought about the Future.Funny, when I used to teach about Real Estate in NYC and talk about why you need to take into account the future economics, I emphasized it by using the animal kingdom.If a Squirrel knows that he needs to gather nuts before the winter, implying that he is preparing for the future, why don't most of us Investors look to calculate the amount of nuts we need for our future winters?

What is an Emotional Support Animal (ESA)?

Aside from that, I recommend you establish an Assistance Animal Policy that provides additional reasonable elements that must be followed, such as requiring a current veterinarian's report; requiring spay/neuter unless contra-indicated by the veterinarian; identifying chip or collar; and, in the case of a Multifamily property, animal must be carried or in a carrier when in confined common areas such as elevators and stairwells, unless doing so interferes with the animal's task or service for the disabled person.

They had a white coating that the remediation company sprayed on them.

The entire house got a fresh coat of paint (interior + exterior).