What are
/r/Landlord's
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/Landlord:
The most popular Services mentioned in /r/Landlord:
Nextdoor
craigslist
Pastebin.com
DocHub
Airbnb
Hotels.com
ConsumerReports.org
Netflix
This Person Does Not Exist
myNoise
Capterra
Intuit QuickBooks
Tellus
IFTTT
Barnes & Noble
The most popular Android Apps mentioned in /r/Landlord:
The most popular reviews in /r/Landlord:
Your friend who is local will soon find out that there is no actual room, and you just got scammed out of $1250 in a classic Nigerian / Craigslist scam.
Start looking for another room today, and find one you can personally see, not one you see pictures of on Craigslist.
It sounds like he's a great tenant other than the occasional noise at night.
You want an easy solution?
I'm completely serious. My wife snores and likes to watch TV late in bed, but I can put earplugs in and I sleep like a baby.
This really could be a problem with an $8.99 solution.
That dude is sniffing your panties
Get a wireless security camera. 2 for $50.
https://www.amazon.com/YI-Security-Wireless-Surveillance-Detection/dp/B076BL7JVS/
Put one somewhere inconspicuous pointed at your door and one in the bedroom.
If you find evidence, talk to a lawyer.
Also check your underwear drawer. If you’re type a you might take a photo before you leave the house. He might be stealing which is another criminal charge.
are you the one providing the internet access to him, ie, it is your name and credit card details on the account with the ISP? if so, i would just let your tenant get their own internet connection themselves, so you dont have to be involved. the last thing i want to do is call tech support for my tenants.
otherwise there isn't anything you can do, if they are using that much in one day they are either streaming or downloading movies with torrents. either way, they might be getting throttled by your ISP to slow down their speed.
have them go to FAST.COM or speedtest.net and send you a screenshot when they are having issues. if it is close to the speed that you are paying for, then tell them to kick rocks.
How long have they been staying there? If they have been there for a while then they may have tenants rights and you will need to evict.
Ok, that sounded bad, yes? On the plus side, Airbnb has a massive insurance policy. Check it out: https://www.airbnb.com/host-protection-insurance
Hope that helped!
You can calculate exactly how much the electricity costs if you check the bulbs and do some math. Electricity is billed in kWh, with mine being between $0.10 and $0.15 per kWh. (a kWh is 1,000 watts used for 1 hour) You can also buy a kill-a-watt ($20 amazon) to tell you how much you are using.
I would not charge extra rent for turtles, as they don't contribute to wear and tear, but I would increase the deposit because I've heard aquariums can lead to water damage.
I hope everything works out ok.
First: Buy one of these kits: https://www.amazon.com/Methamphetamine-Residue-Detection-Test/dp/B00BNEDSQ0
Second: Announce a home inspection to change filters or whatever. Then use the kit to test the surface for meth.
You can decide what to do after you get a positive result.
If you decide to go the TurboTax route, I picked up the premier edition from Staples for $46 last week.
Found the deal here. https://slickdeals.net/newsearch.php?src=SearchBarV2&q=turbotax&searcharea=deals&searchin=first
You might think about installing something like this. They come in lots of colors so it could be functional and decorative. https://www.amazon.com/Soundproof-Absorbing-Acoustical-Treatment-Recording/dp/B08XJXC6NH/ref=mp_s_a_1_10?dchild=1&keywords=Acoustical+Wall+Panels&qid=1620222217&sr=8-10
> The lease stipulates that the internet is only to be used for school purposes.
i don't know about CA contract/lease law, but it's possible that you can contract away your right to do certain things with the Internet. On one hand, if the place is cheap enough, it could be worth it.
But I'd be really cautious about living someplace where they monitor what you do with the Internet. That's seriously creepy. But if it's cheap enough ... yeah, I'd consider it, and do my private browsing over my phone tethered.
Note that there are technical solutions to this. Pretty much what people in China use. Like a VPN service. You pay $5/month or so, and all your Internet traffic is encrypted and goes first through the VPN. No one can see what you're doing.
https://duckduckgo.com/?q=vpn+proxy&t=ffsb&ia=web
Another technical solution is to use TorBrowser. It's slower and some sites won't work, but it's free.
Definitely end this relationship. Lesson learned, never send a word document and never sign a lease ahead of time. I recommend using online document signing programs for leases. As the landlord you should always control the lease, upload it as a pdf and invite the tenant to sign/initial/date in the areas you indicate in the online program. You'll never have this issue again. You can use dochub for 3 free online sign requests per month if you only have a few leases per year. Or if you need to use some of their features for only the summer months you can sign up for only one or two months at a time, which is also nice.
Landlording by Leigh Robinson. Excellent and no-nonsense. Contains a lot of sample forms, checklists, and concepts you can use immediately.
​
Years ago I used to recommend the "BiggerPockets" stuff but honestly the signal-to-noise ratio there has gone way down - now there's a lot of "motivational" type content packed into their articles and podcasts and that honestly turns me off. I might be in the minority but content that's marketed as "educational" but spends a good deal of time on "motivating the reader / listener" always bothers me.
Put a lock box on the property for repairment: electrictians, plumbers, etc.
Wehn you go back to stay there, is the basement separately metered? Or are the tenants going to be subsidizing your use when you are there. If so make sure the lease is written accordingly, also that the provision you put in there is legal.
The goal is to stop the draft by sealing around a leaky window, they are pretty inexpensive. So anything that accomplishes that will work. Blankets help but will still let air through.
The other important part is heating a small space, most space heaters are designed for a office or small bedroom.
Wrapping a bedroom and only heating that room will probably save $15 on utilities over trying to heat the living room.
Duck Brand Indoor 5-Window Shrink Film Insulator Kit, 62-Inch x 210-Inch, 286217.
Buy something like this https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Additional-Unauthorized-Traveling-Apartment/dp/B07S8V3LCJ
And use it when you’re home. He’s only allowed to come inside with no notice for emergencies. Otherwise 24 hr notice is required. Stand up for yourself...don’t let this guy walk all over you - after all you are paying him ...
It honestly depends where you live, such as a tenants union that you can research and pursue follow up. For example, this is Seattles: http://www.tenantsunion.org/en . I think it comes down to how much effort you want to deal with this. Do you have natural gas coming in to your place? If not it really may not be worth it. If you're very concerned, you need immediately remedy, and the landlord is dragging their feet, here's one from Amazon from $20 https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-CO400-Battery-Monoxide/dp/B000N8OYXI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1475004662&sr=8-2&keywords=c02+detector
I second what u/deey728 says. You can have a polite chat with your landlord and voice your concerns. I don't find it unreasonable at all. If you're not interested in fogging, you could try some flea traps. There are cheaper ones than this one on Amazon, but this had the higher rating and refills are easy to find. I'm not sure how effective they are, but I'd say it's worth some research until you get the overall problem resolved.
Dude, how is this even an issue??? You're giving the rest of us landlords a bad name. Clean your property up! It's not that difficult to get some rat poison and toss it under there. Get this stuff from Amazon (JT Eaton 709-AP Bait Block... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007A60AMA?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share) it works great. Toss a dozen or so down there ever 6 months.
Trailer home are inheritely a rodent haven due to the crawl space. You need to be proactive, stop spending so much time fighting your renters and take care of them. That's what they pay you for.
I had a similar issue - I ordered an ozone generator off amazon for about 80 bucks, sealed the place up, and ran it for about a week. Got rid of some serious cat odor. This place did not have carpets though - you may end up having to replace carpet/pad. Note: Ozone is a lung and sinus irritant, and not good to breathe, but it dissipates quickly once the unit is turned off (it actually also just has a timer if you want to run it a short time and let it shut itself off). I just held my breath, went in, turned it off, went out, waited a few hours with the house fan running. This was a stand-alone house, I would not recommend it for an apartment or duplex if there are other occupied units.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JAP7388/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
How it works: https://www.randrmagonline.com/articles/86744-ozone-101-using-oxygen-molecules-for-odor-removal
They make safety locks that you use an allen key to screw into the window track so the window can only open a few inches. You decide where on the track to screw them on and they basically get in the way of the window opening. Does no damage to the window at all and costs very little for the peace of mind.
https://www.amazon.ca/Maxdot-Adjustable-Sliding-Aluminum-Security/dp/B07DFCX3RB. I've never tried that brand I was just putting the link so you can see what I'm talking about.
Top of Line Rigid is admittedly 2k for kit. However, home owner grade kit is $150
Doesn't surprise me that Cox wants to charge $100 for a $7.00 plate.
Shitty landlord is shitty, but you can do it yourself very easily. Even though the internet installation is normally a tenant's responsibility, a replaced wall plate is way better than a tenant authorizing random holes drilled and ugly exterior wires stapled about, so I would replace the plate, if I was the landlord.
Not only weird, but illegal. Per FL law he owes you a written notice, 12-hours in advance (unless it's a real emergency). Check your lease because it almost certainly contains a clause about this. He can't simply let himself in whenever he wants.
The very first thing I would do is to buy a door security bar and keep it in place to prevent entry whenever you're home. Living alone you should have one anyway.
I would then have a conversation with the LL to let him know his actions are unacceptable and illegal, and that you won't tolerate one more violation. I would also contact a local tenant advocate to see what else they recommend just in case this guy has a history of doing this. And if necessary I wouldn't hesitate to call the police.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.ca/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor like you is likely to follow. It includes advice for working with real estate agents, hunting for a good deal when buying, finding and managing contractors, how and where to advertise units, how to arrange showings, general property management advice, and deciding when and how to sell. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
For your specific question, everyone who becomes a landlord has exactly the same fears you do. The key to avoiding the problems you're describing is to carefully screen tenants. The people I've known who have had a bad experience as a landlord "went with their gut" deciding who to rent to. I've never had to evict a tenant who passed my screening, which is a 621+ credit rating, no criminal history, and no evictions or other legal disputes with landlords. Many landlords require the tenant to provide proof their income is above a certain level.
If you're sharing space with the tenant, it's more of a boarding house / roommate type situation. I don't get into this specifically in my book, but I'd make sure it's someone you wanted to be around a lot (since you will be). Decide on the type of person you want to live with, then look for someone like that (on top of the above screening criteria).
If you read my book, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.ca/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor like you is likely to follow. It includes advice for working with real estate agents, hunting for a good deal when buying, finding and managing contractors, how and where to advertise units, how to arrange showings, general property management advice, and deciding when and how to sell. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
For your specific question, my approach is fairly similar to /u/incomprehensibilitys and what /u/RJ5R describes sounds very reasonable. It isn't great to be so far away from your properties that you find going over to be a pain (I eventually got rid of my property that was 45 minutes away and kept the ones that were closer).
If you read my book, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.ca/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor like you is likely to follow. It includes advice for working with real estate agents, hunting for a good deal when buying, finding and managing contractors, how and where to advertise units, how to arrange showings, general property management advice, and deciding when and how to sell. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
For your specific questions:
If I have my rent set right, I can usually rent out a property within a week of listing it. Often much faster.
I'll use anything that's free. In my area, that usually meant Craigslist and Facebook marketplace.
People making an appointment to come see it then not showing up. It's maddening. Some landlords do "open houses" where everyone who is interested has to come in a 3 hour block of time to avoid this.
If you read my book, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.ca/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor like you is likely to follow. It includes advice for working with real estate agents, hunting for a good deal when buying, finding and managing contractors, how and where to advertise units, how to arrange showings, general property management advice, and deciding when and how to sell. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
The first property I bought and rented out was in Toronto (later I was a landlord in the US), so it has a Canadian perspective, but doesn't get detailed about specific laws.
Variance needed between rent and expenses is a personal comfort / risk tolerance issue. Some people, especially in Ontario and Toronto, accept a monthly LOSS on rentals, hoping to make it up in appreciation (I wouldn't recommend this).
If you read my book, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.ca/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor like you is likely to follow. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
It sounds to me like you've gotten a professional tenant, who moved in intending to not pay rent. I would begin evicting them today. Most markets have a lawyer who is the "go to" guy for evictions, has a streamlined process, and all the local landlords use him. Talk to other landlords in your area and see if you can find him. As other commenters have said, do not try to evict or pressure the tenant to leave yourself.
If you read my book, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
Of course you have a right to privacy. You are paying rent so the LL can't just give access to others without first coordinating with you. If you read your lease you probably agreed to allow him to show the property, but he still owes you advance notice.
It sounds like you won't be living there much longer, but if you can't change the lock code I would at least get a door security bar to wedge under the handle to keep people out.
>"bathroom lighting sets"
The $40 farmhouse one that needs bulbs? I would rather buy a used $60 LED set like this one: amazon.com/dp/B08HYS7D2K
It's only $14 more.
I do most of my own maintenance so a lot of these are maintenance orientated.
I get these brushes off amazon. At $3 ea they save me tons of money over the big box stores. They're not amazing, but their good enough for every paint job I've done so far. They come in assorted packages and style options.
Also, check out the Copper Creek line on Amazon for knobs and locks. They are well made, the finish is very good and I save a lot of money replacing interior bedroom and closet knobs. They ship a little dry so I put a few drops of oil in the action before install
A black light flash light will light up pet stains bright orange for inspections and finding smells
A good bolt cutter will remove padlocks or dog chains left behind by tenants. I rarely have use it but its nice to have.
Learning to sweat pipe, repack valves and replace fittings will save you thousands of dollars in plumbing costs
Buy WIRED carbon monoxide and smoke detector combos. Tenants don't replace batteries. Yes, this may require adding a box
Switch everything over to LED. They last much longer. Tenants don't replace bulbs and when they leave, half the bulbs in the house are burnt out. Also, tenants save on electric and I'll help them save any way they can to make paying rent easier
Garbage disposal, water heater, sump pump, bath vanities, faucets - buy the good one. Pay the extra cash or you'll be back a couple years later doing the same job
thanks for your input! i may certainly consider upgrading. it's the levoit 300 designated for "large" rooms but coudl certainly be the case that bigger would be better.
I just had the same exact issue. Building code enforcement wants the windows to open and close without being propped up. The city Historic Society wants me to keep the original 164 year old windows if possible.
My handyman used this type of lock on 2 places to keep the windows raised or lowered: simple lock
The code enforcement said good to go as it met their requirements.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.ca/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor like you is likely to follow. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
The first property I bought and rented out was in Toronto (later I was a landlord in the US), so it has a Canadian perspective, but doesn't get detailed about specific laws.
If you read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor is likely to follow. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
One of the big ideas in the book is how valuable it is to self-manage. Even if you eventually hire a property management company, self-managing first will help you "manage the manager".
If you read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
My sympathies as a landlord who's had to remove those smells. They replaced the carpet. Did they replace the padding? In the past when I've had this problem, the smell also soaks into the sub floor and trim boards near peed areas.
A black light can illuminate dry dog and cat pee. You can hunt for problem spots, possibly roll back carpet in the worst offending areas. I know it can be hard to tell exactly where its coming from. Rest assured although it may seem like it, the smell doesn't come from walls and ceilings so focus on carpets and baseboards where a dog could pee. Also, one heavily soiled spot can make the whole house smell; this was the case with a tenants cat peeing in one corner of a bedroom. The entire house punched you in the face, but it was just one corner that needed cleaned up.
I've used this with great success - like, all uric smells completely gone. It has its OWN funky smell (like a chemical cleaner) that fades over time. But certainly better than uric acid smells. I had to use it on large areas of subfloor. Some of the soiled trim and baseboard just had to go.
https://www.amazon.com/Rocco-Roxie-Supply-Co-Professional/dp/B00CKFL93K
Sucks, because it shouldn't be your responsibility. Up to you whether you wanna fight them about it or move on, but maybe my post helps.
I use an ozone generator. I've had the same problem as you with non-smoking smokers in a unit.
Do not buy one of the pretty looking ones you see in a retail store. Get a commercial one that are way stronger. I've attached a link to what they look like, but this isn't a recommendation for this particular one.
DO NOT stay in the room while it's operating, or even in the apartment or house. For every hour the machine operates, add another hour to the time before it's safe for you to go into it.
https://www.amazon.com/Enerzen-Commercial-Industrial-Deodorizer-Sterilizer/dp/B01M7VOSH1
Not disagreeing with your experience here, but as an update these days you can find quite durable "renters" faucets delivered overnight by Amazon for only $60 with tax included. And they are really easy to install too. to the point that you won't need a plumber or if you hire one it won't that much time ($$) to install.
I used to work as an industrial mechanic in a food processing facility. I have spend many MANY hours cleaning out refrigeration systems.
All of this is nasty, but common. Just like ice makers, no one ever thinks to clean the insides.
If you refer this to maintenance, they will probably just half-ass it, and not really do a good job cleaning, so I'm going to give you a 101 on how to do it.
Supplies:
Drip Tray Tablets: https://smile.amazon.com/SimpleAir-Clean-Flow-Drain-Treatment/dp/B00E9V4P02/
Coil Cleaning Foam: https://smile.amazon.com/Nu-Calgon-4171-75-Rinse-Evaporator-Cleaner/dp/B00DM8KQ3I/
DO NOT use bleach or other chemicals to clean the coils... They will corrode the coils, and potentially cause the unit to fail.
Start by spraying the coil-cleaning foam onto the evaporator coil (that's the inside part that gets cold). Follow the instructions, and take measures to keep the cleaner from getting onto your things. It'll foam up and push any schmoo out from between the fins. You CAN rinse it off, but normal operation will create condensation that will rinse it off given a few hours. Toss a tablet in the high-point of the AC pan, right under the coils, and there you are. If you want to do more, wait until the fan is blowing air again, pull out the air filter, and spray a can of Lysol into the intake. This will swirl around inside and kill off anything that is still alive.
Something to note: normal dust and crap in the air, when it collects in the AC, can LOOK pretty terrifying and a lot like mold, but it isn't necessarily.
You could get the child proof covers that go over the knobs. Even if he smashes up against it, it won't turn. These are the ones my daughter had when my grandson was a toddler.
I guess I'm glad it was nothing serious. I'm going to leave this product here just in case you need it or want to prophylax the place:
Syngenta Advion cockroach control gel
The effects are nothing short of horrifying. They all come out into the open where you can sweep them up.
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It has a section on selling. The short answer is to sell when there's a buyer willing to pay more for your property than you think it's worth. For example, if you figure it's worth $100k and a buyer offers you $120k, you should probably sell.
A more mathematical, rule of thumb answer might be that a property's value is about 100 times its monthly rent. Buy properties you can get for less than that and sell properties when you can get more than that.
If you read my book, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions about it.
Ones I seen puts stress on the door frame or the door molding.
If it did not. The OP would not be complaining about the weak door frame.
https://www.amazon.com/Aoyar-Adjustable-Installation-Multifunctional-Strength/dp/B08V1HR2JR
Yes.
Smart Home Energy Monitor | Vue - Real Time Electricity Monitor/Meter | Solar/Net Metering | (Monitor Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R11H2Q2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_WSQFRTT8035YZY61RM4Z?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I released a book on becoming a landlord that you might find useful. https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Started-Small-Scale-Landlord-ebook/dp/B09QYW5RRX
It treats it like a part-time job you can give yourself, rather than a get-rich-quick scheme. I've organized it around how you go about getting into real estate investing, in the order a first-time investor is likely to follow. You can "look inside" the book on Amazon and see the table of contents.
One of the big ideas in the book is the importance of screening tenants to avoid exactly the problem you're experiencing. It's a bit of a numbers game, if you have enough tenants eventually there will be a problem tenant and you'll have to evict them, but screening *MASSIVELY* lowers the chance of this happening.
If you read it, I'd love to hear your thoughts and would be happy to answer any questions.
First Time Landlord was a great read book when it came to the framework of housing tenants. Written by lawyers, so it has more of legal perspective on everything. At the least there are great examples and charts to learn from.
First-Time Landlord: Your Guide to Renting out a Single-Family Home https://www.amazon.com/dp/1413327931/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D26HJVG9DR5FKJ2Q0SWE
Create a list of all your repairs and put them in three categories - this year, 5 years, nice to have. Anything in this years bucket gets done first (or start saving money towards it). Nice to haves usually get done between tenants.
Having a maintenance guy is great, but make sure they’re actually managing your property well. I once paid a tenant monthly to mow the lawn…it looked like a hay field within months.
Get a nice journal and document every interaction with your tenants, maintenance items, rent collection, and property notes. Keeping a diary will make your life so much easier!
Lastly, asking for help is a great first step. Like others have said, definitely learn the laws in your state. I would strongly recommend reading some intro landlord books like this one:
The Book on Managing Rental Properties: A Proven System for Finding, Screening, and Managing Tenants with Fewer Headaches and Maximum Profits (BiggerPockets Rental Kit, 3) https://www.amazon.com/dp/0990711757/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7H8NAZ4HY97Y13FV6Q6C
You got this!!!
The pans look like metal utensils were used - normal wear although we take care not to use metal in ours and expect them to last years (and someone cut a lot of something in that cheesecake pan, which doesn't look like normal wear - looks like damage we had on a counter, where someone just hit it over and over with the pointed end of a knife).
Personally, I would assume a copper bowl can't go in a dishwasher, but I would also expect an average person that rents doesn't know that (and never put one in a rental, unless very high end and maybe that included a service to clean kitchen).
The place looks like it has items just added for decor, that should be removed - the wood ladder is begging for an injury to occur, the antique phone will cause them to freak out when damaged, etc...
As to prices - here is a chicago metallic cheesecake pan for $16 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YKGR82 - it is very nice, the one I use and as good as what the pics show (maybe better). If it is just a deep pan, the same brand is under $11 right now. I will say, the prices are a lot lower than I thought they would be (less than I paid, but that was many years ago).
One of the most liberating things for me is turning phone on do not disturb most of the time. Just like texts and emails. I have set times where I go through messages of any sort and decide what action is needed (delegate, delete, respond, etc).
Also, my voicemail states that I rarely check voicemail and a text is okay in an emergency, but any work orders etc need to be to property management email (I don't use a property manager, just have a separate email so all records are in one place).
Be the boss of your own time.
All That being said, heres a nifty tool I use on iPhone that spoofs a call to me and I can pick it up and walk away from any situation. ;)
"Get yourself out of an awkward situation https://ifttt.com/applets/192151p"
There's a lot to this situation that you left out.
The AC is generally the responsibility of the LL.
Dryer vent fires occur when people are lazy about not cleaning the dryer screen after every single use.
Dryer vent cleaning is as simple as disconnecting the vent from the dryer and vacuuming the vent, the back of the dryer, and the inside of the dryer vent opening. Dryer Vent Cleaner
OP sounds paranoid as hell. Why don’t you go paperless or or have separate mailboxes Gibraltar Mailboxes DVKPBZ00 Designer locking mailbox, Bronze w/Satin Nickel, 9.7 x 4.4 x 12.6 inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HCXM9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_7GYQBKW1PN9JQSW9MJZ3
For under doors and windows they make [flat coax cables](https://www.amazon.com/Parts-Express-Window-Coaxial-Coupler/dp/B0002KR74A/ref=sr\_1\_37?keywords=flat+coaxial+cable&qid=1649697978&sr=8-37)
Amazon has a nice faucet for only $57, and it's been working great for over 2 years.
Kitchen Sink Faucet Arofa Single Handle Stainless Steel Brushed Nickel Pull Down Kitchen Faucet with Sprayer https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089SPR4V8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_1ZPR2WP0FM878T3HZRW9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
i would just get a drip line system with a wifi soil moisture sensor like this one and make them connect it to their network so you can monitor remotely in real-time.
Have them use an activated carbon filter, they work great! Just exhale into the filter.
Smoke Buddy 0159-BLU Personal Air Filter, Blue https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00478UIB2/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_BMGXBP0THZP54TYVQWHX
Get some of these for the scuff marks. They work a treat.
Tell your LL to replace those expensive crappy lights with something like this. Less than $10 each, and they'll last forever.
Try these instead.
YGS-Tech 3.5 Inch LED Recessed Lighting Dimmable Downlight, 7W(55W Halogen Equivalent), 5000K Daylight White, CRI80, LED Ceiling Light with LED Driver (4 Pack) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07L943NGJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_X49SW9933SQ9SJ6H4NNV
I was going to bring one of these in for a few days. Then paint with Killz. Then paint like normal.
Cat piss... destroyer of all things good and just in the world. Its not just carpet man. Its the padding and possibly the sub floor below. And here's what happens - warm and humid weather makes wood swell, squeezing out some uric acid goodness.
Try this chemical. For a week or so, it will have its own "cleaning chemical" kind of smell, but that's better than cat piss. Soak liberally. Use a black light to find out where the worst cat spots are. This might offer some temporary relief. https://www.amazon.com/Rocco-Roxie-Supply-Co-Professional/dp/B00CKFL93K
He's not obligated to simply up and replace carpet. The IRS considers the useful life of carpet more than 4 years, but less than 10. So a lot of places consider the carpet life 6 or 7 years. Obviously the IRS doesn't "enforce" this in any way and its only a measure of expected carpet life in a rental. Slum lords could have 15 year old carpet in their rentals. You can always 'petition' for a replacement especially if you know the current life of the carpet and you have time invested as a lessee.
The other leverage a tenant has is that IF the current condition of the carpet would force it to be replaced to attract a new tenant, you could threaten not to renew and argue that aspect. It doesn't sound like its visually worn out to that point yet.
My deep sympathies putting up with one of the worst aromas since genesis.
I might get a humidity detecting fan switch to avoid ventilation problems if they may be contributors. We got these and they work great: https://www.amazon.com/Generation-Humidity-Ortis-Automated-Detection/dp/B08XBRNPDF/ref=sr\_1\_1\_sspa?crid=8C236DZWAXF6&keywords=new+generation+humidity+sensor+switch&qid=1645049010&refresh=1&sprefix=new+generation+humidity+sensor+...
You should probably do what you can legally to get rid of them, but likely when the pipe is snaked the snake only goes so far. Then over time the hair and soap scum and congealed shampoo and conditioner build up and up and up until the drain can't keep up with the shower any longer. Rinse and repeat by snaking and starting the process all over again. If other units have the same issues there is probably a bigger issue with the design of the plumbing or a blockage in the larger drain line the HOA's plumber should have a look at.
My plumber sold me some of this stuff at a much better price than amazon. He said it's safe for the pipes to use as much as you want. I use it on my drain that seems to slow down frequently even though it's been snaked and it works decently enough. Give that a shot too just follow the directions. If it works you can always keep them in your rentals and have people use them once a month.
https://www.amazon.com/Bio-clean-Drain-Septic-Bacteria-2/dp/B001N09KN4
This was a good read.
Full disclosure: I dont yet own a rental property
Run some of this through a few cycles: Cascade with Phosphates Professional Fryer Boil Out 85-oz (1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VHD3LGO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_3AQR83311YPJFNY0Y2CR
(This is a phosphate based detergent, it’s what dishwasher detergents used to be made with before they banned phosphates in 2010 - they are much more effective at cleaning. You only need a few teaspoons and you can use it as detergent to wash dishes)
Not sure yet but my contractor recommended the following:
Yoolax Motorized Blind Shade for Window with Remote Control Smart Blind Shade Compatible with Alexa Motorize Roller Shade Blackout Battery Solar Power Blind Custom up 98''W X 138''H(Vinyl-Light Gray) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H2FHRTG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_AF04ZBABGG1K0NPHJ74B
He says it’s the most economical and well-designed automated blinds he’s worked with.
Talk to your neighbor you share the wall with and see if they are down to add these. Then apply them to both sides of shared wall and it will definitely help.
52 Pack Acoustic Panels 1 X 12 X 12 Inches - Acoustic Foam - Studio Foam Wedges - High Density Panels - Soundproof Wedges - Charcoal https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QQRWDWS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_RE0HYEC8KBBMG4666EX9
I used an ozone generator to remove the smell of rotten meat after literally every other trick in the book failed. It doesn't mask smell, it eliminates it through the magic of science. Just follow the safety precautions of airing it out after use and removing people, pets, and plants from the area before you run it.
As others have mentioned, it’s a huge and costly undertaking to install a window, not to mention the days it will take to complete the job. I would recommend asking to have the light fixture changed out first. I am a landlord myself and would say no to the window, but yes to the light. A Sputnik light on a dimmer switch would make a huge difference. You could also use a mirror to maximize what light you are getting. https://www.amazon.com/Sputnik-Chandelier-Ceiling-Pendant-Fixture/dp/B088D2GVL7/ref=sxin_19_pa_sp_phone_search_thematic_sspa?crid=YW0WPRWX8KRI&cv_ct_cx=sputnik+light+fixture&keywords=sputnik+light+fixture&pd_rd_i=B088D2GVL7&pd_rd_r...
Not having anyone available or any way to let you in to see the inside. Asking you to send money before getting keys. Everything by text & mail. Realtor sign in front that you're not supposed to call. Plus the poor grammar.
As CraigsList tells you on the "scams" page:
Deal locally, face-to-face —follow this one rule and avoid 99% of scam attempts.
It looks like airbnb does boat rentals for overnight. Looks like a few of the adds offer charters and such. maybe something like that?
well they track you and you will have your account popping up as a potential "friend" of your tenants. Switching to an account is not good enough, as FB can easily put together that your accounts are the same person due to src IP, even more so on v6, as IPv6 doesn't (SHOULDN'T!) use NAT. Using a different browser will still have those tracking cookies there and they will be able to link both sessions.
TOR gives you a random untrackable (at least from facebook's perspective, the US government runs something like half to 2/3 the TOR nodes.) IP. A VM, virtual machine lets you save your state and go back after you're done. I spin a windows one up on my cluster, configure it and save the state. Then I run the queries, and revert the VM state to before using the browser. There's no way FB can track the account at that point. I use https://thispersondoesnotexist.com/ to make my profile photos for the burner accounts.
It's a random chirp noise maker designed to drive you crazy.
I was tempted to try Tellus but have not yet and haven't seen a ton of feedback. I liked the feature that you could block partial payments of rent which isn't a luxury you get with every form of digital payment. I don't love the company as a whole that owns apartments.com, loopnet.com, costar.com, etc. so I feel you.
https://www.tellusapp.com/manage/
I also found this thread with some suggestions:
https://www.reddit.com/r/realestateinvesting/comments/jzv6by/best_alternative_to_cozy/
There are already a few of these out there.
(Sorry for linking to shitty search sites but they make my point) shitty search site 1
What I think is missing in the market is something for the 1-10 unit small landlords. But of course, there isn't much money there which is why it doesn't really exist!
I think that "small business" property management (like 50-200 units) has those sites above available and anything bigger (like Archstone or something) has custom-built software.
If you manage to come up with something that does what you say (which is a good list of what would be needed) for a small fee (I think I would pay ~$10 per month for 5 units) then let me know!
I've posted this before: Here's my elegant solution: 1100W Velodyne MicroVee bass module at the roof corner. Plug into phone & blast death metal drums LOUD. Seems to training the neighbor overhead well. Try it at 1AM and they'll quickly oblige you.
Also if it was a droney sound like traffic, place a pair of cheap computer speakers between you and the noise, then play brown noise and it'll drown it out. However stomps are short bursts which would get through, though it'll be less loud w/brown noise.
Thanks. Looks like now the property is not actively listed on their website. It also shows up on Hotels.com , trivago..., but says it is no longer available on this site, or this property no longer taking reservations on this site, then directs you to the prior management company. Many other vacation rental sites. Expedia says it is sold out. How do I change that?
When you search my property name you are directed to the old management site but it says Access Denies. It also shows up and Hotels.com and Booking.com. I am not sure who/where those get directed to.
Yelp nowadays has pretty good reviews of property managers (better than years ago!) and you can try NextDoor.com for recommendations. PM's provide two different services: finding tenants, and managing the property. A PM can be good at one, and not at the other! The most important is a PM who can find a good tenant. Send me a PM when you find a good PM!
fwiw, In the SF Bay Area, I found plenty of PM's and rental agencies in Yelp, so you could always interview a whole slew of them, and find one you feel comfortable about. NextDoor.com was useful in finding referral for PM. Also, get NOLO press's "First Time Landlord" book.
I was lucky enough to find leads on Yelp. NextDoor.com (?) may also have leads. NextDoor organizes their forums by location, so you can find recommendations for nearby services, such as contractors.
Does your area have an active Nextdoor community? The ad should be listed in the "For Sale & Free" category. To avoid having the ad removed as "commercial," it should state that the property is owned by the member posting the ad and that it is not listed by an agent or with a listing service. (Source: Am a Nextdoor Lead)
It depends on the location. Though, have you considered turning it into a short-term vacation rental? That's another avenue that you can explore. A study that was conducted by LearnAirbnb revealed that about 70 Airbnb hosts in the United States earn more than $1 million in rental income annually!
That being said, it can be time-consuming and really calls for a lot of hard work. If you’re considering renting your whole apartment on a short-term basis, you should definitely download the Short-Term Rental Expert’s Guide.
You can buy a single gang switch that will control the fan and light independently. https://www.amazon.com/TOPGREENER-TDHOS5-Humidity-Separate-Bathroom/dp/B06XPTH4YX
But it all depends on how they are wired as to whether or not you can use that switch. If you have 3 wires plus ground going from your fan/light (red, black, white, and bare copper), then you can use the single gang switch above. If you have only 2 wires plus ground (black, white, and bare copper), then you won't be able to control the light/fan independently regardless of what switch you buy. If the electrician that installed it was good, he ran a 3-wire with ground and tied the red/black wires together at the switch, which would have given you the option to control them independently in the future, like you want to now.
Single-gang or two-gang is a matter of personal/design preference, but I would opt for cutting out the existing electrical box and installing a larger old work box, and have separate humidity and light switches. I don't like the single-gang design linked in this comment because it's more difficult to turn on the light than a standard rocker switch. On the other hand, it's a lot easier to install because all you have to do is swap out the switch - no carpentry required. But it's also not really that hard to replace a workbox with a larger one. It might be like an 20-60 minutes at most for an electrician to do with an oscillating saw.
They make another switch that turns the lights on/off but there is a delay when you shut the lights off to keep the fan running for a while longer. I'm not sure how you would wire the 3-way switch you're taking about because switches don't work that way... Both switches need to be a 3-way switch in order function properly. They have an extra leg called a traveler... A standard switch doesn't have that.
Something like this but i know they make cheaper ones: https://www.amazon.com/AirCycler-SmartExhaust-Time-Switch-White/dp/B01NBLE8Q2/
I think it’s a great idea. Haven’t used one as our only rental property is over 100 years old and we’ve tried to keep it looking authentic. But I was recommended this one, in particular because of the price:
Kwikset 92640-001 Contemporary Electronic Keypad Single Cylinder Deadbolt
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00R7JVFCE/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_Y5MCFMA2P95VNV99292R
Looks like thats the op's next step: If your landlord does not resolve the issue, contact the Landlord and Tenant Board. You will be asked to show how the other tenant’s smoking or vaping is interfering with your reasonable enjoyment. Each application is determined by the Board on a case-by-case basis.
Other than a huge fan mounted on the deck to blow away the smoke, not sure what else can be done.
Is there such a thing as a smoker sucker? https://www.amazon.ca/Senmubery-Multifunction-Smokeless-Portable-Rechargeable/dp/B08XTQDGJK/ref=pd_lpo_1?pd_rd_i=B08XTQDGJK&psc=1
Man, you don't wan to over use ozone, but it permeates everything. I used Ozone in combination with soaking the flooring in Chlohexidine. This gave us excellent results.
I bought a concrete saw and cut a hole then then dug it up myself when I had a leak.
Can you just install a cut off valve for the sprinkler?
​
Never used one, but there's a product called Sense you can install in the panel to monitor energy usage. As far as I know, it can do a pretty decent job of identifying energy hogs. I'm sure there are other similar products you could use as well.
Clean the rooms as best you can and use an ozone generator to remove the smell. I used this one: https://www.amazon.com/Enerzen-Commercial-Industrial-Deodorizer-Sterilizer/dp/B00JAP7388 to remove a horrible rotting meat smell that permeated a house.
ChrisDowa 100% Blackout Roller Shade, Window Blind with Thermal Insulated, UV Protection Fabric. Total Blackout Roller Blind for Office and Home. Easy to Install. White,20" W x 72" H https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SLYXQJV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_R1W9N9BGK18MR04TFXPZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
An easy solution would be to buy something like this and install it on the problem window. They can install inside the window frame so they wouldn’t interrupt the blind or curtain if they’re installed on or above. That ones just an example, the ones I have are like $10.
Well if you want to do some malicious compliance get some darn ugly slip cover...
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08764QN2H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_GX4YZB796ADP39Q0BN1S
And some second hand patio chairs.
They never said it had to be pretty.
I used this ozone generator to eliminate the smell of rotten meat. It works -- but follow the safety precautions.
Ugh I'm always late to the posts I can actually help with!! I know you said you were able to take care of it with baking soda, but when it happens again (and it will, cook tops get like this from normal use) use a cook top cleaner kit. This is the one I use and I LOVE IT. It's basically a paste that softens all the burned stuff, a scrubby pad to get the majority of it off, and a razor you use to scrape off anything that remains around the burner area.
I was terrified to use the razor- but the paste lubricates the surface and it's just like scraping paint off a glass window. There is NO damage to the glass top at all. It takes me 5-10 minutes to do my whole cook top and it looks like new when I'm done. Too bad it never stays that way longer than a week! Also, you can probably find the kit for cheaper than it is on Amazon.
Since you have a cook top you should definitely keep this stuff on hand bc they get burned and crusty very easily.
Highly recommend these two books (not commissioned or anything, they just are good resources):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/099071179X/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/0990711757/
GREAT way to build wealth. But make sure you learn how to be a landlord, make the right decisions and know the laws.
That really won't do much. This is what you need but it will require you to replace the drywall on the ceiling. I did this. It's amazing!
https://www.amazon.com/Resilient-Sound-Isolation-Clip-RSIC-1/dp/B006UFG1A2
They are gross. They do pee and mark their territory. I still rent to cat owners. Took years to find the right combination of cleaning product for carpet AND hardwood.
Super secret cat pee removal recipe:
Start by dousing area with hydrogen peroxide. That kills all the living bacteria. Let it sit while you mix the next ingredient.
Pat with towel to soak up excess.
Next get yourself a bottle of Angry Orange. make sure you buy the concentrated stuff. It's made of uber citric acid, right from oranges.
1 bottle is supposed to make 1 gallon. Naw. Dilute to a few cups and douse that shit like trying to put out a fire. Your whole house will reek of citrus. Makes your skin burn and your eyes water.
It won't damage your floors (hardwood or carpet) but be sure to wipe away any visible liquid after a moment or two. This stuff murders the ammonia smell and when the scent finally does dissipate a day later, you would NEVER know there were pets in the house.
Swear by it.
Get these stickers to put on their windows. https://www.amazon.com/MyParkingPermit-Stickers-Parking-Violation-Sticky/dp/B00895YXY2
Thanks. I probably wasn’t clear enough about what I had a question on. These “circuit breaker” cords that can be reset - usually used in a garage is what I’m wondering if it can help indoors until I sort this out with an electrician:
Alert Stamping 8150M-P Heavy Duty Industrial Retractable Extension Cord Reel w/Tri-Tap, 50 ft, Black, Yellow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F5CBF2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_XFM1FbCCAJ4D5