Should you repair or replace appliances?

  I get asked quite often if it is better to repair or replace appliances. Like all things property management there is not a clear answer to which way is better. You have options.  The options will work depending on your personal experience, and your access to...
What to do if your tenants break up?

What to do if your tenants break up?

What to do if your tenants break up? This is a common  tenant relation question. I was asked this question most recently last week. There are several possible outcomes to the situation.  I will give you some possible scenarios and the pros and cons of each. You also...

The super that was not so super

I want to set the stage.  We purchased an apartment building that had a live in superintendent.  I had met him when we looked at the building and he seemed like a great guy. I should have noticed the first red flag, which was from the previous owner.  He had said that...

How to use a plunger

The simple, yet extremly useful plunger Early on in my property management / landlord career I found a way to minimize service calls from tenants. I can remember within two weeks of purchasing a six unit building I was called twice by tenants with clogged toilets. I...

Tenants playing with fire (literally)

This is a true story about a fire that happened a few years back.  I had a 6 unit apartment building up for sale.  I had a conditional offer on the building.  One of the clauses was the building inspection clause.  It was set up for a particular day.  The morning of...