VENETIAN BLINDS (by LL (va) [VA]) Jan 11, 2004 6:03 PM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by Gulfman [Fl]) Jan 11, 2004 6:09 PM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by Lisa [AZ]) Jan 11, 2004 8:19 PM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by cz [or]) Jan 11, 2004 9:40 PM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by M [MA]) Jan 11, 2004 10:16 PM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by Harbinger [FL]) Jan 12, 2004 4:46 AM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by DAC [OH]) Jan 12, 2004 8:16 AM
        RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by CAW [OR]) Jan 13, 2004 1:10 PM
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VENETIAN BLINDS (by LL (va)[VA])
Posted on: Jan 11, 2004 6:03 PM
Message:
VENETIAN BLINDS: In the past, I've installed contractor grade venetian blinds (approximate cost $80) everytime one of my rentals turnsover. This is due to the fact that the blinds are not very functional after tenants have used and abused them over a typical 2-3 year stay.

I realize that the blinds are contractor grade thus are not the highest quality. But on the other hand, the "same" contractor grade venetian blinds used in my residential home last a lot longer with proper care and treatment.

HERE IS MY QUESTION: Should I start prorating the value of these blinds by using a life expectancy of (lets say) 5-7 years. This would allow me to recapture some of the lost costs incurred--or should I simply eat the cost as a cost of doing business?

Finally, what would be a good life expectancy for venetian blinds.

Any input would be greatly appreciated! Many thanks!! --152.163.252.99



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by Gulfman[Fl])
Posted on: Jan 11, 2004 6:09 PM
Message:
Just expense-em as you replace them and don't worry about it.

Blinds fail and break w/use and abuse, so, replace as a repair. --64.58.217.175



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by Lisa[AZ])
Posted on: Jan 11, 2004 8:19 PM
Message:
I like vertical blinds rather than regular blinds. They don't gather dust and they don't need to be bent to peek out the windows.

They are very forgiving so I don't need to be. --63.184.16.251



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by cz[or])
Posted on: Jan 11, 2004 9:40 PM
Message:
I get horizontal blinds at HD or Lowes for a few bucks a window and toss them when no longer serviceable. I just expense them.

Nice thing about them is, once you have the attachment h/w installed, you don't have to do it again. --216.239.160.71



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by M[MA])
Posted on: Jan 11, 2004 10:16 PM
Message:
I no longer replace blinds/shades.

When getting the apt ready for next tenant, I throw away any bad looking blinds/shades.

I tell them they must buy and install their own and that they must use the correct hardware (I don't want unsightly holes in my walls or wood casings).

Good luck. --24.131.134.103



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by Harbinger[FL])
Posted on: Jan 12, 2004 4:46 AM
Message:
Cheap horizontals or good verticals depending on neighborhood. Horizontals seem to self-destruct so no sense putting in high dollar ones. Verticals are more user-friendly and individual slats can be replaced.

I aim to keep the houses as idiot-proof as possible so I don't let 'em choose their window decor. --65.33.207.25



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by DAC[OH])
Posted on: Jan 12, 2004 8:16 AM
Message:
We have the same thing. I install them so there is not question they work. If I get any of our rentals back and they dont work, I charge them the full amount to replace them. If they work before its rented, they should still work after the tenants move out.

The most important question would be, would the non-functioning of the blindes be considered 'normal wear and tear'. If not, charge them full amount. --67.29.223.222



RE: VENETIAN BLINDS (by CAW[OR])
Posted on: Jan 13, 2004 1:10 PM
Message:
Gosh, I sure hope that $80 covers every window in the house.

Here's what I do: I always replace any blinds that look even the slightest grubby or bent. I want my units to sparkle when I show them because that is the ONLY way to get tenants who are fastidiously clean.

I do not charge the departing tenants for blinds, unless there is a blind that is obviously badly damaged by tenant abuse. Missing slats, broken cords, speghetti sauce. They do not object to being charged for one or two that they know they damaged.

But I replace blinds because they are such a pain to clean that I am not going to scrub window blinds for the few dollars it costs to buy new ones. If I always get the same brand the hardware is interchangable and it only takes seconds to slip a new blind into the existing brackets.

You are dreaming if you think the life expectancy of cheap blinds is 7 years. I think you should be hapy to get 3 years out of them. Yes, you can make them last, but you are not a tenant, are you?

If you do not provide blinds, the tenants will nail old sheets over your windows or cover everything in foil and then your place will look bad from the street. --216.228.163.40