First visit to property (by DoctorMike [ME]) Dec 5, 2016 7:10 AM
First visit to property (by S i d [MO]) Dec 5, 2016 8:01 AM
First visit to property (by S i d [MO]) Dec 5, 2016 8:02 AM
First visit to property (by Hippd [KY]) Dec 5, 2016 8:03 AM
First visit to property (by cjl [NY]) Dec 5, 2016 8:13 AM
First visit to property (by Pattyk [MO]) Dec 5, 2016 10:56 AM
First visit to property (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Dec 5, 2016 11:00 AM
First visit to property (by plenty [MO]) Dec 5, 2016 12:39 PM
First visit to property (by Lynda [TX]) Dec 5, 2016 6:09 PM
First visit to property (by Vee [OH]) Dec 6, 2016 5:54 AM
First visit to property (by Mike SWMO [MO]) Dec 6, 2016 6:06 AM
First visit to property (by DoctorMike [ME]) Dec 6, 2016 6:34 AM
First visit to property (by Robin [WI]) Dec 7, 2016 3:26 PM
First visit to property (by mike [CA]) Dec 9, 2016 12:59 PM
First visit to property (by wayde [MI]) Dec 10, 2016 6:13 AM
First visit to property (by plenty [MO]) Dec 10, 2016 8:59 AM
First visit to property (by shanna [TX]) Dec 10, 2016 9:09 AM
First visit to property (by Gail [NY]) Dec 11, 2016 12:26 PM
First visit to property (by wayde [MI]) Dec 13, 2016 1:15 PM
First visit to property (by DoctorMike [ME]) Dec 20, 2016 7:08 AM
First visit to property (by DoctorMike [ME]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 7:10 AM Message:
As you may recall, I became an accidental landlord when we moved several years ago and couldn't sell the house. Until recently, I had a property manager, and now I'm managing directly.
I'll be visiting our old city in a couple of weeks, and I realize I should visit the house and meet the current tenant, who has been there for a bit more than a year now.
What should I do in that visit? I'm only an accidental landlord, not a pro, and I'm no expert on home maintenance.
Is the goal to just do a visual check that nothing is falling apart? (The tenant hasn't reported any problems.) Is it to verify that the tenant isn't raising a barn full of animals or running a meth lab in the living room? Is it something else?
Thanks. --70.80.xxx.xx |
First visit to property (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 8:01 AM Message:
Hi Doc!
Yes, definitely you want to get inside ASAP. I do an inside inspection every season (4x/year). The official reason is to change furnace filters and check for leaks, which I do. The side benefit is to find the unauthorized boyfriend/girlfriend/pets and assess damages.
Send a friendly letter/email. "Dear Bob Smith, I'm Mike, the new manager. It's time for our quarterly maintenance check up. We want your home to work well for you! I'll be by on Monday, Dec 17th at 5 PM. Please be present or have a friend or family member available to allow access at that time. If this time doesn't work, please contact me no less than 24 hours prior to the appointment to reschedule. Thanks, Mike the Manager."
I always check the "wet" spots. Under sinks, around tub, in the laundry room, by the water heater. Water can cause more damage and often tenants fail to notice or report it. While you're there, you will notice several other things...like the walls they painted black, the ash tray full of cigs, and the three stray cats
Happy sleuthing! --173.19.xx.xxx |
First visit to property (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 8:02 AM Message:
Whoops....Monday, Dec 12th. --173.19.xx.xxx |
First visit to property (by Hippd [KY]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 8:03 AM Message:
Check all the Sinks top and pipes underneath for any leaks. Check toilets to make sure they flush right, check showers, check basement and/or bottom floor ceilings to see if any water is coming down from ceilings. Check inside/outside foundation for water issues as well. Check your furnace/ac unit. Check the furnace filter, check the smoke alarms, abandoned cars, junk everywhere in yard. Ask for access to every room to see if they are hoarding anything.
Check for pets, smell for pets/litter boxes/food/water bowls. Check garage, check backyard, check everything. If they don't know who you are just say you are the new building manager(which is true). Remember, it's your house. Be nice, but don't be timid. Go when it's daylight, call early to confirm date. Have a drink before and after =) You got this.
--74.132.xxx.xx |
First visit to property (by cjl [NY]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 8:13 AM Message:
Yeah send them a note indicating what day and time. Check outside (as much as you can - not sure where it is - if there is snow it may be a bit more difficult to do).
In addition to what Sid suggested above to check I would also check the smoke and CO2 detectors (they are working - bring batteries with you). Check for any damage. If you supplied any of the appliances check those as well (stove - all burners work, fridge is cold, etc).
Check under the sinks for any signs of leaks. I don't know if you have purchased any homes (for yourself) - if you have that's what you are going to want to look at and check (tubs, toilets - flush them make sure there is no water on the floor when flushed, heat works (and/or ac if applicable). Prepare yourself with some filters (if hot air heat/ac) to install.
Take your time - ask them if they have (had) any issues or concerns that may need to be addressed.
If they aren't in a lease or a written contract - get them into one (if you prefer). Ask them their intentions (they like it here, do they want to stay, for how long/much longer).
Take a DEEP BREATH before you go - don't over react to ANYTHING. Take it in - bring a notepad to jot things down on, take pics as you see fit (of things that need to be addressed) but don't say anything immediately unless it's something that is dangerous (like no batteries in the smoke/CO2 detectors). If their excuse is that "when Mom cooks it goes off" then you need to move it - DO NOT put it in the kitchen.
If it's something to do with cleanliness or something you just "don't like" then follow-up with a letter. You can mention it if you want - just be "nice" about it but firm.
good luck ... let us know how it goes. --71.46.xx.xx |
First visit to property (by Pattyk [MO]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 10:56 AM Message:
maybe you could bring a poinsettia as a house warming gift.
Ask them if you can check the furnace filter, tell them you are following up on the management company and double checking. Ask them if they get good response from the management company and that from time to time you'll be in town and following up.
Let us know how it goes!! --173.108.xx.xxx |
First visit to property (by Andrew, Canada [ON]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 11:00 AM Message:
Bring a flashlight to look behind the furnace, the hot water heater, under sinks, behind the toilet ect.
I would also google the lkcation of the nearest homedepot or lowes to the house. If you need furnace filters, batteries a new smome detector ect, it will be easier for you if you already know where to get them.
Take a look at the roof and eaves as well, just look from the street.
I would also take a drive around the neighbourhood and see what, if any changes, good or bad are happening.
If you are still in contact with any of your old neighbours, I would leave your contact info with them, just in case there are issues with your rental or tenants.
Bring a camera.
Hopefully all will go well for you. --70.31.xx.xxx |
First visit to property (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 12:39 PM Message:
look at your gutters and does the property need any tree trimming? --173.127.xxx.xxx |
First visit to property (by Lynda [TX]) Posted on: Dec 5, 2016 6:09 PM Message:
I second--take a camera! Also check for sweating windows and water on the window sills. Are the heat vents blocked? Any bugs in the kit around the garbage? Is the trash being taken out and collected? (Don't asume that's happening--I was surprised once to find months worth never made it farther than the garage.) --108.87.xx.xxx |
First visit to property (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Dec 6, 2016 5:54 AM Message:
Look around for unauthorized pets and overflow of people - long distance landlording is tough, some folks cant manage when it is 3 streets away - if you fit the last line ask them if they want to buy. As the others have said water indoors is our main enemy, gotta fix and seepage at seams of under cabinet piping, make sure you have a set of keys and at least mark them with nail polish, locate and remember where the main water shutoff is so when something goes sour they can turn it off while you are on the phone. Even though it has been awhile a plant is a nice opening gift but no more of that till you get timely payments in full (think next xmas season). --76.188.xxx.xxx |
First visit to property (by Mike SWMO [MO]) Posted on: Dec 6, 2016 6:06 AM Message:
I was going to say a torch light (flashlight) and camera but they have already been mentioned.
A samall digital recorder device. You can buy these at Radio Shack for around $50.00 or get them off ebay for maybe $15.00. Before getting out of the car turn them on and mention the date, the address, what you are looking at (house, apartment etc) your name, tenants name and anything else that will help you remember two months later. Have this recorder in a front shirt pocket or hung around your neck. You want it right up front so it records everything said by both parties. You might or might not let the tenant know you are recording. If you do let them know tell them it is so you can remember what was talked about so you can make improvenemts. --67.45.xxx.xx |
First visit to property (by DoctorMike [ME]) Posted on: Dec 6, 2016 6:34 AM Message:
Thanks, everyone, for your helpful replies.
The tenant and I have been in email contact since my property manager bowed out, and he knows I'm the owner. He's been very easy to deal with. (The PM was very selective in his screening, and I've not had any problems with any tenants so far.)
One more question - the PM gave me the name of a local handyman. Would it be a good idea for me to ask the handyman to join me on the walkthrough? I'm thinking it might make sense for handier eyes than mine to see if something is a problem or is going to be.
Thanks again. --70.80.xxx.xx |
First visit to property (by Robin [WI]) Posted on: Dec 7, 2016 3:26 PM Message:
I'd take the handyman. When I took mine with me, he noticed things I didn't, and it helped me make up a checklist so I could just send him next time. --104.230.xxx.x |
First visit to property (by mike [CA]) Posted on: Dec 9, 2016 12:59 PM Message:
check to be sure that...
your keys still work the locks
that their cars aren't oiling your driveways
that the window screens aren't bent from their own break ins
that the closet doors are still on
that they aren't storing crap all around the yard
that their vehicles are registered
that trees are trimmed off the roof
that the garbage disposer works
that the toilets don't run
that the towel bars are still on the wall
that the trash is getting removed weekly
check for plumbing leaks outside as well
be sure the tenants KNOW that you want to hear about water leaks and drips IMMEDIATELY and that the neighbors and you are in close contact. if they know you're distant they will abuse your distance.
this is a good time to get the tenants on the wagon for seeing you AND getting written memos of the inspections and follow-up. have them sign copies for the file...it teahces them that there is paperwork and they get copies.
those of us in sunny climes have no idea what a maine winter is like...i'm betting it's brutal --76.176.xxx.xxx |
First visit to property (by wayde [MI]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2016 6:13 AM Message:
I use a label maker and put a 10 year date on each smoke detector and CO detector for the last year they are good. I have a carpet extractor and clean all the carpeted pathways. Yes it takes 2-3 hours in each home but its amazing when your in a home 1x a year and you hear the water heater popping, the toilet seat hanging off, doors and locks in and out not working, cabinet doors ready to fall off. Its easy to check these thing while your waiting for the extractor tank to fill up. --24.127.xxx.xxx |
First visit to property (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2016 8:59 AM Message:
Pay the handyman for two hours of his time. By him lunch before or after and he will always answer the phone and be accommodating when you most need him. He's your land legs. --66.87.xx.xx |
First visit to property (by shanna [TX]) Posted on: Dec 10, 2016 9:09 AM Message:
Yes please notified me via email when somebody replies to thsi thread my enail is baschaffle@aol.com --76.30.xxx.xx |
First visit to property (by Gail [NY]) Posted on: Dec 11, 2016 12:26 PM Message:
please tell me why is the h20 popping sound and what does it indicate? ggglord777@gmail --66.66.xx.xx |
First visit to property (by wayde [MI]) Posted on: Dec 13, 2016 1:15 PM Message:
you have scale or calcium build up on your water heater. your tank is getting old, it could last a month or 10 years . I have tried flushing and cleaning with vinegar. Just leave it alone, just budget for a new one. and go to home depot and spend 10.00 on a water sensor for when it starts to leak. put on under every sink, furnace, water heater etc. their worth every penny. It will alarm long before your tenants know its leaking. --24.127.xxx.xxx |
First visit to property (by DoctorMike [ME]) Posted on: Dec 20, 2016 7:08 AM Message:
Thanks again, everyone, for your tips.
I visited last weekend, met the tenant, and walked through the house with him.
The tenant is great - no issues at all. Met the whole family, and the house is spotless.
As for the house, no major issues, except as several of you pointed out, a few water problems. My former property manager had had a roof leak fixed. To my surprise, what he didn't do is then repaint inside. And there's one window where water apparently has come in from a clogged gutter, so that needs fixing (and yes, repainting!).
As for getting the repairs done, the former PM gave me a guy's number. Called him, but he doesn't want any new work and won't recommend anyone else. A quick search shows plenty of others, including an all-in-one home repair/reno service with good reviews. They've got plumbers, electricians, carpenters, etc. in one shop, which sounds very attractive to me as a long-distance landlord. Would you use such a service? If I were local, I expect I might do better with individual guys, but I don't see how I can manage that from far away.
Thanks again. --70.81.xx.xx |
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