Author: Kristi Mergenhagen

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5925378/height/100/width/480/thumbnail/no/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/576742/custom-color/#87A93A” height=”100″ width=”480″ scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] In this week’s podcast we have Mark Kohler on who’s an attorney and CPA. We focus the conversation on the mistakes landlords make when they setup LLCs to protect their rental properties. An LLC is a tool to limit your liability and is a…Read More

Water from the shower can cause a lot of damage to a rental property’s bathroom floor. Some landlords choose the option of putting in sliding shower doors, while others stick to the shower curtain. So what are the advantages or disadvantages to a shower door vs curtain for a rental? Shower door or curtain? Pros…Read More

There has been a massive fire extinguisher recall on Kidde fire extinguishers as imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. These apply to their two types of extinguishers with plastic handles as shown below. Push-Button Fire Extinguisher Recall Plastic Handle Fire Extinguisher Recalls How Do I Replace My Recalled Fire Extinguisher? To get a replacement…Read More

Most landlords struggle with the concept that while they are owners and managers of a rental property, they give up certain rights to that property when it is occupied by a tenant. Examples of this might include feeling like they can enter the property without giving written notice, change the locks at any time, or otherwise…Read More

Streamlining Tenant Screening with Technology There is more and more technology available to help you manage your rental properties. In this episode, we talk about how you can use the following services to help automate your screening process. Google Voice Gmail Canned Responses Apptoto.com These services will help to streamline and document communications through the…Read More

We hope you haven’t made this mistake before when collecting rent! Have a happy Halloween everyone!…Read More

Landlords are responsible for ensuring that a rental property is habitable. A habitable unit is structurally sound and has adequate water, heating and electricity. Sometimes, circumstances arise that make the rental unit uninhabitable for a time. Usually this is due to serious repairs, natural disasters or other significant problems. During these times, tenants often stay…Read More

[iframe style=”border:none” src=”//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/5877078/height/100/width/480/thumbnail/no/render-playlist/no/theme/custom/tdest_id/576742/custom-color/#87A93A” height=”100″ width=”480″ scrolling=”no” allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen] It’s tough as a landlord because you have so much invested in your business and when a tenant does something to your rental it feels like a personal attack. We experienced this with an Amazon review on our book “The Landlord Water Cooler.” We…Read More

Pets can cause a lot of damage in a rental property. In some areas, landlords can charge a pet deposit. Otherwise, landlords can deduct the cost of repairs and replacements from the tenant’s security deposit. In most states, the landlords must provide an itemized list of the expenses. Repair receipts and photos are other ways…Read More

There are so many ways to find tenants and Facebook is one such example. Just inside of Facebook there are different ways market and reach potential tenants. In this episode we’re talking about posting your listings to your personal page, business page, local groups, and the Market Place. Listen in as three members of our…Read More