Posted by Blane (MI) on June 10, 2005 at 17:04:21:
If you’re thinking Indiana/Ohio you might want to chat with JT-IN, I think he also works around the Cincinnati area or something like that (when he’s not making a killing in Florida). You won’t hear much talk of bubbles around these parts… 
Blane
Renting homes in areas with a lot of snow… - Posted by Craig
Posted by Craig on June 10, 2005 at 15:32:31:
When renting in areas that have a lot of snow, is the landlord obligated to perform any duties such as snow shoveling or things to that nature? Or would that be up to the renter to get a service like that?
I was looking at some areas that have some heavy snowfall, and I live in an area that has no snow whatsoever so I became curious on this issue. I’d like to hear what some of you do who rent in areas that have a substanitial amount of snowfall.
Re: Renting homes in areas with a lot of snow - Posted by Frank Chin
Posted by Frank Chin on June 11, 2005 at 10:39:50:
Craig:
As other have said for SFH, the tenant shovels. Same deal for side by side duplexes.
I got multi family properties, in the city here, attached on both sides, but with one driveway. Because such driveways are in high demand, thus expensive, and competitive, with parking scarce, I give it to a tenant really cheap willing to shovel the snow.
A driveway that goes for $100.00 is rented for less than $50.00, but the tenant must be willing to shovel the driveway plus the sidewalk in front. I find using tenants is most efficient, though some folks mentioned liability concerns. I tried using someone off site on a few occasions, but sometimes they can’t get there because of road conditions.
I explain to tenant who shovel that some years it snows once, and some years every week, so they’ll be ahead on light snow years. SO don’t ask me for a lower rent on heavy snow years.
I recall a rental that comes with a driveway, and one time I got the rental of it nearly wrappred up. When it was finally mentioned to the tenant has to shovel his driveway, and the sidewalk in front of it. the guy said “no way”. But he liked the rental enough that he offered to just park out on the street instead.
But I said, “don’t you need to shovel the car out to use it, like drive somewhere”. He said “no, I’ll leave it there till the snow melts”.
I remember this guy came thru a rental agent, and the agents was at her wits end trying to get this guy in, and earn the commission. At this point, we dug in our heels, and told them that if make exceptions for this guy, we’ll start making it for others, and before we know it, we’ll have to run all over the county shoveling snow, or scrambling to find someone to shovel.
But later on, when we thought about it further, we figured this guy is probably too lazy to clean house, take out the garbage, and would also be the type to park in that driveway anyway in good weather without paying for it, if we said “ok we’ll rent it without the driveway”. BUT the kicker was he asked if the rent would be lowered because he’ll be parking on the street instead.
We finally told him, “you ant the place, you got to shovel” NEXT.
Frank Chin
Same as grass cutting - Posted by Mr. Big
Posted by Mr. Big on June 10, 2005 at 20:18:44:
In the case of single homes, the tenant is responsible. In multiple dwellings the owner(or super) is responsible for plowing the driveway and parking lot and clearing the sidewalks.
This is not a big deal, on the whole it costs no more than grass cutting, usually less as it does not need to be done so regularly. Only when there is enough snow to impede traffic.
In an area where snow doesn’t accumulate, some winters you don’t need to plow or shovel at all.
You want to go north??? - Posted by Blane (MI)
Posted by Blane (MI) on June 10, 2005 at 16:20:06:
Craig,
Just curious as to why you’d want to invest away from sunny climes like where you’re at. Me, when my kids are grown I’m gonna start poking my head around near all you rich investors down South…
Blane
snow, yuck, don’t miss that. - Posted by Jim FL
Posted by Jim FL on June 10, 2005 at 15:43:05:
Craig,
That really depends on what your rental agreement states, and local laws, as well as the situation.
Now, you may see by my name, “FL”, and think, he doesn’t know about snow…oh contrare.
I’m from IL, and invested there for a while.
When rental units, straight rentals, not lease options, such as apartments, multi units etc, I had a snow removal service…actually, a relative with a truck equipt. with a western plow and a spreader for salt/sand.
However, for houses, single family homes I rented, or lease optioned, the tenants were responsible for outside upkeep, snow in winter, grass cutting, leafe collection the rest of the year.
Ultimately, you are responsible for upkeep, so if there was a situation were ice built up, causing a slick surface and you neglected to address it if/when a tenant notified you about it, there could be a problem.
I used to purchase used snow blowers for like $30 at auctions for self storage places in the summer. When a tenant rented a house from me, this was given to them for use, as a courtesy, to make things easier, sometimes lawn mowers too when I found them.
I always felt there were less excuses for not keeping up my houses when I provided the needed tools upon move in.
Anyway, that’s my two cents, keep the change,
Jim FL (used to be IL)
Re: You want to go north??? - Posted by Craig
Posted by Craig on June 10, 2005 at 16:23:30:
Well I’m living in Central CA where RE prices are getting ridiculously high. I’m looking to start out and I was looking at the midwest and east coast where prices are a little more affordable for me. If I had the money I’d love to stay around here, but to start out I’m thinking of going to a place where it costs less to get started. The two areas I were looking at right now were NY and places like Indiana & Ohio.
Re: You want to go north??? - Posted by Sailor
Posted by Sailor on June 10, 2005 at 21:24:01:
The coastal SE is going to see a lot better appreciation than IN & OH. Many coastal villages are still under market in spite of recent appreciation. Retirees from the north are fleeing the snoy & cities. They cash in their northern equities, buy on the water here & bank the balances.
It isn’t just a matter of greater appreciation; coastal properties are more liquid than those in the midwest. There is always someone w/money who wants waterfront.
Tye