I find more risk dealing with contractors then screening tenants. Tenants gives you money, contractors take your money. Sometimes they take and don't come to work. Kir.

I wonder if a person's claim history is known to other insurers... Maybe claim deductible and if the the premiums are too high, then why not switch companies. Kir.

I do those searches too. Once , the legal secretary at the court of Queens Bench was so surprise that a landlord was doing this, she waived my fee. The problem is these past convictions are on the record for a long time (possibly forever), so the question is when do you overlook the past...

If you have baseboard heating, then you still need a HRV system. It brings fresh air into the house, and takes moist air out. There is duct-work involved. kir

I suppose if you go though basement legalization, then the ceiling would have to be drywalled...this would be an ideal time to add sound deadening materials to the ceiling as well. Kir.

The cost of abestos testing is really a function of the sampling size. Ex., each sample is about 30 bucks. IF the floor is in question, just cut a small piece and send one sample to a LAB. Drywall and ceiling is a bit trickier since you need at least one per room. I hope you dont'...

Maybe you shouldn't invest in areas you don't know. But if you find a good deal, like it has a nice debt service ratio, I would just go to the area and observe the people at night and at daytime (sit in the car and just observe). Sometimes the place looks "spooky" at night and lots of...

The easiest way is to tell your renter to go to the nearest RCMP station and file a report and then give it to you. It will cost about 30 dollars I think. Fastest and easiest. I don't usually do a criminal check, if I feel i have too...this is a pass for me, but phone the local RCMP. they...

Small risk, but possible even after due dilegence. Kir.

Wow, this is too close to home ! Soon, landlords will need a bodygaurd to collect rent. Kir.

Well, if the garage is warm , then the snow and ice will melt (assuming the garage is used for cars). So if the water doesn't drain properly, then over time the concrete may subside, if it hasn't already. Kir.

Oh sorry, the city would be Edmonton. All electrical work for secondary suites needs to have a license electrician...which means they have to apply for the permit as well. thanks. Kir.

Does anybody have a good reference for an electrician, a person that can pulled permits and have done secondary suites? thanks. Kir.

When doing credit report, you do use Equifax or TransUnion and do you obtain the FICO score as well? I pulled my own history using both Trans Union and Equifax and both credit report are the same. Equifax has some details on ATB debts, but Trans union didn't. This about was the only...

this CRA link might help: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/chrts-gvng/chrts/plcy/cpc/cpc-018-eng.html Kir.

Sorry, what I meant to say was get any independent appraiser to get the real valuation. Then you will know it cannot be worth more than the cash input. Even if it is worth something...CRA can just say, you didn't have any intent to donate or you didn't show that the "gift" was in the spirit...

It might be interesting to buy something....but take physical possession of the goods to which the charity is applied. Let's see what happens. Hire a separate independent appraisal (one that is CRA approved). Then donote it to a charity.... Kir.