Snow Removal Dilemma - 2 Options/Offers from Today

[Nir]

Hi All,



Some great information was already provided on snow removal:



http://myreinspace.com/public_forums/Real_Estate_Discussion/62-8337-Who_Usually_Shovels_Snow_-_Tenant_or_Landlords__Rep.html



I understand that as a plex owner it is my responsibility to remove snow for the tenants.



Here is my dilemma/options more sepecifically based on new input/offers from today:



- The tenant offered to do it for $100/month

- An independent Handyman offered to do it for $150/month.



Who should I/would you hire?



On one hand the tenant would be happy to do it and make some money and I am saving $50 a month if I hire the tenant and know he would do a good job! On the other hand perhaps it is safer to hire someone else like the handyman who is not a tenant. The same handyman will soon work on around $3,000 renovations in one of the apartments in the property (floor, paint, tub).



(I guess if the tenant does it it will be a separate payment from the rent)



THANKS,

Neil

 

[housingrental]

My thoughts (and others will disagree):

Never hire a tenant

Hire handyman

BUT

Hire handyman only if properly insured and reliable

Insure salt use is included in costs and not an extra charge that you`ll have an impossible time monitoring

 

[randy]

QUOTE (investmart @ Nov 27 2008, 06:27 PM)
Hi All,



Some great information was already provided on snow removal:



http://myreinspace.com/public_forums/Real_Estate_Discussion/62-8337-Who_Usually_Shovels_Snow_-_Tenant_or_Landlords__Rep.html



I understand that as a plex owner it is my responsibility to remove snow for the tenants.



Here is my dilemma/options more sepecifically based on new input/offers from today:



- The tenant offered to do it for $100/month

- An independent Handyman offered to do it for $150/month.



Who should I/would you hire?



On one hand the tenant would be happy to do it and make some money and I am saving $50 a month if I hire the tenant and know he would do a good job! On the other hand perhaps it is safer to hire someone else like the handyman who is not a tenant. The same handyman will soon work on around $3,000 renovations in one of the apartments in the property (floor, paint, tub).



(I guess if the tenant does it it will be a separate payment from the rent)



THANKS,

Neil

 

[dplummer]

In Ontario the person/company you hire must be covered by WSIB. Either they pay & give you a copy of their WSIB or if your audited you will pay for their WSIB. What about insurance? Just my 2 cents.

Doug

 

[MoisheAlexander]

QUOTE (investmart @ Nov 27 2008, 08:27 PM)
Hi All,



Some great information was already provided on snow removal:



http://myreinspace.com/public_forums/Real_Estate_Discussion/62-8337-Who_Usually_Shovels_Snow_-_Tenant_or_Landlords__Rep.html



I understand that as a plex owner it is my responsibility to remove snow for the tenants.



Here is my dilemma/options more sepecifically based on new input/offers from today:



- The tenant offered to do it for $100/month

- An independent Handyman offered to do it for $150/month.



Who should I/would you hire?



On one hand the tenant would be happy to do it and make some money and I am saving $50 a month if I hire the tenant and know he would do a good job! On the other hand perhaps it is safer to hire someone else like the handyman who is not a tenant. The same handyman will soon work on around $3,000 renovations in one of the apartments in the property (floor, paint, tub).



(I guess if the tenant does it it will be a separate payment from the rent)



THANKS,

Neil






Neil,



The problem with hiring a tenant to do it is that if they don't do it properly, the other tenants can complain and bring an application to the local Rental Housing Tribunal for a rent reduction for lack of snow removal. This can occur if you start to have some difficulties with this tenant that wants to do the snow removal. It will cause you more aggravation. It's much preferable to hire an independent company who is insured and I agree with the other commenters here with respect to insurance and WSIB etc.



Moishe Alexander

President, Canadian Funding Corporation

www.canadianfundingcorporation.com