Blog Posts - The Spicy Landlord

Pros and cons of hiring a property manager vs self managing.

CaroJuly 8, 2023July 8, 2023

The positives for hiring a property manager versus self managing can seem overwhelmingly in favor of hiring a property manager. But are they really? Let’s examine the pros and cons for both!…Continue readingPros and cons of hiring a property manager vs self managing.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

Pros and cons of self managing vs hiring a property manager.

CaroJuly 8, 2023July 8, 2023

You have a spicy decision to make: should you hire a property manager (PM) to manage your rental or self manage? It really comes down to one question: do you want to have more money in your pocket or time in your day?
…Continue readingPros and cons of self managing vs hiring a property manager.

Why keeping up on maintenance and aesthetics as a landlord will cost you less in the long run.

CaroJune 4, 2023June 4, 2023

Respect begets respect. Trash begets trash. #Vibesbegetvibes, as the kids might say. While it’s obvious that fixing or replacing broken items is a given as a landlord, we need to chat about the long term affects and unnecessary costs associated with neglecting maintenance and aesthetic repairs outside of this scope. …Continue readingWhy keeping up on maintenance and aesthetics as a landlord will cost you less in the long run.

Spicy Stories

FVCK YOU – A late fee love story.

CaroMay 21, 2023May 28, 2023

If you’ve ever had the soul stealing privilege of working a customer service job, you can back me up when I say there is no shortage of spicy people you have to interact with. In the world of property management, this is especially true when it comes to paying fees.…Continue readingFVCK YOU – A late fee love story.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

How to find the best renter (what to look for when screening for credit, co-signers, and background).

CaroMay 21, 2023May 21, 2023

The impact of having quality renters versus #literaltrash renters cannot be overstated. How do you do it? By conducting a thorough screening process when a renter is applying to rent a home.
…Continue readingHow to find the best renter (what to look for when screening for credit, co-signers, and background).

Spicy Tips & Tricks

How to find the best renter (what to look for when screening for income, references, and personal character).

CaroMay 21, 2023May 21, 2023

The spectrum of the quality of a renter is wide and it’s difficult to know how to select the best renter. How do you do it? By conducting a thorough screening process when a renter is applying to rent a home.…Continue readingHow to find the best renter (what to look for when screening for income, references, and personal character).

Spicy Tips & Tricks

What to look for when viewing a home for rent: the basement.

CaroMay 11, 2023May 21, 2023

From Home Alone basements with frightful furnaces to fully finished recreation rooms decked out with speakeasy-style bars, basements continue to range from mangy to bougie. Whatever the vibe, there’s a few items you’ll want to scope out before committing to rent the home.…Continue readingWhat to look for when viewing a home for rent: the basement.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

What to look for when viewing a home to rent: kitchen essentials.

CaroMay 5, 2023May 21, 2023

The kitchen. My personal favorite room in the house where all treats descend into the glory that is my belly. Whether you have 50 cupboards or 5, here are some items to consider in the kitchen before proceeding to rent a home.…Continue readingWhat to look for when viewing a home to rent: kitchen essentials.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

What to do when you find mold in your home?

CaroMay 4, 2023May 21, 2023

Because of the fear and reputation surrounding mold, also referred to as ‘microbial growth’, I thought it best to clear the air and present some facts about mold, what it is, how to treat it, and how to work with renters and landlords alike to make sure everyone is happy and the home is healthy and clean at the end of the day.…Continue readingWhat to do when you find mold in your home?

Spicy Tips & Tricks

Should you view a home before paying a security deposit?

CaroFebruary 18, 2023June 10, 2023

The answer should always be a resounding yes! Once you’ve found a home that meets your criteria, you’ll want to verify the home is actually how it’s pictured in photos and there aren’t any unpleasant surprises, such as a sketchy prisoner basement.…Continue readingShould you view a home before paying a security deposit?

Spicy Tips & Tricks

What to look for when viewing a home to rent: the yard & exterior.

CaroFebruary 18, 2023May 21, 2023

Sure, you can walk through and confirm everything looks good aesthetically. But there’s a few key items you’ll want to take a peek at before committing with a deposit. Is the home safe and well taken care of? Or did the landlord put lipstick on a pig? Conducting a thorough walk-through will save you time, money, and frustration both up front and down the road.…Continue readingWhat to look for when viewing a home to rent: the yard & exterior.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

How to prepare to find a home to rent.

CaroFebruary 12, 2023May 21, 2023

Maybe you’re a first time renter, fresh from the nest and scoping out apartments and deciding on roommates. Or maybe you’re fed up with with your current landlord who doesn’t fix things and your neighbors rage-party all night. Whatever the reason, it’s time to locate a new place to rent which means you’ll need to prepare to find a home in the spicy rental market.…Continue readingHow to prepare to find a home to rent.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

I can’t afford rent: how to find funds and negotiate with your landlord.

CaroJanuary 22, 2023May 21, 2023

Not being able to pay rent is some straight up horror-movie-level scariness. Actually, it’s worse because it’s real life and not a movie. When your basic necessity of having a home and shelter is threatened it can be difficult to know how to find the funds. Job loss, a death in the family, or sharp increase in the cost of rent can affect our ability to pay rent. …Continue readingI can’t afford rent: how to find funds and negotiate with your landlord.

Spicy Tips & Tricks

How to avoid paying late fees on rent (and why paying on time could eliminate rent increases in the future).

CaroJanuary 22, 2023May 21, 2023

Does anything hurt more than paying exorbitant late fees on top of what already feels like sky rocketed rent prices? It may feel like the landlord is being greedy by asking you to fork over high dollar late fees for paying past your rent due date, but you must remember they might also be relying on your rent to pay a mortgage, taxes, or other expenses and that can’t afford to be late either.…Continue readingHow to avoid paying late fees on rent (and why paying on time could eliminate rent increases in the future).

Spicy Tips & Tricks

How to find a home to rent.

CaroJanuary 2, 2023October 6, 2023

From one street towns with 20-person populations to high rise condos with ritzy ocean views; finding a home can be both an easy Sunday morning or a brutal, morning after hangover. Where should I look to find homes? Are websites like Zillow and Hotpads reliable? How do I avoid rental scams?…Continue readingHow to find a home to rent.