Conquering the clog with Thrift

A clogged sink is never pleasant to deal with, but it can be a lot easier to handle. Most clogs in a sink occur below the trap. By first removing the trap you will have more of a direct access to the clog. Second, I would recommend using a commercial drain opener Thrift. Thrift is available online or a plumbing supply store. Third, boil a teapot of water( the spout on a teapot fits into a drain pipe easily), measure the proper amount of Thrift and pour into empty pipe. Next pour in the boiling water. This product is very powerful and will gurly and make some awful noises but be patient, within a few seconds the clog should disappear. If the clog does not go, I would recommend plunging the drain and repeating the application of Thrift. I would also recommend wearing a dust mask and eye protection when using Thrift.

Use your local hardware store.

Establishing a relationship with a local hardware store can be an invaluable tool for a landlord or property owner. A small hardware store can follow you all they way through a project and make suggestions that can save you a lot of time and money. The best way to utilize there help is to be prepared with your questions. Take accurate measurements, take photos, make good notes, etc. they may not be able to solve all your problems, but will probably refer you to someone who can. I contribute a great deal of my success as a Property Manager to my local hardware store(Marshall Hardware Duluth,MN).

Good tenants are invaluable

After many years of interviewing tenants and checking references I have been fortunate to have had some great tenants. If they pay their rent on time and maintain a clean apartment it is in your best interests to try your best to meet their needs. Not only will this keep your building looking better, it will also increase the property value. In some cases a tenant will prove to be very high maintenance, and other times virtually no maintenance at all. In either case being responding to a tenants call promptly will not let a problem get out of hand. In the overall picture if your tenants understand you are concerned about the building it will be less stressful for you as a landlord.

Fast wall repair

Dent or holes in walls are minor but make an apartment hard to rent. Here is an easy way to make a lasting and durable repair to a wall fast and and be able to paint within hours.
1. Prepare the area by removing all debris.
2.Wash the wall around the hole or dent with a mild cleaser or I recommend tri-sodium phosphate.
3.Depending on the size of the hole or dent(2 inchs or more) you may need to use a repair material. I use an adhesive mesh drywall tape. Using a 4 inch compound knife apply mesh tape is drawn over the area about 2 inches beyond the hole, overlapping in order to cover entire area. Once mesh is applied go back over the area with compound knife and smooth the mesh making sure the area is flat.
4.Fill hole with fast setting compound. I use USG durabond 90 drywall compound. Mix the compound in a small container with water to an oatmeal consistency.
5.Using your 4 inch compound knife gently apply the compound liberally to the affected area. Feather compound out beyond affected area.
6. Allow compound to set.
7.If needed an additional top coat may be required to achieve desired surface. If so I recommend a USG Easy sand 120 drywall compound. Use a 6 inch compound knife to knock down ridges that have formed and mix compound. Apply a thin coat and allow to set.
8. Allow to dry for 4 to 6 hours or dry to touch before painting.

Tenant painting

Having tenants do improvements to property can be ok if it is simple and does not affect the cosmetic look of your building. Allowing a tenant to paint can be a nightmare. However in the current market if this is a negotiable point, you may have to concede. If so, be very clear to approve the colors they are using. My recommendation is to use neutral tones, just do not allow them to use red , it is the worst to cover. On the other hand, there are renters that are very skilled and can make a big difference in the look of your property.

Inspection Lists

As a landlord you must comply with the city which licenses your property. If do not do much maintenance the task of bringing your property up to code can be daunting. The city is focused on keeping property safe for renters and can be hard to deal with if a landlord does not comply. The best thing to do is to do your best and keep in contact with your inspector. It will make life as a landlord much easier.

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