Getting organized with rental

[sunglow]

We are going to be renting out our CYV for the first time and we know that there are a lot of steps we need to take to make that happen. We want to start a book with different instructions, i.e., golf cart etiquette, trash pick-up, etc. Does anyone have something already put together that I could make copies of or could you steer us in the right direction? Is there a renter's manual that exists? Any advice would be much appreciated.

[asianthree]

i put all the info the villages gave us about the house gave them the info on trash and everything they need, all else is taken care by my homewatch person

[Schaumburger]

We are going to be renting out our CYV for the first time and we know that there are a lot of steps we need to take to make that happen. We want to start a book with different instructions, i.e., golf cart etiquette, trash pick-up, etc. Does anyone have something already put together that I could make copies of or could you steer us in the right direction? Is there a renter's manual that exists? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Speaking from a renter's perspective, your idea of putting together a "renter's manual" for your tenants is a very good idea -- especially for first time renters, and especially golf cart etiquette.

[l2ridehd]

I have a renter books for my homes. I customize it for the home. On the cover page I have a Welcome with a picture of the home and address. On page one all the essential information, mailing address, PO box number and location, all our contact information, all emergency numbers, how to connect to the wireless system, home watch and maintenance contact, lawn schedule, and other contact information.

On page two is trash information including recycling and where to purchase more bags if needed. How the heating and cooling system work along with recommended settings. Also water heater. Laundry room information and how to use washer and dryer. Then on the next two pages I go through each room with information about each, where to find things, what is there. Every time something comes up about a question from a tenant, I answer it, but then update the book to include it. As an example I have an iron and ironing board hung on a hanger behind a closet door in the master bedroom. Someone never found it and borrowed another one. Now it's listed in the book. Include things like TV operation, grill operation, where to get propane if needed, how to use the shower control in the main bath (it's different then almost every place in the world).

People are not stupid, but things are done differently other places and my tenant list comes from all over the world. By listing every room and what is in it, most things get put back properly. If you don't, the printer will end up in the living room, the beach towels someplace new, etc. etc.

A complete page on golf cart operation and information. A page on roundabouts.

Next page is restaurant recommendations with a map showing where they are. Then a printout of the golf course map with all the pro shop and and starter numbers. Several pages of maps of all the shopping centers with all the stores listed.

In the front of the book I place a Villages map with a LOANER sticker on it.

The last pages is a place for comments and suggestions, with a specific note asking if any thing else is needed in the home or the book.

And every time I get any question I update the book. Still get questions because people don't read, but then I can just tell them to look on page X of the book.

[Virtual Geezer]

l2ridehd's list covers just about everything and it sounds to be in a logical order. Nice job.

A couple of things I would add and to the list. Listing things by room is great but for a new renter the light and wall switches may be a little confusing. Some may be 3 way switches while others may control an outside light. A description of what switch does what would be very helpful.

Another thing you may want to add or let the renter know about are solar tubes if you have them. I rented one place and was leaving to go to the square soon after I got into the property and I must have spent 20 minutes trying to find out what switch turned out the light over the kitchen sink. Yes after 20 minutes of frustration it dawned on me that it was a solar tube lighting. Don't even ask how many times I reached for the light switch to turn off the solar tube in the master bath or master closet.

VG

[NotGolfer]

The book idea sounds like a great one! BUT what if you get folks who don't bother to read it! Bet that happens as well.

[sunglow]

Thanks so much for the all the information!

[Harleyman]

When you talk to your insurance broker about changing your policy from a homeowners to a rental policy, you should ask them if you are going to lose your sinkhole coverage. From all I read on here it appears that if you switch carriers you cannot buy the coverage again. I wonder if that is the case with changing to a rental policy. I would be interested in the answer to this question.

[l2ridehd]

I place the book on the kitchen counter with the keys, gate passes and garage door openers and tell them all home information is in the book, please read. I am going to add a "check out" list of things they need to do when leaving. Had a friend who rents whose tenant threw away the gate passes as they thought they were like hotel room keys.

[Schaumburger]

l2ridehd, Your renter's book is a great idea, especially for first time renters.