Gas vs. Electric Homes

 The Top Differences for Gas vs. Electric Homes Every First-Time Landlord Should Know

First-time homeowners usually grapple with deciding to invest in gas or electric homes. While things may seem straightforward at first, in practice deciding between gas and electricity is more nuanced.

There are several factors to consider, including each option's upsides and downsides. This article looks closely at the major differences between gas and electric homes. Let's dive in!

The Cost of Gas and Electric Homes

Gas is a cheaper energy source compared to electricity. The operating cost of gas appliances is also less expensive than those powered by electric energy. Generally, the upfront cost of setting up a gas home is high, but it is a cheaper option in the long run.

Gas vs. Electric Appliances

You can decide if gas or electricity is the best option by calculating the cost you need for installation and maintenance. To get prospective cost savings, research the average monthly expense in your local area. Call your utility provider and prorate the numbers you get to the size of your home and power sources.

Additional Energy Cost Considerations

Other essential factors to consider are the durability of appliances, energy efficiency, and the associated setup and installation cost. Also, you should factor in each appliance's lifespan and replacement cost. Some electrical appliances usually last far longer than their gas counterparts. Your property location may also impact the operational costs, given that gas prices vary from state to state.    

Pros and Cons of Gas vs. Electricity

The top benefits and drawbacks to gas and electric homes include:

Gas Pros

• It is cheaper to operate in the long run
• Generally offer better performance
• Are more efficient to utilize

Gas Cons

• The setup costs are high
• It can be hard to repair or fix yourself
• The prices vary between states

Electricity Pros

• Is it affordable to setup
• Most of the equipment is smaller
• More choices and options to pick from

Electricity Cons

• Typically expensive to operate over time
• Vulnerable to power outages

The Bottom Line

Gas homes are generally cheaper to own and operate than electric homes. The choice largely depends on location, local weather conditions, and more. In both cases, it would be best to get reliable private financing for your home. At Leaf Management & Funding, we provide short-term funding and loan capital that covers 100% of your home upgrade and renovations. Get in touch with Michael Leafer to learn more about the services.

Liabilities for Landlords

 Protecting Your Property: The Top Liabilities for Single-Family House Landlords

As a landlord, you must be aware of the potential liabilities associated with your rental property. These liabilities range from electrical and plumbing issues to ADA compliance and safety hazards. By identifying and addressing these issues, you can protect yourself and your tenants from harm and ensure that your property is a safe and comfortable place to live. This article looks at the common property liabilities for single-family house landlords.

Electrical Systems

One of the most common property liabilities for single-family house landlords is electrical issues. Electrical systems can be dangerous if not properly maintained, and landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties' electrical wiring and outlets are up to code and safe for use. It includes:

• Regularly inspecting and maintaining the electrical system.
• Replacing outdated or damaged wiring.
• Ensuring that all outlets and switches are in good working order.

Structure Problems

Structural problems can also pose a significant liability for landlords. Issues such as foundation cracks, sagging roofs, and termite damage can be both a safety hazard for tenants and a financial burden for landlords. It is essential to regularly inspect the property for signs of structural damage and address any issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance

ADA compliance is another important consideration for landlords. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires landlords to make accommodations that are reasonable for tenants with disabilities, including ensuring that fixtures such as door handles and light switches are easily accessible. Landlords should also ensure that common areas and amenities are accessible to tenants with disabilities.

Plumbing Systems

Plumbing issues can also be a common liability for landlords. Leaky pipes and faulty water heaters can cause significant damage to a rental property and be a nuisance for tenants. Any plumbing problems are the landlord's responsibility to fix while regularly maintaining the plumbing system to prevent problems from occurring.

Pest Control

Pest control is another important consideration for landlords. Pests such as mice, rats, and termites can cause damage to a rental property and be a health hazard for tenants. Landlords are responsible for taking steps to prevent and control pest infestations, including regularly inspecting the property for signs of pests and implementing control measures as needed.

Safety Hazards

Safety hazards are also a common liability for landlords. Landlords ensure that their rental properties are free of safety hazards such as exposed wiring, faulty smoke detectors, and slippery floors. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent these hazards and protect landlords and tenants.

Conclusion

By being aware of these common property liabilities, landlords can take steps to address any issues and create a safe and comfortable living environment for their tenants. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent problems from arising and protect landlords from potential liabilities. It is also crucial for landlords to be familiar with relevant laws and regulations, including the ADA and local building codes, to ensure compliance and avoid potential legal issues.

If you're a real estate investor needing expert property management and financing, look no further than Leaf Management and Funding. Our team has extensive experience in rehabbing and managing rental properties. Don't let property liabilities hold you back - contact Leaf Management and Funding today to learn more about how we can help you succeed.

 

Home Warranties

 Pros and Cons of a Home Warranty for Your Rental Investment Property

 

• What is a home warranty?

A home warranty is a contract between a homeowner and a home warranty company that provides for discounted repair and replacement services on a home's major components such as the furnace, plumbing, stand-alone freezers, water heater, dishwasher, oven, cooktop, garage door opener, HVAC and even the pool. The home warranty is designed to protect your homes appliances and systems form breakdown caused by normal wear and tear. It covers service, repair and replacement of the major home appliances and systems that are covered in the homeowner warranty. 

• Pros of a home warranty

You get peace of mind

It is so expensive to install some of the home appliances and electrical systems such as the air conditioning and water heaters. A home warranty is a great form of security against unexpected and expensive home repairs.

Convenience

In case you need any repairs done, you do not need to worry about finding a trustworthy technician to do it as the home warranty company provides you with their trusted technician. 

Savings on the cost

It is relatively cheaper to do repairs with a home warranty as compared to an individual homeowner who is likely to be charged a lot more.

Transferability

In case you sell your property and you have a home warranty, it is possible to transfer your home warranty to the new homeowner. You will be charges a nominal transfer fee according to your home warranty company.

• Cons of home warranties

Longer wait times

The wait time can be a little bit longer in case you need a quick fix and you place your claim via phone. It is however possible to put you claim online and at your own convenience.

Limited coverage

Home warranties do not cover pre-existing conditions, animal infestations or recalled products. This however varies from one home warranty company to another. 

High cost

Some home owner companies charge a lot of money to new homeowners seeking coverage for sign up and replacement of some appliances in case of pre-existing conditions. 

• Tips for finding the right home warranty

Before selecting a home warranty, consider the type of coverage offered by the company, the company's inclusions and exclusions, cost of the plan technicians used by the company and the company's reviews from their clients and customers. 

Contact us for guidance and tips to help you select your home warranty company.

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Smart Homes: What Landlords Need to Know

 Smart Homes: What Landlords Need to Know

Smart homes equipped with connected devices such as Amazon's Echo and Google Home have become increasingly popular in recent years. However, these devices present several legal and privacy issues when renting a smart home. Landlords must be aware of these issues in order to properly remove or reset the devices and avoid potential lawsuits.

Legal Implications of Smart Home Devices

One of the main legal issues surrounding smart home devices is the possibility of recording conversations and collecting data. Both Amazon's Echo and Google Home have voice assistants constantly listening for certain commands, so they may record conversations that take place in the home. This raises concerns about privacy, as the landlord may be collecting and potentially sharing sensitive information without the tenant's knowledge or consent.

In order to address this issue, landlords should make it clear to tenants that the smart home devices are recording their conversations and collecting data. This can be done through a lease agreement clause or by providing written notice to the tenant. Landlords should also ensure that they have the tenant's consent to collect and use this data.

Another legal issue to consider is the ownership of smart home devices. If the devices are included in the home sale, the new owner (i.e., the landlord) will be responsible for any data collected by the devices. However, if the devices are not included in the sale, the landlord may not have the right to collect or use data from the devices. This can be a complex issue, and landlords should seek legal advice if they are unsure of their rights.

Privacy Implications of Smart Home Devices

In addition to the legal issues, smart home devices also raise privacy concerns for landlords and tenants. As mentioned previously, the devices may record conversations and collect data, including sensitive information such as financial transactions, medical information, and personal conversations.

Landlords should be aware of these privacy concerns and take steps to protect the tenant's privacy. This can include implementing strict privacy policies, encrypting data, and only using the data for legitimate business purposes. Landlords should also be transparent with tenants about how the data is being collected and used and allow tenants to opt out of data collection if they prefer.

Removing or Resetting Smart Home Devices

If a landlord decides to remove or reset the smart home devices, they should take care to do so in a way that respects the tenant's privacy. This can include deleting recorded conversations and personal data and resetting the devices to factory settings. Landlords should also provide written notice to the tenant and allow them to remove personal data from the devices before resetting them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, smart home devices can present several legal and privacy issues for landlords who are renting out a smart home. It is important for landlords to be aware of these issues and take steps to protect the privacy of their tenants. This can include implementing strict privacy policies, encrypting data, and being transparent about how the data is being collected and used. Landlords should also be careful to remove or reset the devices in a way that respects the tenant's privacy. By understanding and addressing these issues, landlords can avoid potential legal problems and ensure that they are handling everything properly.