Recent comments in /f/providence

darekta t1_ja0d4aw wrote

Paint. Most of the window sashes in these old houses were not repainted or sealed properly and the lead based paint chips and lands in the sill where kids like to play. Old wooded windows also rub against the sash which creates lead dust.

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cowperthwaite t1_ja0braz wrote

Links to Providence Journal stories about Pioneer Investments.

Pioneer tenants organized against their landlord. Now they say they're being pushed out: Renters have faced sewage stench, leaks and structural issues. Now they say they may lose their homes.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2023/02/06/pioneer-tenants-say-they-are-being-forced-out-after-organizing-against-landlord/69871075007/

Tenants band together against RI landlord as they face deplorable conditions

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/09/30/pioneer-investments-anurag-sureka-tenants-say-apartments-deplorable-condition/8081442001/

A Central Falls couple's twins were struggling. Then a blood test showed high lead levels: Pioneer Investments left two young children at risk in a Central Falls property. Now, the parents may take action.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/local/2022/12/15/childhood-lead-poisoning-central-falls-rhode-island-pioneer-properties/69683975007/

Edit: Two of the three stories require a subscription. We're still running a sale for President's Day, one of the best of the year. Please consider subscribing. And consider reading these important stories.

https://subscribe.providencejournal.com/offers?gps-source=CPDIGARTICLE&utm_medium=onsite&utm_source=article&utm_campaign=DIGITALARTICLE&utm_content=CPDIGARTICLE

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MarlKarx-1818 t1_ja09itk wrote

I went once on a Friday night and it was very packed but you still could play games. Only things like DDR had a line. It also skewed very young, like college kids, but we didn't feel awkward as people in our 30s. Gonna try to visit on a weeknight, it's cheaper and probs less packed. The drink selection does kind of suck but it was still lots of fun.

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SwampYankeeMatriarch t1_ja09i2z wrote

Heads up, this user is shitposting extremist arguments on both sides of the issue. OP, feel free to correct me, but it looks like they're pretending to represent your movement when they're really just trying to polarize and undermine productive conversation.

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ghogan1010 t1_j9zx5uw wrote

There’s a lot that goes into owning rental properties that people don’t take into account. My 4 unit property last year brought in for revenue $60,000 in revenue. Market rates that number could be $85,000. Now expenses. 36,000 for mortgage, taxes, insurance. I own an additional $5,000,000 umbrella liability policy that costs around $500 per year

I had 2 hot water tanks go last year. $3,000 total in expenses. Dishwasher went in 1 unit. $785 Pest control issue as it’s close to the water and surrounding area has an issue. $1500. That’s up front charge and monthly maintenance plan because I’d rather prevent a problem than not.

I installed 2 outdoor plugs for 2 units because they own electric cars and were running extension cords through a window. Rather not have them endanger themselves doing that. $500 each per plug.

We painted and replaced flooring in common area for $2500. Common area electrical, sewer, water, landscaping, property management, accountant for the year total just under $4500

This brings total profit on the unit to $10,000 per year. We had virtually zero snow removal and thankfully it was a low year in terms of maintenance. But what happens next year if the other 2 water tanks go, or in 5 years when the roof needs replacing, or someone moves out and I miss a month’s rent from the unit? There’s most definitely multiple components to owning and a lot of people are jerks. But we aren’t all jerks. Some of us are trying to build an asset, be fair to people, and benefit in the long term. For as many bad landlords there are, there are scuzzy tenants. It needs to be a partnership.

Yes some people are cut throat businessmen and there’s ways to squeeze a hell of a lot more out of it. But many tenants don’t treat properties with any kind of respect either. Thankfully mine do and I am fair to them in return.

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PeachesFromTulsa t1_j9zixnb wrote

Posted this in the r/rhodeisland thread, copied here too.

I own a 2-family home in PVD. I live in one unit and my tenants help me cover the cost of the mortgage. I keep my rent below market value and address any repairs or issues ASAP. It’s a good situation for everyone involved. I know this movement is meant to fight back against “slumlords” but some of these things will negatively affect those of us who are not part of the larger problem. I charge an application fee because it’s costs money to run a background check. It’s not a ton of money (I believe around $35 last time), but someone has to pay it. If I am reviewing multiple applications, it adds up. It makes the most sense for each applicant to cover their own background check. My biggest concern is sealing eviction histories. I try to be sympathetic to everyone’s unique situation in life but paying my mortgage each month requires my tenants to contribute. If someone has an eviction on their record, I believe that’s my right to know as a property owner. Housing in RI should be more affordable and safe, but these initiatives are not the way to do it.

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