Beginning Renovations & First Tenant Clean out! Duplex Diaries S2:E2

[@BudgetGirl]

See all the details of my duplex journey here! budgetgirl.com/duplex-diaries-2/

[@kap319]

Trash bags cost more money than some low income people can afford especially when they’re paying moving costs, I’ve been a landlord for nearly 20 years and I actually provide a box of contractor bags for people when they’re moving out. I find it easier all around and worth the cost so there’s less loose stuff set to the road.

[@robine916]

Great idea! :D

[@BudgetGirl]

That is a really excellent idea! thanks! I may start doing that!

[@mariayelruh]

Contractor bags are the way to go! Really good hint.

[@Hankandrex]

I was really surprised they didn't just ask her for trash bags. I have no doubt she would have provided.

[@nhunter6506]

@@mariayelruh yes! Contractor bags are very thick and large! Good idea!

[@bigred5535]

Ahhh, the joys of renting. I moved out 6 weeks early and was told I would not get my deposit back for doing so. I moved out mid-month after paying for the whole month allowing them time to prepare the apartment for the next renter who was ready to move in. The apartment complex was out NO money. I left the apartment clean and just as I had found it when I first moved in. To my great pleasure, I unexpectedly recieved my deposit refund check in the mail. They were good landlords and I was a good tenant. It pays to be a good tenant, and sometimes good things do happen to good people.

[@kitrinaparry8739]

Shower cleaning tip. Mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup dawn dish soap. Put it in a spray bottle and spray it in the shower.(wear a mask the vinegar is strong) leave it for 30 minutes to 1 hr. Rinse with a cloth and water. Your shower will sparkle!

[@deboramorrissey7442]

Keep these Duplex Diaries coming - I really, really enjoy them. I have picked up so many tips and tricks from you, so thank you.

[@BudgetGirl]

So glad!

[@grizzlyinvesting]

The best thing I found cleaning bathroom rentals are a product called “Kaboom.” It comes in a purple spray can will clean 100% of whatever renters leave on the vanity/bathroom tubs.

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you! i'll try that next time!

[@grizzlyinvesting]

@@BudgetGirl no problem at all it will save you a lot of time and elbow grease. Just got make sure it’s the spray bottle not the bottle with the trigger. They typically sell it at Walmart.

[@TXtoTN]

Tip for yellowing plastic bath tubs. Use the purple brightening shampoo for blonde hair.Sounds weird but it works

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Sarah,to clean tubs,sinks,etc,dawn dish soap.it works wonders.toilet,alkaseltzer tabs,polident tabs.safe,nontoxic.clogged drains?vinegar,baking soda,hot water.clears it right up

[@daniellenickey7721]

We rented out our home and had a few issues similar to what you described. Our carpet was trashed, she didn’t pay last month, trash was left, and her dog destroyed our yard, all the walls needed painted, and she didn’t clean the house. Oh the joys of renting.

[@pama.6410]

This must be really helpful for prospective landlords! Future tenants should be happy to see how you notice and correct little things others might not even notice like tape marks or rough spots. Hope your new tenant is a joy. Kudos to Jacob for his hard work!

[@tiddlywinks456]

Marry Jacob please, he’s a keeper!

[@TaleRavenTarot]

Yikes, who just leaves a pile of trash like this? In almost 20 years of living in apartments, I have never done that. Gross! I'm glad you charged them for it. That is the kind of thing that scares me away from being a landlord. 😬Your duplex is gorgeous, though, and you've done a great job fixing it up. I bet you are an amazing landlord, too.

[@toniy5515]

Nice to young people working together, particularly attractive, a man with a mop! I am a senior citizen, considered buying a duplex, now not so sure! Your good examples are helping me learn and make realistic decisions.

[@BudgetGirl]

He's a sweetie. thanks so much for watching toni!

[@mariannaryan456]

In my experience garbage disposals in rental units are a nightmare . I take them out and just put in a drain.

[@zillennialtries]

I like that your are making it look really nice for your new tenants. Living in a beautiful space can be really encouraging for people to take good care of it.

[@PlowAndPantryHomestead]

I am engrossed in this because I want to have a rental some day. There's no better way to educate myself!

[@AlexAlex-gj4jd]

1. I hope Jacob is getting paid in some way for all his help! 2. Mr. Clean or knock-off white sponges are amazing on sinks, glass, mirrors, stainless, in and out of the toilet (yes!!), shower tub surrounds, etc! 3. Soft scrub gel for toilets is my go to with the white sponges! They got rid of the regular green gel and I found it is the same and cheaper I think but even if not, so worth it! I use it on almost everything instead of TSP! I also dilute it with water and dish soap for a lot of other cleaning!! Keep up the excellent vlogs!

[@BudgetGirl]

He got free rent/ bills the next month (normally pays about $775 for his half of household). thanks for the cleaning suggestions!

[@persiusk]

That's generous of you, but he is your boyfriend.... Just offer him "special favors" I bet it would work ;)

[@cynrok]

@@persiusk ew

[@JeffLifeInReview]

Word to the wise. Each time you put in a washer dryer. Put in new hoses, no matter how good they look. Can’t rely on tenants to care for or monitor them for good condition. Cheap insurance for rentals as the only time you hear about them is after they blew, over a weekend when no one was there and everything got destroyed they want you to pay for.

[@paulaglogowski6544]

You were lucky compared to some of the tenants I’ve had to deal with. Flea infestation, 3 dumpsters full from a hoarder, a pile of junk behind a garage, and you name it. I’ve experienced it wit tenants. You sound like a wonderful landlord.

[@dorothyyoung8231]

FYI for another time: you can pull out the rubber gasket so you can get your hand down into the garbage disposal more easily. Pull out the gunk and then re-seat the gasket. For cleaning tubs: combine equal quantities of white vinegar and Dawn dishwashing liquid. Wet down the surface thoroughly with water and let it sit for a few minutes. Apply your solution and scrub it into the surface; a clean broom works well. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub again and rinse. You will be amazed at how well this inexpensive hack works.

[@lauracurnan3255]

Love your journey! Thanks for sharing.

[@VrajaVilasini]

OOH I was not ready for that to finish :) Looking forward to the next one.

[@ayidas]

Watching this on my lunch break. I don’t know why, but it’s just nice to spend time with you Sarah :)

[@BudgetGirl]

thank you for spending your lunch with me!

[@maryannrogers8675]

Thank you for getting vaccinated. I’m a full time RN who worked with Covid-19 patients from the beginning of the pandemic until April 2021. Thank you again

[@medical4652]

Mary Ann - thank YOU!

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Finally got ours like a month or so ago.hubby got his due to me having severe asthma,and i got mine for the same reason

[@fofita17]

Always turn off the breaker that powers the garbage disposal prior to inserting your hand in it to retrieve something! Freak accidents can happen and it wouldn’t be pretty!

[@deboramorrissey7442]

I was thinking the very same thing!!!

[@username00009]

Or always use tongs!

[@icewinter89]

I thought the same thing. Just watching that made me nervous!

[@kelseygorman2099]

Girl. I recently discovered grout cleaning (I am a recent first time homeowner myself) and it has me wondering if the living room floor grout is supposed to be black?? I know you already have a renter in there. Just a thought! Your journey is so inspiring and has me wishing we had house hacked in a duplex! You and Jacob have great attitudes about the ups and downs of being a landlord. Also it cracks me up that you didn’t keep the nice washer and dryer for yourself and give the renter your old ones! 😂 That speaks to your character.

[@BudgetGirl]

Hi Kelsey! so the grout (after MUCH cleaning) was tan 😂under all that. And I considered putting the older washer/ dryer in the rental but I'd honestly rather them have nice reliable machines and me be inconvenienced if the old ones break down. Also my dryer was taking like 4 runs to dry at the time. I've rented places with crappy machines or none at all and don't want to be that kind of landlord!

[@musicart2007]

@@BudgetGirl I have that washer and dryer. Mine are reeeeeeallly loud. You may want to run a load in there and see if your tenents might get irritated with it. :( It cleans well, it's just really loud.

[@sunoveristambul]

Steam cleaner!!!!! It's magic

[@thebeachyfarmhouse6410]

Cant wait for next reno update😘💕

[@shannfanofmany]

I love your page and all that you do! Thanks for sharing! I hope you get to 100 k this year! I'm rooting for you!

[@BrittanyAngeline]

Duplex Diaries is my favorite!!! Thanks for sharing, Sarah :-)

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks for watching Britt!

[@well.loved.notebook]

For modular baths I use Clorox’s bathroom cleanser without bleach from Target but I also wipe it with disinfectant wipes which surprisingly gets all the soap scum off with very little elbow grease. Super easy!

[@knottyneedle]

Loving it. Watched while I was figuring out how many panels I would need for a fence across the front of my new house. There is chain link already on 3 sides and I need the front fenced as I have a puppy now. Going with something ornamental-ish rather than going with chain link. This uses stakes to pin in the fence panels (wrought iron looking ones), so no concrete and hole digging. Paying cash too! Love watching your videos and constantly being inspired by you. Love the money saving tips.

[@qmakesithappen]

Wow what an adventure! Hopefully your next tenant is great and longterm 😊

[@accountname337]

For the trash, this is likely the result of packing/moving and tossing stuff that didn’t fit in the truck/cars at the last minute or just the result of running out of time to pack. It will happen again. Since you said yourself you had trouble locating a dumpster, you might want to consider how to handle this when the next tenant moves out. The plastic shower surround and tub will probably not get white again. It’s just a drawback of those. Make sure to understand what is going to be considered normal wear and tear in your state/locale. I have found that most landlords generally have a very narrow definition while legally the definition is much more broad.

[@sav2040]

There’s a purple foaming bathroom cleaner the dollar tree sells and it’s the best thing in the world. Cleans super well ☺️

[@rochellethundercloud346]

Use dawn dish soap.it works great

[@rmcnally3645]

I'm liking this video for the "there was a snake under it!" Comment alone 😂😂😂 Props to you both for getting that all cleaned up ahead of the storm!

[@solck7286]

Were I live they offer 2 large pick up items a year included with the trash service and a once a year clean up where you can put bags of trash on the curb for pick up. All is included in the services, you just can't put construction trash. You get up to 14bags. I found that interesting you don't get that service.

[@BudgetGirl]

I've never heard of that anywhere i've lived, very cool offering!

[@meedeessamorgan5768]

Chesapeake,VA offers bulk trash/move out pickup 12 times a year. You're suppose to request the pickup on their website. I honestly don't think most people request the service, they just put the trash out and it gets picked up.

[@michellemorales401]

Fat girls unite! 💪 My weak immune system and BMI bumped me up to tier 3, too. Back to the reno! GREAT JOB!!! I wouldn't mind landlord's in a duplex. My Hubby and I flipped 3 homes. We're actually addicted to renos. LOL Side note: You can use the detailed time stamp and location stamp from your cellphone pictures as verification of when you were at the Uhaul. I had a problem with uploading photos to their app when my son bought a house in February. I emailed it to them instead. 😊👍

[@karynb7781]

I think I felt more nervous about it all than you seemed to be? IDK if your nerves just don't show? Or maybe the fact I couldn't actually do anything to contribute gave me more nervous energy? I can't wait to see the rest of how everything turned out- 'A tenant of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies!' Hoping for a long and contented tenant occupying your duplex! XoXoX. Awesome W/D find...

[@jonnaborosky8836]

One word: gloves!

[@orangeazmonkey]

That was exactly my though too! Invest in gloves.

[@cindyann5841]

Yup! I was cringing most of the time! Ewww!

[@danapertile106]

That is terrible how some tenants cannot leave the property in an immaculate state when leaving. I'm from the Czech Republic in Central Europe, and in my country, most landlords claim to get 3 rents in advance (before the tenant even moves in) plus some money (the amount may vary) as a deposit that the tenant will get back when they are moving out. Of course, they will get the deposit back only if everything is okay, well-cleaned, well-maintained and there are no broken things, like furniture, windows, floor, anything. If something is broken, they will not get the deposit back and it will be used for paying for the repairs. And if the cost of the repairs is higher than the deposit, the landlord charges the tenant the entire price, of course. Also, it is common, when a tenant is moving out, for the landlord to either be present for the entire time of moving out, or to come and see the place at the very moment the tenant is leaving. It is because the landlord needs to inspect his property and the condition in which the tenant is leaving it, and also to take the keys back. It is not common not to meet the tenant any more and let them move out without getting the keys back and inspecting the place.

[@lenka_xo]

yikes- I hope you figured out the dishwasher- you needed to put the all wheels in the track before putting the end cap on the track. Easy fix! It keeps the wheels in but also out if you put it on first 🙈🙈🙈

[@Oglulubell]

Here in NYC rentals are required to have a stove, that’s it. Tenant is responsible for bringing in a Refrigerator and/or W/D. Most places include the fridge but never the W/D. Last place I rented I had to purchase a fridge (gave it to mom when I moved) and I sold the Washer/Dryer on LetGo. My new place only had hook up for an all-in-one W/D.

[@EmmaHope88]

Where I live, most kitchens have nothing in them. Not even cabinets. You have to bring everything. Some rentals do have a full kitchen, but it's not standard. Same if you buy a house. You usually have to buy everything, cabinets, countertops and appliances.

[@myXmasOldies]

@@EmmaHope88 where is that?

[@annettetaylor8992]

We had the same washing machine and dryer set for 5 years it’s the best!

[@BudgetGirl]

great to hear!

[@madnessofmymind]

only for 5 years? you moved or they died?

[@lmiller9924]

This is a great video, love the raw footage of the journey. I had missed your vlog style videos. two of my favorites, over the years have been your $29 birthday party and the “ wolf pack” Yard sale video- but there are many others 😊

[@thishappycrafter272]

I’m SO glad you charged them for that careless behavior! So frustrating.

[@stephaniejensen1644]

Budget Girl, Love your videos, as well as your honesty and work ethic. Really looking forward to seeing you get 100K KZbin subscribers. Thanks for starting this channel and taking us all along with you on your hard-earned journey to success.

[@25esimpson]

For the yellow/yucky tub: have you tried magic erasers? I have seen amazing results using those plus some elbow grease.

[@tryingmyluck]

The best thing is a cleaning kit to attach to a power drill. Even surfaces you think look pretty good and just need a regular clean will ✨sparkle✨ like nobody’s business after getting hit with that kind of power.

[@atdepaulis]

The best thing that has worked for me is making a paste out of bleach and baking soda and wiping it on the tub… leave and come back and rinse it out and it’s sparkling white

[@sandrafromscotland]

👍 Keep on trucking Sarah 😂

[@BudgetGirl]

Always!

[@paulan7218]

The washing machines without an agitator suck. They don’t get anything clean that is not practically clean already

[@EarnestKegler]

Do you manager your own rental or do you have a property management company? And what do you think about using property management companies?

[@BudgetGirl]

I self manage right now, but no issues with prop management companies! Obviously they take a cut of your profits, but can make real estate a truly passive form of income!

[@earthgirl145]

The first time in my life being fat helped me out too! 😂 when I heard that high BMI was considered a preexisting condition I signed up.

[@lyndaemge3486]

Jacob is a God send!

[@AsiaCierraBudgets]

Omg I cant believe they did that!!! 😱

[@Natalie_11188]

Thanks for sharing your duplex journey with us!

[@BudgetGirl]

thanks natalie!

[@sherrryann]

🙋 i'm here for the drama

[@teresanorris4769]

Very nice of you not to trade your washer/dryer for the nicer ones. 😂

[@mariayelruh]

I haven't had a garbage disposal in 40 years. We had one in my parents home, for about 15 years, but it wasn't really used. We got in the habit of composting vegetable waste. My Dad wanted it for the garden ;). Neither of the houses we've owned had one and I've had zero need for one... because I garden also!

[@liliamrodriguez3020]

Great video

[@lindatexas5906]

I'm not surprised, I worked in property management for years, it's pretty common unfortunately. Good luck with your new tenant!

[@truneilson]

I hated my washer like that, it was the hardest on my clothes of all the machines I've ever used because it doesn't use enough water to clean the clothes. I ended up getting a front loader... uses the same amount of water but doesn't trash my clothes.

[@lyndabrown3402]

Love my agitatorless washing machine. Good luck!

[@robine916]

May I ask if you have washed large items like blankets or quilts in it? How did it do? I currently use a front loader, but may switch back next time. TYVM! :D

[@AryaCreates]

They make paint in gallon and spray paint form for tub, tile and shower stalls. Might be a good fix if the tub and surround only need cosmetic fixes.

[@jillymason6910]

Eucalyptus Oil will get that yellow stains off. Cost more but those cheap DT products are not good for your lungs or skin. Dilute oil in warm water soak and then clean with Dawn and baking soda.

[@ericglover5341]

I let my last landlord before I became a homeowner keep my deposit because my kids broke a window and destroyed some drywall. I figured that was fair. :)

[@debrarusling4667]

My dishwasher did same thing you can order parts on amazon to fix racks and they are cheap

[@brillancetechnicalwriting9083]

May you please point me to resources for landlords that do not complete the make-ready process before new tenants move in? When my daughter moved back to Texas, after paying all required fees a month in advance, she arrived to find appliances still in boxes, unfinished floors and windows, and had to stay in a hotel.

[@BudgetGirl]

Goodness. that sucks. I'm so sorry that happened to yall but I don't think there is any overall resources. I highly suggest you stand up to her landlords to have them take money off rent, pay for the hotel or do something else to make it right as that should not have happend.

[@sp8400]

Yay for getting vaccinated!

[@motivatedmindful1976]

Vinegar and Dawn dish soap.

[@kikihammond5326]

Just an FYI, the rubber flange above a garbage disposal can be easily pulled out to allow access and vision of the garbage disposal so you can see what's gumming up the works

[@BudgetGirl]

ooh, did not know that! i'll try it out!

[@TICST4R]

When you pull out the rubber gasket, be prepared for major grossness. You might want to use that roll of paper towels you keep for "messes". Have you cleaned out your garbage disposal lately? LIVING WITH CAMBRIA had a vlog showing cleaning a disposal by dumping your ice maker into sink and running the cold water to clean disposal. Don't be nervous. At first a Lot of black water will be in the sink.The sight is appalling. All the ice and water will go down the drain. Thank you Cambria. Good luck Sarah and Jacob ♥️♥️

[@username00009]

My mom said the same thing, but my friend said that’s not true (and he installs them). 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@jazziered142]

I can't believe they did that with the diapers and stuff, that was so gross.

[@anelinck5375]

Lol. I got my vaccine also earlier then others my age because of the same reason. Having a high BMI and I also have high bloodpressure. Not proud of being fat, but this time, I got to skip the line. And also, go go go for 100k subscibers.

[@ageisonlyanumber8334]

That Jason is awesome! Tell him your internet mom says Thank you!

[@vyvoomvoom9641]

Dollar store Aqesome cleaner works on many surfaces...

[@busyboy3497]

You need a pickup truck being in the rental business

[@BudgetGirl]

it's a longer term plan. So far it's def. been cheaper to rent a truck the couple times i've needed to haul something. But definitely eventually!

[@KatyInNH]

Or a van and the you could camp in it too!

[@maryannrogers8675]

I’ve been a landlord for over thirty years and you definitely don’t need a truck.

[@sandyseibelhager7131]

What the tenant needed to do was to get a dumpster. It shouldn't be the landlord's responsibility but it might be worthwhile to provide one just for moving out time. I'm surprised Texas is so behind in the vaccine game. Nebraska has had open vaccinations for some time now.

[@BudgetGirl]

This was filmed in early march!

[@gubbie2u]

That was SO tacky of your previous tenants, to leave all that loose trash! I hope they had a good deposit, to pay for the removal and your time hauling it to the dumpster!

[@granitemoss1451]

On one hand, I'm disappointed for you, that you had to deal with all hat trash.On the other hand, I'm glad the inside wasn't worse! May the next move out before flawless.

[@PinkOwl31]

I was waiting to see the 🐍😆😆 knowing I don't want to see a 🐍 😬😬

[@BudgetGirl]

i did not stay around the snake long enough to document it. lol and sorry!

[@PinkOwl31]

I wouldn't have either! 😆😆

[@nhunter6506]

Would the garbage mishandling by the outgoing tenant be a passive aggressive display for having to move? Did they pile all that there while you were at work or asleep so you couldn’t stop them? I’m so sorry!

[@ruthanncovey4547]

Get a book on cleaning ideas. "How to Clean Anything". Use gloves!!

[@Miles-jv2rz]

Listen to some of the professional house cleaners on KZbin to see what works

[@stevenmcmillian1977]

I noticed that dollar store cleaners don't clean as well as the name brand cleaners.

[@aiya3130]

Same! And they have god-knows-what in them hahaha o.O

[@musicart2007]

Thank you for charging them for it. This behavior should corrected.

[@Hankandrex]

OMG EW! I am so sorry. Some people are just so disgusting and its just how they are. Do not feel bad for being picky with your tenants. You have to be. Glad you got someone better.

[@katherinewoods378]

Was i the only one yelling at Jacob to put gloves on....then the bandaid yikes!

[@BudgetGirl]

i know i know! (Says the girl who also didn't wear gloves while dealing with that trash outside) YUCK.

[@BrightAsAButton]

We didn't see him disconnect the power to the garbage disposal between putting his hand in there and running it either - yikes!!!

[@frenchroosters2294]

Where are your gloves?

[@inea-fijourney22]

Tenant horror stories lol

[@bnzimusa]

Glad u charged them, how disgusting

[@MirandaJarvis]

Can I ask why you didn’t renew their lease? Just wanting to get the upgrades done?

[@BudgetGirl]

they kept breaking the rules of their lease (extra people, pets, etc.) and weren't good tenants as far as keeping the place clean and pretty constant noise issues. I wish them the best elsewhere!

[@bnzimusa]

Based on how they left things it's probably a good idea that u didn't renew

[@BeautyIsMyLife]

I'm in Washington State and being fat didn't help right away lol! You had to have 2 underlying conditions for a long time. I felt the same way as you though; for the 1st time my BMI is I guess helpful?...

[@chrissysmith1198]

Wow you charged them for that ... Seems petty to me there are certain things that fall into play when becoming a land lord, this certainly is one of them.

[@allisonpiazza2317]

It’s her property and they clearly didn’t respect it. She had every reason not to renew their lease.

[@BudgetGirl]

@@reneebradley660 I'm not sure what you expected, but good luck finding what is is you want out there!

[@aliciag9365]

As a former landlord, there is absolutely nothing wrong with charging people for additional clean up! These are odd comments. I mean, this isn't a charity service. People are expected to behave like responsible adults and citizens. The tenant wasn't kicked out. The lease just wasn't renewed because the tenant was breaking the terms of the lease. Remember, Budget Girl inherited this tenant from the previous owner...it's very common to turnover the tenant with new ownership.

[@BrightAsAButton]

@@reneebradley660 Are you for real? The tenants had been consistently contravening the terms of their lease. There is NO excuse for leaving dirty diapers and containers with rotting food etc loose amongst rubbish left out on the kerb. The rented side of the duplex clearly requires renovation and repair of the kind that few tenants would tolerate whilst living in the space. As a new owner, Emily has every right to make changes to her property. Had they been good tenants and respectful neighbours, they'd still be living there!

[@Afikoman62]

still haven't gotten a decent mic ? Cannot hear the people you are talking too

[@MissAbsss]

Wish your boyfriend had worn gloves for the sink