APPLIANCES - Probably the best course of action if you have older appliances is to get a Home Warranty Protection plan that covers them. Otherwise, be prepared to fix them when they breakdown, especially if you have a good tenant.

When you have a good tenant, they rarely ask for much, and they take care of the place... use your head. Pay for the repairs!

UTILITIES - Several of the utilities like trash collection and public sewers attach themselves to the property, not the person who orders the service. What does that mean to you. That means that even if the trash bill is in the tenant’s name, if they do not pay for it, it attaches to the property and becomes your responsibility.... be prepared.

Also, you need to keep enough money in your account, especially when your property is vacant, to cover the necessary utility bills like water and power. If not, we will have to turn them off, and then you'll really be upset.