[sburl]

Hi everyone, my name is Spencer and I’m one of the co-founders of Rent the Backyard.

Rent the Backyard was founded to help homeowners who want to earn extra income from their underused backyards but don’t want to spend a ton of time or money to make it happen. Rent the Backyard provides a turnkey solution — we handle all the logistics of putting a studio apartment in your backyard — helping you earn $10-$20k per year in rental income with as little loss of privacy for you as possible.

We’re focused on the Bay Area (particularly San Jose) to start. California has passed a lot of laws in recent years that make these “accessory dwelling units” or ADU easier to build because they believe these units can help play a role in solving the affordable housing crisis. 4,300 ADU were built last year in California and we’re hoping to help more homeowners access this new type of housing without needing to borrow money and become a part-time construction manager.

We’re building this business not only to help homeowners make more money from their underutilized space but also to help communities increase their supply of housing. We want to be sensitive to the communities we serve and as we build, we’re committed to listening to stakeholders and exceeding California’s requirements when it’s the right thing to do.

Excited to answer your questions here and by email: [e-mail] !

[martin-adams]

I'm from the UK so probably have limited understanding of the US housing regulations. But after reading your FAQ, I was left with the following questions. While I don't need to know the answers, they give an insight in to what went through my mind.

1. What happens if there are no tenants?

2. What laws/insurance/responsibility is now applicable as being the landlord?

3. How do you calculate the price of the house in a sale?

4. What happens if I go bankrupt?

5. What if I have a mortgage on my current property?

6. Who is technically the landlord, me or Rent the Backyard?

7. What about electricity, plumbing and sewage?

8. What about breakages to the property and general maintenance and upkeep?

9. Are they furnished or not, and if so, who furnishes it?

10. What are your fees to pay for the service and bills to make the difference between earnings and cost to the tennant?

[C4stor]

What is the ecological value of the prefabs ?

I'm a bit concerned that we're still gonna build the same houses with no correct thermal isolation but big AC units, no electricity generation, no sonic isolation... and continue to house the poorest people in those houses which are also the most expensive to live in !

But maybe this is adressed in the week and half of construction, which would be a great feat !

[zyang]

I live in west sj with a lot that qualifies for backyard unit. This sounds like a good idea but it glances over too many details. What say does the home owner in the tenant screening process. What happens if I'm not happy with any of the tenants and the unit sits empty. What's going to happen if I decide to pull out of the contract...

[Balgair]

Hey, great idea guys! I've spent a few summers in the East Bay building these units for folks and know a fair bit about the process.

A few questions:

Are you pouring pads?

How are you tying into the sewer and electrical lines?

Parking issues?

Especailly with South Bay soil/clay, how are you addressing lift and shrink?

There has been a fair few house fires in SF proper in the last few years, many are related to rentals that are over capacity. I've actually lost friends due to these issues. Not fun. Obvi, I really like your idea as it'll help with over crowding. But there is the HUGE issue of fire safety. How are you addressing that?

HOAs?

Extra dirt?

Great idea guys! Hope it all works out for you.

[oftenwrong]

>without needing to borrow money and become a part-time construction manager.

I doubt this makes it worth it for most Bay Area homeowners. They could take out a loan, build an ADU, and keep 100% of the rental income, paying off the loan completely in a shorter timeframe. They can hire property managers as-needed.

[jmkd]

What's your approach to the loss of urban wildlife habitat (let's face it, bees) and the reduction in carbon sequestration potential (let's face it, trees) through the conversion of backyards into property development?

[ilaksh]

Have you considered expanding into southern California?