So many Questions

[Kim Dillard]

I have 4 rentals for the last 5 years. I really have not had major problems with any of my renters. However, I have a lady that has been in my house for 4 months. She has been difficult from the beginning. First of all, she tried to retype my contract because she said my original was too sloppy. Looked at it and noticed right away, she had changed the number of occupants from 1 to 2 in two different places. I pointed that out and told her that we were not using her contract. We also discussed, in front of a mutual friend, that I normally get $1500 out of the house. However, it needed to be painted. So, I told her that she could rent it for $1200 as is. She then tells me that she can’t come up with the money for a deposit. She asked if she could pay $100 per month extra towards the deposit . I agreed. Two weeks into her living there, she drove to Texas to get her grandson (early 20’s) to bring him back. He has been there 4 of the 5 times that I have been there. He is living with her. She is now telling me that I am not fulfilling my agreement of fixing the place up. Our mutual friend, knew the arrangement that I offered her in letting her rent it at the lower rent as is. Again, if she is in breach of her contract by letting her grandson live there, can I get her out without being sued?

[Nathan Gesner]

Quote from @Kim Dillard:

You could try to reason with her, but I think that would be a mistake. She's old enough to know better but has already tried changing your contract, negotiating your contract, and now she is violating your contract. I would give her notice of termination and get rid of her.

I also recommend you set some standards and stick to them. For example, allowing payments on the deposit is bad practice. They should pay the full deposit up front and meet all your other requirements before you hand them keys.

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