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Updated over 9 years ago, 08/23/2015
Landlord opinions please
hoping this is appropriate, In the past my x husband and I flipped about 9 for closures. For the past 4 years I have been renting with my two teenage kids and one dog. The home I'm renting is a young home. Built in 92.
My landlord took a risk with me, after my divorce I was forced to file bankruptcy. Not forced. But told it was the best option. Anyhow, he accepted me as his tenant and now 4 years later, I love this house. It has become my children's home. I pay my rent two weeks early every month and in June I pay. July and August up front. I take care of this as if it were my own. When my dishwasher broke I went and purchased a new one. I've had the bathrooms regrouted and I have paid and never would ask my landlord for things I wanted done. If it needed it I would ask. I have installed garage door openers and he allows me to install a fence. I also paid for. It was a want. The front shrubs died from the brutal winter. So I had them removed and replaced and the pavers resanded. And the foundation on the stairs painted because they were cracking. People tell me I'm crazy for putting money into a home that I don't own. However I live here I plan on it for a minimum of another 6 years. I've called my land lord twice in 4 years once because my heat was broke. And another to find out if I had to have the gutters cleaned or him. Other than that I've never asked for a thing. I do all landscaping and snow removal. i also pay rent with a bank checkevery month. So now I need the carpet in the living room and Dinning room replaced and Down the Hall. I've had Stanley steamer every 4 months The padding underneath is starting to to des inaugurate and it's coming free from the walls it was not new when I moved in I believe it is original My question is I was told by my brothers contractor that he could install laminate flooring for 2300 I am willing to pay for some. I'm unsure how to ask my landlord. I was going to ask for a months rent which is 1300 and I'll pay the remander. Do you think this is inappropriate? Or how do I ask. ? He tells me all the time he wishes he had 10 tenants like me, and how great his house looks. But I don't want to seem greedy He only raises my rent 10 dollars a year. Should I ask? And how can I ask? It's not a game changer I'm not going to move if I can't. But it does need to be done. Thanks in advance
@Kelly M
A landlord that only raises your rent $10.00 a year shows how much he appreciates your being his tenant. No only do you pay your rent in advance and take care of the house, you have also added value with your home improvement skills. You have also helped him pay down his mortgage for four years and counting.
If I was your landlord, I wouldn't hesitate to provide the funds for the flooring. Sounds like you have demonstrated your abilities to improve things so he should be delighted in your proposition.
Perhaps you should approach the ask with a reminder: "Hi Mr/Ms Owner, I've really enjoyed living here. You know, the carpet has been worn down and I'd like to help you replace it by ..." Then give him your proposal.
It sounds like the carpet is rather old and should be replaced anyways so he would be getting a flooring upgrade and you would be getting a more desirable living situation.
I also agree with the other folks. Save money for your own home. Let the owner know that you'd be interested in working with him/her in figuring out how you can buy the house if he decides to sell. Start seeing yourself as a homeowner.
At the same time, develop the habit of putting money away (maybe in a roth ira) to help with a down payment or option fee.
Please keep us posted on what happens. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing with us your story and I am both sympathetic and shamed that I am not on par with you, as it sounds, you are well on your way to regaining the success in your life, as you have previously experienced.
:( Unfortunately, I as a landlord, for the second time around, I would love a tenant like you, but, I would only think twice and only twice; before I sold the property out from underneath you for the chance at an adequate capital gain endeavor, not pretty, but the nature of the business. Not all money is good money, but deserving the difference is the challenge.
Thinking twice...
First, you are a great tenant and assume a great person.
Secondly, you have created equity and forced value into a property that would have otherwise moved at a snails pace, whereby capital improvement projects would not have been a priority.
A landlords conscience would feel for you, however if a landlord waited and missed an opportunity to get access to untapped equity then they are in the wrong business.
Callous? Yes. Illegal? Not hardly. Immoral?? Only if it's you mother, Rabbi or priest.
In essence stop making someone else rich, you deserve great things and so does your family.
You wouldn't be here if you we not just like us, a passionate REI professional.
Find your niche, exploit it, work with one of us to make it happen.
We need you just as much as you need us.
Best wishes.
it seems like you have been an exceptional tenant. Based on your statements, it seems like he appreciates having you in his property and I think your landlord would replace the flooring upon request. Invite him over to see the condition of the carpet and let him know you intend to continue to rent for several more years. I have a similar situation - amazing tenants who have been in a home for about five years. I am just waiting for them to go on a week long trip so I can replace flooring while they are gone. Since they are great tenants, I am willing to go above and beyond to make sure they are happy.
@Patty C. thanks for the example. I still didn't call. I am going to today. No hesitation. Not sure why I am feeling nervous about it. He's a nice guy and a great landlord. I guess I don't want to make him feel obligated. But I am def going to call today. The worst answer could be no! Which honestly, I don't think he would say. I hope. :)
I have IRA. I pay myself before anything else. Plus my pension. I'm prepping for the future. I just do not want to buy in NJ that is why I wouldn't ask to purchase this home or any other home in my area. Right now it's about allowing my kids to finish school where they have grown up. It's only fair to them.
Having prior expierence in flipping many houses quick. Once I make the move I would like to get back into something again. First I am working on regaining my credit status. It has taken a toll on my entire life's work. Without a credit score, unfortunately your frozen. My passion was foreclosures and getting in and out quick. Standing back and looking what I did on a budget. It a very gratifying experience.
I don't think I could handle being a land lord. I feel for all of you. People, not all but lots are pigs. Excuse my term. But honestly I would have heart failure if I saw someone trashing my property. So for me it was bid, close, gut, sell and walk. Then I didn't have to watch my work be destroyed .
My perfect scenario in 4 years would be a home where the owner would be willing to hold the mortgage. I will post later today to update to let you know what john says about my floor. Fingers crossed..
Update : I called and said hi john how are you? A bit of small talk about summer then he asked if everything was ok. I said yes, but I wanted to run something by you! " the carpet in the main living areas are coming away from the baseboard and the hall and dinning room are very warn. I said I've had Stanley steamer in a few times a year, but the padding underneath seems to be crumbling and creating lots of dusty stuff when I vacuum. I'm not sure how old the carpets are or when you were planning on replacing, but I was hoping we can do it soon. I explained my brothers contractor and then also said I would be willing to help out with anything above my rent. He said, if I could get a written estimate from the company and what type of flooring they would be laying along with a business card, if I can wait till January he will pay for the entire thing. I was thrilled with the response. I thanked him about 4 times lol. He'll what's another 4 months. That's nothing. My hands were sweating when I called. I'm more than happy with his response. Now that he's is paying I can buy area rugs lmao!! Those are not permanent. So I can spend the money.. Thank you all for the support and opinions I truly appreciate it
why not just tell him the problem, and see what he wants to do to fix it. after all, it is his house, as a result, his decision ultimately......why he's contemplating everything, make the suggestion, and offer to eat some of it (awfully generous of you) if he uses your brother?to do it.