More people keep moving in...

[Michell P.]

Hey all, 

Ok... I have a tenant who has been kind of a problem ever since I got involved with the property.  They were placed in the unit by the previous property manager and their lease is OK but pretty minimal and now they're on month to month.  They're often late paying rent but usually catch up before I give them a 72 hr notice.  

They're in a 2 bedroom, 1 bath and I thought there were 4 people there.  Turns out there were 5 (3 adults, 2 kids under 4).  Now I'm pretty sure they just moved in their grandmother.  So 6 people in a small 750 sqft 2 bedroom apt (plus a large companion dog).  Only 2 of the adults are on the lease that I have for them.  

And they're very rough on the unit, borderline hoarder issues and general uncleanliness.  I just inspected the unit and I've amazed at how bad the place is looking considering it was remodeled less than 2 years ago.  

Today, I saw the guy walking around with a lighter touching random bits of grass... so I'm guessing there is some hard drug use going on but no proof.  And he's not on the lease.  

We're at the bottom of the market, and they've repeatedly sobbed (literally crying) that they have nowhere to go because rents are so high everywhere so I'm pretty sure they'll force me to evict them before they'll move.  I've offered to return half their security deposit if they'll just leave, but they turned that down.

I'm torn between feeling like I'm sticking my nose where it doesn't belong and feeling like I'm just protecting the property.  If your answer is that I should just give them notice, then do you also have any strategies you use in cases like this to help minimize the pain? If that's even possible... 

[Nathan Gesner]

1. I hate to be blunt but you aren't ready to be a Landlord. You may survive but you are setting yourself up for a difficult time and financial losses, not long-term wealth. 

2. Get rid of them. Stop talking to them in person and communicate only in writing. I can't remember the Oregon requirements but I think you can give them 30 days notice since they are on a month to month. Write.up thenotice and hand it to them as soon as they pay the rent (assuming they pay with cash or money order. If it is a personal check then wait until clears). Keep it short and professional without reasons, excuses, etc. Include a statement that if they move our early you will refund any unused portion of the rent with their security deposit refund. This doesn't mean you will give the deposit back. It means you will if they deserve a refund.

If they are out by 30 days, apply their deposit and move on. Of not, proceed with eviction. My guess.is they will leave once you demonstrate some fortitude.

In the meantime, find a property manager to takeover until you learn the ropes. Can't afford one? The fact is, you can't afford not to! A good PM will get good tenants, rent for top value, and at least reduce the amount of losses which should pay for their services.