How dirty will you let your Tenant be?

[Nathan Gesner]

We all have different cleaning standards, but some people are just filthy! 

Below are images from an actual apartment that's been occupied by the same tenant for almost 30 years. He pays 15% below market rate but has never been late once. The yellow glow is from cigarettes, not my lack of white balance. The last picture shows how even the items stored next to his bed are covered in thick dust.

Would you allow him to stay? Would you force him to clean it up? Would you kick him out and renovate?

[James Wise]

Originally posted by @Nathan Gesner:

@James Wise @Joe Splitrock @Mike Dymski @Jim K. @Ned Carey @Russell Brazil @Alexander Felice 

 When the apartment looks like what you've posted there is no reason for an investor to remove an income stream in an effort to empty their wallet. The cost for you to renovate it when that tenant naturally turns is going to be the same or similar to what it would be right now. So for all of the investors out there who immediately jump in and say "I'd make him clean it or I'd kick him out" I ask you why? Have you actually stopped and thought about it logically with the bottom line in mind or are you simply having an emotional knee jerk reaction to something that displeases you? If you as a landlord thing you have the ability to change the lifestyle habits of your tenants, you've got a whole lot of hurt coming your way.