Eviction - vandalized property

[Pramod Prasad]

Hi All - 

I bought my first property in KC, and have gone on to purchase a few more in other locations over the year. This first one is my problem child. 

I had issues with the tenant and we went through a long eviction process. At the end, when the tenant was evicted the property manager informed me that property has serious damage. The water heater, appliances, hvac systems have all been ripped out. Now, I find that a little surprising. Does anyone have this happen to them as part of an eviction? Unclear to me how a tenant can do this so professionally. MAybe I am reading too much into this, but I find my property manager is not being entirely truthful. 

[Jay Hinrichs]

This is extremely common in areas of C D quality properties.. not necessarily the tenant that did it could be just your typical theft when a home goes vacant. this is why its critical to have a vacant home policy in force on your rentals..

[Pramod Prasad]

Thank you - given this was my first property I did opt for every single thing on the insurance and looks like I will get covered for this. I just am not 100% sure if I should change my property manager. 

[Jay Hinrichs]

Quote from @Pramod Prasad:

Thank you - given this was my first property I did opt for every single thing on the insurance and looks like I will get covered for this. I just am not 100% sure if I should change my property manager. 

PHew good job.. pm cant be there 24 7 theft happens in one night ..  what you need to do is buy in better areas where the price points are higher and the returns are risk adjusted.. that means paper returns are less.. but you know investors they tend to not think about tenant risk and go for the highest returns on paper..

[Bruce Woodruff]

It is somewhat typical (depending on area as Jay said) for a tenant that is getting removed to 'retaliate' against the Landlord....because after all you are the 'big bad guy who threw them out for doing nothing wrong......'

[Eric James]

Have you reported this theft to the police?

[Theresa Harris]

I agree with the others-report it to the police.  People who get evicted after not paying the rent for a long time re usually not the best people and often leave lot of damage in their wake.

[Gregory Serrano]

Credit scores are an important indicator of tenant worthiness, but I have also heard that $60k a year (in most markets) is the magic number/ minimum income number for most good tenants. An individual making $60k a year+ will bring less problems (markets may vary). I hope this helps.

[Michael Smythe]

@Pramod Prasad this happens ALL THE TIME with Class C and D properties!

Occasionally with Class B- properties.

It's usually linked to the tenants or the neighbors!

If it's not them directly, it's their family or friends.

Who else knows the property is vacant so quickly?

No aware of anyone that has figured out how to stop it.

So, you either sell or work the cost into your ROI.

[Tracy Minick]

I like to think that everything happens for a reason and that there is something to learn from every experience. Unlikely no need to change property management, they too are motivated to protect your home and have it rent ready.  This occurs and could have been vindictive tenants or simply a robbery. It is likely an insurance claim due to a form of vandalism. Your property manager will assist in providing access to the insurance adjuster and getting you back on track.

[Amanda Lizana]

I agree that this does happen and it's not typically the property manager's fault. It's always unfortunate though. Reach out if you need anything.