All Forum Posts by: Aaron Turner

@Anthony Wick that is the whole story, or at least all of the information I have. Lease was signed to begin May 1st before she lost her job. (I guess yes, she was furloughed not fired, I should’ve clarified, either way she lost her source of income) I don’t understand why she didn’t get unemployment, and it’s completely out of my control. I reached out to remind her about utilities, move in procedures etc, and that is when she asked to start June 1st instead because she hasn’t worked this whole month( and is probably trying to regain her footing). I would’ve appreciated her letting me know when she knew. She told me that she starts work this Wednesday, and will be back earning income.

I was looking for best next steps related to her June 1st request. 

@Bjorn Ahlblad I am surprised that she isn't getting unemployment. She didn't clarify if she was denied or still in the application process. Yes I did see paystubs, she has a traditional job. @Will Fraser We did consider the holding fee/deposit, lawyer advised against it, so we just had her sign the standard lease. He told me to record the the money given as first months rent and to collect the "deposit" at move in which would give me some room to keep it if she didn't finish the contract/move in as security since we signed the lease a month before she was set to move in. My concern is that if I keep the "rent" I would technically have to evict her which is not allowed and I don't even want the headache honestly. 

@Stephanie Simmons and Bjorn, I am thinking of just cutting ties with her and hope to find a better candidate. I know that might be difficult right now, but things seem to be getting a bit better. It's frustrating to have over a month (more now that I have to start the process over again) lost, lesson learned.

Thank you all!

My first tenant (first rental property) was set to move in May 1st. Due to COVID-19 she lost her job and for whatever reason she was not eligible for unemployment. 

She is requesting to move in June 1st instead of May 1st. We signed the lease for May 1st. I'm hesitant to allow June 1st because May 1st is already a push back (she was supposed to start April 15th but requested to push back). She paid her security deposit, but not first month rent(we agreed/in lease) to collect it before move-in/keys. 

She is scheduled to go back to work next Wednesday. I know that legally I can hold her to the lease May 1 lease and payments, but with everything that is going on I don't want to do that.

Should I cut ties with her and put the apartment back on the market and try for a new tenant (also difficult during this time)? Sign a new lease with her beginning June 1st? Or, keep current lease ("forgive") May rent and still end April 2021?

Any advice is appreciated!

Aaron

Sounds good! I can include this in the lease when collecting first and security. @Theresa Harris or should it be a separate document? We will do keys a day or so before April 15th with proof of utilities and renters insurance.

Hello!

I have tenants lined up for my first apartment, but they won't be starting the lease until April 15th. I plan to collect first and security at lease signing and give the keys around date of possession (after proof of renters insurance, utilities check, final walk through etc.) but I don't know if this is the best option.

If I collect first and security at lease signing (in a few days) and they don't move in for any reason. I'll return the first months rent, but keep the security deposit since I will be loosing out on one months rent by ending advertising and showings between now and April 15th. I know that there is a 3 day period that tenants can back out, but is there any amount of time that I would have to allow them to get the security deposit back if they back out? 

I'm in PA if that makes a difference.

Thank you all for your feedback! I'll run the numbers and search appliance deals.

Hello! I plan to provide a washer and dryer in the basement of my first rental property, a duplex. I am trying to figure out my options. Should I do a coin-operated washer and dryer or charge a laundry fee to cover water cost to operate? Only one unit will be rented, house hacked, and the water cost for a HE washer is minimal. I'm considering charging a $20-25 monthly laundry fee (similar to a pet fee), has anyone ever done this and are there any restrictions? I am also considering coin-op, but the machines are so expensive, and kind of an inconvenience. 

There is a laundromat a few blocks away, but I already (most likely newbie mistake) listed it as "laundry will be available building" and I have tenants lined up. Looking for some advice.