All Forum Posts by: Amy Beth

@Bao Vo I would find out what the eviction process is in your area and start it on Monday. They will either pay fast to keep their home or you will be able to get them out without losing months of rent. The more you delay the more money you lose.

@Mike Doubek. In general ignoring your gut instinct causes problems and regrets. I would not rent to these tenants.

They have not submitted all of the required documents so if they follow up with you I would let them know you cannot review an incomplete application. If they do then submit the other documents that you asked for, then decline them based on what the documents say or decline them based on the invalid social security number and the wrong address.

@James Slack You are being a pushover. Stop doing that if you want to be a successful landlord. Find out what the rental laws are for your town and follow them to get him out. Usually you have to serve written notice that he has to leave, often 30 or 60 days is required. After you serve him notice, if he does not leave, then you will likely need to take him to court. Follow through with that and get him out. Then clean up the place and find a more suitable tenant whom you screen. Make sure that property maintenance is part of the lease or raise the rent enough to pay someone to take care of the property.

@Jamia Stevens nod it would take you years to save up 10,000 then perhaps home ownership is not affordable with you right now. You did not provide any specific details about your situation to receive specific advice.

Generally to save up money you need to be living beneath your income. So it may involve going on Craigslist or asking around and finding a roommate living situation when your current lease is up. Living with someone else cuts back on rent, wifi, and utility costs. Then look at your budget to find other ways to cut costs and if you are not currently budgeting your money start making a budget and living on it ASAP. Account for every dollar that you earn. Do not go on vacation or eat out. Do meal planning and cook all of your meals at home to save money. Don’t go into debt.

If you have already cut costs and you can’t cut any further then look at increasing your incomes. That may mean finding a better paying job and/or getting a second part time job to earn more. Between cutting costs and increasing your income it should be possible to save money unless you are disabled and unable to work.

I just noticed your update. I would be suspicious if she suddenly wants to get rid of her dog. She may be planning to sneak her dog in. I would keep showing the property.

@Ryan Nodurft. I would replace the door and replace your current lock with a keypad lock. If the tenant did it because they were locked out, a keypad lock would prevent that since it would be a code to get inside and not a key.

@Enyi Ajoku. I only allow pets whom are spayed and neutered. If it was me I would let her know that you can’t accept her as a tenant until she gets her dog spayed and gives your proof from a vet. Let her know that you will continue to accept applications from others until she meets your requirements. If she wants your place bad enough she will get her dog to the vet ASAP.

I have this rule because it shows that the owners are responsible, eliminates marking in your property for male pets whom pee a lot to mark when they are not neutered, and for female pets it prevents a litter of puppies or kitten in my property which would be destructive.

I would decline this tenant and keep looking. If the applicant gets the pet spayed before I find another qualified applicant then I would consider accepting this tenant only then.

@Bill Connolly I would stay in the same field until you buy the duplex. If you change fields the lenders are going to ask for two years of tax statements and pay stubs. You are likely going to be denied trying to change jobs and buy a duplex at the same time.

@Jeffrey Townsend how much time is left in the lease? I would simple not renew it when the lease is due to be renewed. In the meantime I would find out if you can legally charge them if you pay someone to cut the grass in your town or city. If you can I would charge them and pay someone to cut it. Even if you can't charge the tenant I would find someone to cut it and pay them. The HOA fees will likely be more than paying someone to cut the grass and the tenant could leave without paying the fees.

@Andrea Tapp I would send notice to both of them letting them know that their lease will not be renewed. With domestic violence there could be more getting back together and then violent break ups. It would be easier to just not renew than to have to deal with violence in your property. She can decide if she wants to move to a place on her own or with her abuser.