All Forum Posts by: Robert P.

Complaining about a new (used) stove is one thing, threatening to withhold rent because of that is another. My opinion on these topics are always "If you give in this one time, what's next?" I think once you let them think they run the show, they may (or may not) take advantage of that and give you more headaches down the line. 

I am always for giving my tenants the best possible living situation that I can, but you can't cater to every WANT (Remember, the stove works, so it's not a need to have a brand new one).

My decision would be to stick with what you have done and if they do not pay rent, start the eviction process. Sure it may be a little costly to get them out, but if you can double your rent when someone new comes in, you will surely make your money back in no time. 

Of course, why wouldn't it be? Not legal advice, but why do you need to hire a professional when they sell all the products in your local Home Depot.

I know one thing you should 100% do....fire that lazy handyman!

The best advice I have ever received from a RE lawyer was to try to limit contact as much as possible with a tenant you are evicting. As much as you want them to take down the cardboard or enter the unit, hold back and just let the process go through. You don't want to do anything that could hurt you with evicting this person.

Hi @Aaron Araujo, I just sent you a PM with the contact info of a great agent that I currently use. 

Let me know if you have questions.

It took me about a week and a half to get someone in my units, but this was during May/June time period. Posted on Zillow and Craiglist. Surprisingly, most people said they saw it on Craigslist. 

Screen screen screen, DO NOT rush things. I almost put someone in there who I was just "eh" on, but quickly talked myself out of it and waited a little longer. Ended up getting a great tenant! (so far!)

I know in MA we have the option to either put last month's rent in a bank account or keep it for ourselves. There are two important things to note:

1. If I put the money in a bank account, I must pay the tenant the bank interest earned on it, annually. (probably only a few bucks)

2. If I keep the money out of the bank (and use it for maintenance or whatever), then I must pay the tenant 5% of that amount, annually. (i.e. If last month's rent is $1,000, I would need to pay the tenant $50/year)

Think of that $50 as cost to borrow. Would it cost less or more to borrow from the bank?

NOTE: This is the law in MA, not sure about New York

points well taken. Thanks everyone!

@Christine Swaidan so you shouldn't be nice to people because you may evict them down the road? I'm a bit confused? Are you saying it will hurt you if you have to evict?

Interesting that most say not to send even a card. With only 2 units, I think it's definitely manageable. I don't think I would do it if I eventually had 50 units. The way I see it is sort of like a business sending you an email on your birthday (automated), but still feels nice to be recognized!

I think I know what I am going to do, thanks for the input!

Oh yeah and @Max T. People come on here for advice, not to get belittled. Grow up...