All Forum Posts by: Brandon Ingegneri

I keep a copy just in case something screwy happens, that way you have something documenting their information, and a means for them to be identified.  Also, the Human Rights Commission has been cracking down on asking people's DOB saying it is discrimination, but this is a key identifier.  The ID is the way around asking.  

Your not going to get any rent from them or the keys most likely.  Keep the deposit and get your own tenants in there.  The money you will spend going after them to get the rent is futile.  New tenants, new terms that you make, and keep moving forward.  

I use Quickbooks for all of my accounting, and I was able to set up ACH transactions through that.  50 cents a pop, easy, and tenants pay invoices right online.  Only thing... Quickbooks takes a little getting used to.  You need to play with it before you get it set up properly.  

Lots of great responses and feedback.  First thing that comes to mind is DRUG DEALER.  I had this situation myself once, but the individual was extremely up front with me that he had a jail sentence and that he was paying for his wife and children's apartment.  

Ask the guy flat out why he is paying so many months up front, do the necessary checks, and at the end, follow your gut.  If your gut says don't, don't.  If you go to bed without a know in your stomach thinking about it go for it.  If not, don't create the stress.

I'd check with your attorney and look over your Municipal Lien Cert and see if there may have been anything eluding to this there.  If you hit a dead end, call the Attorney General's Office or State's Attorney (not sure what they call it in NJ), and they will very quickly know if this is a scam, because if it is, you are not the first one to call in.

I do not know the fire codes in WV, but in RI where I have been a municipal firefighter for some time, fire extinguishers are required in multi families and definitely by the insurance company on each floor and every so many feet depending on the size of the building.  

Common walls between two or more units require a higher degree of thickness in the sheet rock as opposed to with in the unit.   Again, RI is very strict since the Station Nightclub Fire in 2003, so this may not all be required in WV, but I'd also look into whether or not you need a local fire alarm or a master radio box.  If you contact the State Fire Marchall's Office, they will be able to answer any specifics.  Some of these items can get costly.  If you come up with any dead ends, I can look in the code books for your state.

Honestly, I'd be angry that you were responsible for removing their items.  I hope you were able to keep their security deposit.  Best of luck.

@Nicole A. gets the vote on her post because she is exactly right.  So many promising potential applicants remain just that... potential.  Very few people follow through, and of those that do, a high percentage miss enough where you can get out if you want to.  If they do beat the odds and jump through the hoops, feel free to say no.  You can give them a very generalized and vague answer without deceiving them if they ask why.

@Michael Hood

I have a friend who was a prosecutor in Syracuse who recently relocated to RI.  She may have some contacts in the area as she still practices law in upstate NY in the Camillus area.  If you would like me to reach out, feel free to contact me, and I will be happy to do so.

I'd say don't rock the boat.  The month to month is a good idea, but look at the entire picture before you make any decisions.  She pays her rent on time and doesn't give you any reason to believe that she will be having any difficulty.  If her history is great and other factors are not issues, I'd say let it play out and don't require her to requal.  Now, if she has been late before, is messy, has long term guests without permission, and tries to get other things by you or creates issues for you outside of the financial aspect, that is a different story.  If she has been a good tenant though, let her continue to be on a month to month until there is more than speculation.  Good tenants are out there, but why replace one or push one if it isn't necessary?