All Forum Posts by: Chris Merchant

It would really depend on how the contract is worded as far as penalties for late completion of tasks, however if the manager you hired (is not affiliated with the contractor) is at fault for the reasons why the project has been delayed than I'd say you need to go after the manager.  You can not hold the contractor liable if they were prohibited completing the task due to something way beyond their control.

Sometimes, smaller community saving and loan institutions have less restrictive qualifications.  Especially if it is an institution you have a good standing account with.

@Martin Guerrero I think you have your answer than, if everything checks out with her she seems solid, people get in binds if she was constantly getting in binds her credit score most likely wouldn't be 700.  Just let her know that to you her rent payment is the most important payment she has, let her know that you take paying on time and in full very seriously and have a zero tolerance policy and the eviction process is started as soon as legally allowed.  

Don't let her think that her cell phone or cable/satellite bill is more important than her rent.  Communication is key for both parties.

The set up is something perfect for a handyman to do if you chose to go that route.  If it is a regular handyman you use often work out something with him/her that each time you have them do a setup / tear down you pay them a set amount so it is easier for you to figure versus paying hourly for those tasks.  My contractor for repairs has a set fee for several different "normal" repairs/tasks.

You could probably notify the courts and advise them that the property you've filed eviction on appears to have been abandoned and submit photos to them showing the state of the unit (empty, but before you move anything out) and they may go ahead and dismiss the case or just speed it up.

Another option if you haven't entered the property yet, you could call the police and inform them you can't reach the occupant and ask them to do a well being check.  They will show up and report that the place seems to have been abandoned and should then log it with their office so you have that you can also send to the court.  Just know they may ask you to meet them on site to gain access.  Make it seem you're concerned about the well being of the tenant(s) otherwise they may not take it to seriously.

Some PD's will not get involved in civil issues if you just ask them to go with you to enter unless there is fear of something criminal having happened, or there is a belief you would be in danger by entering.

@Martin Guerrero the ultimate decision is yours, I would ask the applicant about the events.  Consider them a high risk applicant and potentially require a co-signer, higher security deposit (if legal in your area), or maybe extra months rent (again if legal where you're located).  Also be sure to put a clause that as soon as the rent is late and grace period is up without payment the eviction process will be started and nothing besides full payment will stop the process. 

Is it the only applicant you have?

Is the most qualified applicant you have?

How much risk are you able/willing to take on?

Unless you're looking at buying and regentrifying an entire area stay away from high crime areas.  If you have the money and means available to regentrify an entire area talk to the city and they will bend over backwards for you, otherwise stay away leave those places for the "slumlords" and bad tenants.

No sense causing yourself more stress than you need.

More concerned about space than money?  Is there very limited counter space?

I saw an apartment advertised that included; microwave, Keurig, Air Fryer, can opener and blender.  

So like already said you need to stand out from your competition make your unit more desirable than the next one.  

If you offer the microwave and they tell you they already have one they'd like to use than simply remove the one you've provided and put it in storage for after they leave.

@Bruce Woodruff that or they're not looking for work right now so just high bidding everything and if the customer accepts the bid than that is the amount the company felt would be worth the time to do something they don't need.  Not that I agree with that strategy but we both know there are contractors that use that mentality.  

But I could see the wacky licensing possibly being truthful as the OP is regarding Philadelphia and many larger metro areas are stricter with licenses and permits than other places.  Where I am from a simple HIC license is sufficient for most anything but there are some cities where you need an electrical license to connect or wire in anything not pre-existing.

It almost seems a scammer, may have said they could install the fan knowing they may not actually be able to.

Just be sure to understand that the security deposit is the property of the tenant until they move out than certain items can be deducted.  It is a good idea to set up a separate bank account for security deposits or have an escrow account for them.  That way there is no possibility that you spend the money before you are legally allowed too, or on something you aren't supposed to which would be considered theft.