All Forum Posts by: Colleen F.

@Marc Shin This is a STR, what would you do if you showed up and something didn't work? would you put it in a review? If it was long term yeah you can make it clear upfront as a take it or leave it. STR it will cost you big.

this isn't a difficult job depending on the fridge location.

Sorry that is just plain lazy by the cop.   If things are stolen, they are stolen.    And not filing reports for slashed tired is lazy and it also decreases the crime stats for the area. There is a big push to get the easy cases to get the stats up these days. If it doesn't improve the statistics in the jurisdiction you are going to have to push to get a report filed.  In the case of the stolen furniture I would also ask how did the police offer develop the competence to read a lease and decide that was a reason to not pursue the case? Was the prosecutor even involved?    I would pursue it civilly and try to get them to pursue criminally.  Not sure if you can file a complaint and ask for this to be re-assessed.   Complaints are always dicey when you live or have property in a jurisdiction they scan your license plate and have visibility into your property that may negatively impact you in the future.  Yes, it absolutely good to have a statement about the contents but do you really have no case because of it?

@Jorge Caceres I don't normally monitor for open windows but had another tenant mention it after which I did. (the tenant is question was also leaving a hall window in apartments open in my case).  I added the possibility of fines for this after that incident. This is in RI so letting the heat out is not just a big cost but a risk. You also might want to consider remote thermostats in case one tenant wants freezing AC and the others don't. That can be an issue with shared spaces.

@Felicia Richardson  just go without and see how it goes.  Be upfront in your ad.  This is a dealbreaker for some people. I have units without washer and dryer and they rent fine but I found myself showing to people who really wanted the washer dryer way too often so I do put that in the ad and review it again on talking to them.   It will help you with a lot of people who will waste your time.  Also know where your local laundromat is and what the pickup/delivery service is. I would not credit for laundry, I would price in line with not having a laundry if other units do.

@John Cooper when you or someone you care about is living in the home it is important to be extra vigilant in choosing tenants. I would terminate this lease ASAP.  If the tenant is belligerent it could go bad fast.  A piece of advise if he lays hands on you or your son immediately go to court and see if it qualifies for a peace order or similar.  Your visits to the home seem to upset him, if you don't enter his room and your son is living there depending on the lease wording there probably isn't a violation. It is common area and I assume you excluded it and would be entitled to be a guest of your son. You might want to limit your visits though to avoid escalation.

Short term if the smart lock is on his personal door just change it to a key if it's isn't working for him, you can always switch back later. Find a lawyer and issue a lease violation for other issues such as excessive noise and furniture removal. Camera can also be a violation.  Keep good track of communications and do not sink to his level if he gets nasty. The more professional you stay, the better.  Try some broken record techniques repeating, rephrasing, etc. 

@Phillip Austin someone who obviously should not rent but buy themselves a brand new house. what was their previous place?   I would remind them that the house is in the condition in which they rented it and they accepted it as is. If they choose not to accept the rental give them x days to move without penalty. They knew a dog lived there when they rented it and they rented anyway, knowing they had allergies and chronic asthma they rented a home with carpet.  I am inclined to believe this is the chief complaint and they either have another option or underestimated their ability to adjust to a rental.  Forcing them to honor the lease is going to be a headache for a year. I am not sure how a showing did not uncover the attitude of these prospective tenants. I do emphasize on showing that my 1800 property is not going to magically become modern.  I am assuming in this that normal cleaning was done pre-occupancy and they are excessive in their expectations.

@Stephanie Menard the cops only want easy black and white cases. Put it up the chain of command. If they stole a bicycle it would be theft.  You can file a complaint the rub is when you have property or live in a place you might run into retaliation. 

@Natalia Perlova if the switch is in a common area and you are having trouble with the tenant especially if you think they switched the burner off deliberately (it should be a bright red switch plate in our area labeled oil burner). It would be hard to mistake for a light switch. I would put it on camera it. Typically these switches are in the vicinity of the furnace and not easily mistakenly switched off.  I would pay the bill and chalk it up to a lesson learned. Now if it was definitely a single unit and only she could do it and it was properly labled it would be on her.

@Jorge Caceres  how big is this property?   I would definitely go with a utility cap.  You aren't trying to nickel and dime people but just to curb abuse so it should be generous. The issue will be if you have a number of rooms and a single abuser.  I have a long term rental where I had to put in a clause that I would fine for open windows in winter. That tenant is gone now but it is something I go over on occupancy as unacceptable. 

@Ryan Duphorn  a  5 /2  and 1920 square feet IMHO isn't a good health care traveler accommodation unless you are in a area with a shortage of housing.  While people will share a bathroom in say a 2/1 it is likely a harder sell in a 5/2 and the price you command is less.  Run the numbers you may do better long term or renting as a whole unit. Consider cleaning, lawn care, snow removal and supplies as well as utilities  in your calculations.  Also check if there are any boarding house regulations in your area that would impact you.