All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

If you already can see that it can be a potential issue, you should follow your own gut instinct. I can usually put myself in a hypothetical situation and know how I would feel. I think you know the answer.

Rent Control: status quo of the day. Bad decisions can sometimes damage things irreparably.   The way the decisions are made, the alternatives not being clearly defined, the costs and benefits not accurately weighed. All this contributes to bad decisions. The decision makers are afraid of challenging the status quo. They think not only inside the box, but in the wrong boxes, and don't know the answers or what to do, so they make decisions that will not turn the spotlight of accountability on them.  They are not true leaders.  For us to expect anything other than what we already get from them is unrealistic.  We need to think for ourselves and present those ideas where they can be heard and possibly create change.  

Thanks everyone for your responses. I'm having the new water heater installed by a pro. Water heaters are expensive and  I don't want to void warranty or have it installed incorrectly. I will not pro rate any rent. They are irresponsible.  I saw what type of people they really are when they brought several adults and children over yesterday.  Not one wearing a mask. People like that are the reason why Covid is raging and overwhelming our hospitals in Los Angeles. Glad to be rid of them. 

Thank you for your replies. Yes, my tenant  will be gone by tomorrow. I'm actually looking forward to having my rental unit vacant while I do some improvements. It's not often I get to go through the rental and inspect it thoroughly. I know it may sound strange because I will not be receiving income while it is vacant, but here in California with the eviction moratorium and recent rent control laws and all the things the state requires with rentals, it's an opportunity to take this time and strategize and make plans to protect myself and my property against unscrupulous tenants. 

Water heater in rental went out. Need to install new one, pull permit and bring connections up to code. New water heaters are too large to fit in closet where tank is stored. Will take several days to complete install. Have to order tank online. Tenant is moving out on 1/3/21. It's been 3 days without hot water. How do I pro-rate rent in this case? Should I pro-rate? She is essentially moved out. No furniture, not living in unit as of today, but she is making a big deal about no hot water. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Nathan,

I said they were not the cleanest people.  I did not  say that they were bad tenants. You did.  A tenant living in a rental property for 20 years is not typical.  I was seeking  knowledge regarding some areas I was not sure would be considered damage or wear and tear.  Your advice to me about tightening my standards does not fall upon deaf ears.  I accept responsibility when it is mine.  Thank you all for your replies.

So, you are saying that I should not deduct for the large ugly stains they made to the stucco?  The stucco is about 10 years old and It looks horrible.

I live in California and I have a tenant who has lived in my duplex for 20 years.  The windows in the unit are older windows that I have not upgraded yet.  Her co-tenant  locks himself out all the time and climbs through the windows to gain entry.  They have broken the handle that locks the windows and drilled holes in the metal frames in an effort to keep the guy that is constantly locking himself out, from climbing through windows all the time.  They have bent the screens and really damaged the window frames.  They are moving out in a couple of weeks and I do not know what to do about the damage they have created.  They think that because the windows are old that they should not have to pay for the damage they caused.  They are basically saying that the handle broke off because it is old.  They are required by the RA to notify me when something breaks or needs repair.  They never told me about the handle breaking.  I will be doing a walk through in a week and I want to know what I do about the things they have broken.  Just because they have lived there for such a long time they should not think that I do not have to deduct from their security deposit for damages and repairs.  They even changed the locks and lost most of the keys and the RA states that if all keys are not returned I can charge them.  I am really concerned about the condition of the unit because they are not the cleanest people.  The carpet is 9 years old.  Can I charge them for excess wear and tear even if the carpet is this old?  They stained the stucco on the exterior kitchen wall when they cleaned out the sliding window track of the frame with the water sprayer from the kitchen sink.  I mean who does that and does not expect to pay for it just because it is an older home?  Can I deduct these things from the security deposit even if I do not have the repairs made before they move?  Can I get estimates from contractors and make deductions based on the estimates to repair? I am not given access until a few days before they move out.  I have so many questions, sorry if I am rambling.  Thanks in advance to anyone who responds.