All Forum Posts by: Erin Shirey

When I purchased this duplex in January this unit had carpet in the living room, but a few months later while I was turning the other side the tenants showed me they had removed the existing carpet and put down a peel-and-stick vinyl down. I said it was fine, since they kind of put me on the spot, and it does look ok, though now the apartment has four different types of flooring.

Our relationship has become somewhat strained during their move-out process, mostly due to her not immediately getting her way in any given situation (e.g. she tried to insist that I drop everything to come do a walkthrough with her at 6:00pm on a weekday and I refused). The morning after she turned over the keys she asked if they could come back to get some crib pieces that had been left in the upstairs closet. I said sure and told them where I had hidden the key for the carpet cleaner who was coming that day (mistake!). Later that evening she asked if they would get their whole deposit back and I said it was unlikely (probably also a mistake). While they were there getting the crib parts they removed a ceiling fan (they claim they put it up; there was a spare light fixture so I mostly believe them) and at some point left a gift one of the toilets (I had already been by to turn the water off because it sounded like that one was leaking) that I did not discover until after I had replaced the leaking valve in the tank. 

They have since contacted me about the toilet leak, as it made their water bill unusually high. They want some sort of assistance but their lease makes it pretty clear that maintenance requests must be submitted in writing and they did not request the repair.

Will definitely charge them for replacing the light fixture; should I charge them for the carpet? The poo? I don't want to be petty but I also don't want to just roll over on things either.

I purchased a pair of duplexes in January, and one of the tenants moved out yesterday, with her lease ending today. She did not send any rent for August, so when she asked if she was good to get the full deposit back I said that I would have to deduct the pro-rated rent for August, but otherwise things looked good. 

She says that last year, even though they moved in on the 11th, they paid the former landlord for the whole month of August, and therefore they should not pay any rent this August.

I have an estoppel agreement signed by the former landlord, the tenant, and myself, in January, saying there were no pre-payments associated with her lease.  I have suggested she contact the former landlord to work it out with him but she wants me to call her to "discuss it further".

Am I ok here? Is there anything I need to do to be protected? 

Did you find a good flea treatment? What did you use?