All Forum Posts by: Michele Fischer

I would do a maintenance inspection to get an idea of how much damage has already been done.  If you can move a photo on the wall or something to see if there is nicotine on the walls.  If the place is pretty far gone, may as well keep the smoker and not enforce the lease.  You could send a notice of violation and that the deposit is likely forfeited, or somehow ackowledge that you know and there are consequences.  Knowing and ignoring implies consent.

If the place is not in bad shape, it might be better to enforce the lease. You would deliver whatever documentation your area requires for a lease violation.  The intent is to get them to stop and/or explain why you won't renew the lease, eviction is probably not worth it.

Regardless you will have more work to do after they move out to make your unit appear/be non-smoking again, so plan on extra time.

Have strong language in the lease.

Our rental agreement: 

Smoking Policy: The Premise is to remain a smoke free environment. Smoking is prohibited indoors and within 25 feet of all structures. By signing the Agreement, Tenant acknowledges that they have been informed of this policy, and will comply. Residents are responsible for ensuring that family members, roommates and guests comply with this rule. Furthermore, if there is evident damage which indicates that there was smoking on the Premises (ie. Cigarette burns; non-smoker smelling smoke odor; stains on the walls and ceilings, etc.), the Tenant will be responsible to pay for the costs incurred to repair these damages and return the unit to pre-occupancy condition.

Agree, this is to be expected.

If they left belongings, research the law in your area about storing them and try to get them to agree that you can dispose of the items.

Stop trying to enforce the lease, you likely won't get any further compensation.  Do the deposit itemization according to your local laws, withhold a lease breakage fee or lost prorated rent until you get it rerented. Move on, put your energy into finding a better replacement tenant.

Agree with others that if tenant is moving in at the end of the month, collect the prorated plus next month.

There is no need to address the mouse in any written conversations.  Sounds like the mouse may follow her around if she is a slob.  But mice indoors are not normal, so you probably have more on your end to exterminate.

But there is probably a need to address and itemize the deposit.  Agree you can probably keep it, but you should document why and send it to the tenant as per local law.  If you are lucky enough to rerent it quickly, you should refund a prorated amount for the days that would be double rent collected.

Agree that you don't have much of an argument.

We rented our apartment with the idea that we had a lovely community rooftop to enjoy as additional living space.  Then the pandemic hit and we could no longer access the roof, and there was no rebate for the reduced usability of the space.

It sucks, but its life, and there isn't much you can really do about it until the lease is up.

Agree that a screening policy is a great way to make the decision and to justify the decision.  I use a point system that I would run both applicants through and the highest points get the offer.  They lose points for being smokers, they lose points for their move in date not aligning to my availability.

If they are moving from another area they probably won't benefit from an earlier move in date, but we often offer a discounted rate to take it sooner or split the difference between when we want to rent it and when they want to rent it.

This sounds like it might be a win-win, Hospice has plenty of funding to be a reliable renter.  One thing I would investigate is the disclosures required about people dying on the property.  Normally it is more related to unnatural/violent deaths, but since you would be looking at a lot of people potentially passing away on your property, something to consider for resale.

@Lindsey Kocher Sure, Lindsey, just PM me with your e-mail address and I'll send it over.

Agree with the others information.  They are all the way around more difficult to verify and get comfortable with.  If tenants are non-nationals they are likely more at risk for uprooting and not staying at your unit as long.  That said, some of our best tenants have been non-nationals, so it can be worth the extra risk.

We use a point system to screen, so the lack of credit info has to offset by other attributes we see as a good tenant.

Agree with @John Clark that the cost (operating cost, cost to purchase) is irrlevant.  Landlords like to tell tenants that rent is going up because costs are up, but it should really only be based on what others nearby are charging, market rent.

Isn't Seattle and all of WA state in the running too?  I am so thankful I have enough doors to spread these uncollected rents over, if we had only a few properties we would be sunk.  Will not be purchasing any more rentals on the west coast any time soon.