All Forum Posts by: Gail K.

Here in Richmond County Georgia evictions never really stopped during the moratorium UNLESS the reason the tenant gave for doing so was linked to job/income loss directly from Covid.  Still; I'm guessing quite a few landlords thought they could not evict and held off on doing so and are now gearing up for these.

I did one in the winter of 2020-21 and the entire process took about 2 1/2 months; longer than usual but due more to the usual slow down because of the Christmas holidays than anything else.  The Marshal's Service had a few more employees out than usual.

I'm assuming you're talking about a floating floor.  That's fine except remember that the floor should be smooth.  If this vinyl tile might not provide this many would put down a layer of luan first.

If you feel you need a truck for hauling consider a used one.  But even used ones are expensive.  My little 2002 Toyota Tacoma just turned 20 years old.  It's hauled pretty much everything for the rental properties and for the animal rescue groups I volunteer for.   When I check on Carmax.com for used Tacoma's the ones that are 10 years old cost more than mine did new.  And they go quickly.

Showings need to continue until the lease is signed and the deposit/first months rent received.

Many applicants look great until the screening process begins.  Then disappointment can begin to mount.

An applicant "eager" to move in is not a tenant yet.  At times you will find someone who passes all the requirements yet, in the end, fades away from signing a lease (often they continue to search for a rental even after expressing interesting in renting yours).

The current lease "rolls over" to the new owner and remains in effect until it would normally expire.  Some new owners offer the idea of "Cash For Keys" to the current tenant (i.e., paying them to leave) as a way to get the property empty prior to a lease expiring.

It's best to stick with the requirements that you have decided upon and list (hopefully) in every ad as a screen out for those who do not meet these (not that many actually read the ads).  Keep in mind that there are often a certain group of applicants that will contact private landlords.  These are typically folks who wouldn't meet the requirements set by a large company, know this, and hope that a private landlord will either not have requirements or be more flexible on renting to them.

Everyone over the age of 18 has to sign a rental agreement.

Since each house on this program has to be initially inspected (as well as yearly inspections) it would be beneficial to review the requirements with your particular Housing Authority.  Issues like peeling paint, broken windows, outlets/light switches uncovered would not pass inspection.  Often porches above a certain height need balusters and rails and steps above a certain level need sturdy hand rails.  And of course working smoke alarms (and if gas, carbon monoxide detectors).  However, some inspectors are quite "thorough" and there have been many stories from landlords about a unit failing because of a pulled thread in a carpet being a "trip hazard" or a range with dirty drip pans being a fire hazard.

Keep in mind that some Section 8 tenants can be quite rough on a rental property and landlords will attempt to "harden" these.  There is no requirement for garbage disposals or ceiling fans in this program. Remember if follow up inspections fail the unit the person responsible for repairing will be you even if the damage is done by the tenant.

Yes; you are legally obligated to follow the current lease until it would normally expire.

Also please become familiar with the landlord/tenant laws for your state.  New Jersey tends to be a VERY tenant friendly state.

As a private landlord you tend to hear all sorts of stories from folks interested in renting.  They tend to seek out private landlords hoping their tails of woe will somehow win the hearts of such landlords.  It's no different than those who beg for someone to "give them a chance".  Very often those that do live to regret it.  

Some of these stories do make for interesting discussions later with other landlords.

Remain neutral in dealing with this person and reject due to an incomplete application.  It often is best to simply adhere to the criteria you have set up for every applicant.