All Forum Posts by: Glenn McCrorey

In my town, "group home" has a very specific definition.  One criteria is 6 or more individuals.  I rent single family homes to companies that take care of special needs people.  5 unrelated individuals is the limit for a rental property but people still refer to them as group homes.  Insurance is just like it would be for any other rental property.  Insert disclaimer here.....

@Colleen F.  Thanks.... I assumed inquiring minds would want to know.  I was curious myself but of course I have been in the house several times in the last 18 months so I was confident it was going well.

OK, 18 months ago I promised the BP community I would report on how it went with the potbelly pig (Daisy May).  The tenants were awesome.  I just did a walk-through today because they moved out.  No complaints, no damage, no smell.  I think it has as much to do with the character of the tenants as it does with the type of pet.   

Maybe you should look into renting to companies that operate group homes, that's what I do.

In Cedar Rapids, IA there is a non profit group of retired guys mostly with some volunteer day helpers that build ramps for free so maybe there is in your area too.  You should allow the ramp (get a permit) but you don't have to pay for it is my understanding.

The rent should be in the neighborhood of market rent.  Look at property manager websites to get an idea o what rents for what, Zillow, etc.  You need to contact companies in that area that proved home and community based services to individuals with special needs and ask if they could use a wheel chair accessible house or have any other housing needs.

Keep in mind if you are renting a house to a company you can write whatever you want into the lease.  It's not a normal residential lease.  For instance, the term could be 3 years and add a clause that says they have to return the property to the condition it was in when they moved in, not just keep their deposit.  You could also add a clause about your ability to terminate the lease if they cause problems in the neighborhood, don't cut the grass, etc.

The fence may or may not be a "reasonable accommodation" to this guy's "disability" but if it were, you have to allow it but not pay for it and you can require them to restore the property ie. remove fence at their expense when they leave (as I understand it-disclaimer).  So this guy has a heart condition therefore no one can upset him and he's always right?  I would give them the option to move and get away from your long term tenants for his own health and/or not renew his lease when it expires if he is a PITA.  I would rather have it vacant.

Rent in full on time every month with little to no turnover/vacancy.  But, depending on who you're renting it to, they can be rough on the house.  What kind of group home?  Special needs, recovery? etc

Once the seller is aware of an issue like this they have to disclose it going forward.  They may be willing to work with you now because they could claim ignorance before but not now.