All Forum Posts by: Kelly G.

Thanks @Gail K. - yeah - I get that I'm not 'accepting' the applicant - I guess I'm being a little overly-cautious about 'fairness';  I would not otherwise accept a Sec 8 applicant, and I've kinda been of the impression that if I take an application, then I have to 'run' it like any other when I may decide I don't want to participate in the VASH program.  I can't imagine the house wouldn't 'pass' inspection - 

thanks for your time - so much to learn . . .

Kelly

Greetings 

I have an inquiry for my SFH in Milw from someone with a disabled - wheelchair bound - adult. My house is not wheelchair accessible (ramps) and I know the bathroom door is too narrow for a standard wheelchair. How do I handle the request for a showing?? I'm naturally worried about accusations of illegally discriminating based on disability.

Kelly

Greetings;

I have a SFH for rent in Milwaukee; (got the work done - back on the market). I showed the house to a woman who is on the VASH voucher. I told her I would have to look into the program and that I was not currently set up to accept Sec 8. I would not accept Sec 8 otherwise. Now, I'm reading all the other threads on this topic - and certainly want to help vets in any way I can. My concern is:

1) will accepting an application from a VASH holder restrict my ability to decline for 'other' reasons? (not sure what those might be other than prior drugs/evictions).  

She's kinda on hold about dropping off the application - so a quick reply is appreciated!

Thanks

Kelly

Yeah - I changed my criteria on my listing.  

As for 'maintenance' - I explain to all 'lookers' that all the work will be done before move-in except the windows, and I tell them the windows should only take 1-2 days.  So - if applicants are anticipating work they are not listening to me. 

My "plan" was to find a tenant and then do/finish the work  - so that I wouldn't lose 'down' time.  Guess that backfired.  Although - most have been 'excited' about the soon-to-be new kitchen floor and prospect of new windows etc.  So . . . maybe it's the criteria afterall.  No way to know until some one who has looked at the house and not completed an application Tells me!

back to work

Kelly

Wow - 16 replies - can't thank you all enough for your insights.  My screening criteria should not be soooooo restrictive;  but clearly it's the 'maintenance' issue that is likely scaring people off.  My sister tried to tell me this - I shrugged it off.  I figured:  I'm not 'selling' the house - upkeep is ongoing in a rental - I thought applicants would be 'impressed' with a landlord who takes care of the property, and wouldn't mind some minor (mostly) issues that I'm tending to. And the house has always been Clean, Neat and Tidy at showings - certainly better than showing it with current tenants who are packing!  Apparently Not.    I would not care about some maintenance issues if I were looking for a decent house in Milw.  Clearly I am Not most people!  "Showroom Condition" seemed relevant to 'selling' a house, but not for a rental - Clean, Neat Tidy - absolutely - but 'showroom'??   Lesson learned!  What gets me though - is that past PMs always did showings with current tenants and never had an issue or vacancy (but on the other hand - I fired those PMs at least in part for 'tenant' issues).

I cancelled all my showings for the next couple days (yes, I kept contact info).  Why waste my time.  I'll reschedule when the work is done.  

just 'for the record':  I can't move the RV - it's my house and my only transportation; I don't have a lot of stuff in the house (personal belongings) as  . . I live in a small RV - I don't live in Milw or WI!  I can't do the windows now: no $$, no time to look for a contractor and further delay renting.  

Here's to hoping you are right and the applications start rolling in . . . .   after the work is done

Cheers

Kelly

Great comments all!  Thanks - 

@Michele Fischer- I doubt it's the application - I'm using the 'standard' from WI Legal Blank;  though it could be that my criteria are too strict.  I go over the criteria with everyone who takes an application, and the criteria is also posted on the listing.  The "tough" criteria could be: a) no evictions and good references from all landlords; b) no financial judgements against you in 5 years (may need to lower that); c) no credit delinquencies in 5 years (this is really probably the kicker - everyone seems to have a credit delinquency).  

@Kim Meredith Hampton  - yeah - I didn't explain that well on my original post.  I go to great lengths to tell folks that I'm 'working on the house' between tenants and that it will be 'move-in ready' when they are; they see my RV in the driveway - ask where I live etc. They seem to 'get it' - but maybe not.  The only thing that won't be ready at move-in are the windows - don't want to replace those in winter.   I thought folks would 'apperciate' a landlord actually doing upgrades and maintenance.  I 'think' it looks better than if I had a tenant in here - but apparently I don't 'know' much! ;-)

@Michael Henry The house is on S. 81st St. - a couple blocks S. of Oklahoma - still a good neighborhood and in Milw for all those city/school employees. I'm currently asking $1100. 

@Shawn Devoid - Never a 'stupid' question here - I actually started doing that via email yesterday - maybe phone calls would be better.  

Really appreciate everyone's time . . .   

Kelly

I am at a complete loss! My SFH (3/1.5, 2car garage, fenced)has been for rent on Zillow/hotpads/trulia for > 1 month. asking very reasonable rent (below other similar properties now). I have had >100 inquiries and conducted probably > 40 showings and Everyone has taken an application.  I've had TONS of interest - eager prospective applicants asking about putting in a garden, or swingsets for the kids, I've met their dogs 'cuz they were so excited to find a nice house that allows pets . . and on and on and on.  And I have received only 3 completed applications in return!  (2 just in the last couple days but not stellar applicants).  I had a couple this weekend sooooo excited about the house - it's < 1 mile from their employer; they were asking about all kinds of 'mods' and my flexibility and what good tenants they are and on and on . . . . and no application. 

Now . . the house is 'vacant' except for me - camped out in the living room (bed on floor, small table and lamp) while I complete some upgrades and find a tenant.  The house is always 'tidy' when I do showings.  And I go through the gamut of current and future upgrades/maintenance: tiling the kitchen floor (in progress), new windows come spring/summer, new blinds and curtains, and the few 'fix-it' things that need attending to.  

My previous PMs never had a vacancy!  (They never did CL and neither do I)

What Am I Doing Wrong?????

Kelly

@Peter B.  hmmmm . . . I was a "government employee" for 15 years - proudly serving the public's interest  . . . even smiling and patient when 'less than well educated' folk came asking the dumbest questions . . .  I work(ed) for them too!

thanks for all the info - it's been soooo long since I've rented that my head is kinda overwhelmed with everything I've read in the past couple weeks.  Of course tenants can sign early and pay rent/deposit ahead.  Silly me.  

@Marcus Auerbach - really appreciate your post- being as you're in WI.  Yes, I've got the stack on WI legal blank forms.  I was getting lost in the 'earnest money' thing - trying to separate that from actual lease signing is where I needed to go.  Lease signed = security deposit due; rent at move in.  Makes sense.  I need to add a couple small things to the standard forms:  sump pump failure (or power failure in rain) - what to do; maintaining downspouts for runoff etc - minor stuff - will likely go in the NSRPs for sec. dep. deductions.  

Appreciate everyone's time

Kelly

Greetings;

I have been trying to find anything which says I can or cannot have my tenants sign a rental agreement (M2M) upwards of 3 weeks before their move-in date.  I just want to get them 'locked' in so I can know I have a tenant and get on with other business.  We would do the 'check-in' later - when I'm done remodeling and moved out!

Any reason I cannot do this?  

Also - If anyone can recommend a local attorney to review minor mods to my rental agreement - I'd love to get their name.

Thanks in advance

Kelly