All Forum Posts by: Todd Campbell

Changing the locks is most likely not the option you want to pursue. In at least some states changing the locks would fall under an illegal eviction. The only circumstance I know of where this would be acceptable would be in the case of abandonment. I believe this requires that all of the personal property of value has been moved out of the house by the tenant. I have only dealt with abandonment once, and that was in the state of Michigan. My lawyer advised me to move forward with the standard eviction process because of the sheer volume of personal belongings that were left behind. 

Let me start this next part with, you don't want this to happen. If the status of your home changes by way of the town or city, a 24 hour eviction is possible. In some areas the water shutoff can trigger a condemned status with the city or town. This becomes a health and safety issue and can require a 24 hour eviction. I've had a similar circumstance occur in Michigan back in 2006.  This is a special case, but you DO NOT want to pursue this avenue as it is FAR more trouble than it is worth. 

If it were me, I would move forward with the eviction process you have already started. As always consult your local landlord tenant attorney on matters like this. It is better to protect yourself and lose a couple of days in the process than to go through an illegal eviction case. 

One more thing. Another landlord I know has had success with cash for keys. If you need to get into the property sooner, this might be a good middle road. 

Good luck,

-todd

Very nice work! Congrats on being recognized for your hard work and vision. 

-todd

Welcome @Nate Chesebro! It is nice to see more fellow Michiganders on BP. I live in Virginia now, but have property in Kalamazoo, MI. A co-worker of mine is looking to get into investing in Houghton. Feel free to reach out if you want to pick brains or just share stupid tenant tricks. 

-todd

Seek legal council. If you have represented the circumstances correctly, the fact that a NEW LEASE has been put in place DOES constitute the termination of the first. It seems this is a detail that most of the above posters have overlooked. 

Also, in most states (unsure about yours) it is not legal for the landlord to distribute your deposit to another tenant. In these same state your deposit is not transferable either. 

Find a lawyer would handles landlord tenant disputes. 

Good luck,

-Todd

A lot of time and effort has been sunk into this topic, most of it divisive.  The manner in which the question was presented was pretty troll-like in nature, and it seems the intent was to draw some sensitivities out into the open. Had it be presented more plainly, "I've had a lot of bad experiences with realtors and used car salesman. Do you have any examples of these professionals providing a useful service?" I think it would not have garnered the attention it has received, but also I think it would have lead to a more constructive conversation. 

While I am not the Topic Police, don't you think you have all been played against each other long enough? 

I've been in this situation before. As others have pointed out: 

• Your tenant is stealing from you.
• You do not want to involve the police unless you must.
• Start the eviction process. 
• Photo document everything with a timestamp. 
• Some states allow the landlord to place power into the tenant's name. Do this and continue with the eviction.  

This is not a tenant you want to remain on your property. If they have stolen from you once, they will do it again. 

I should also ask: 

Would you use third party software? 

What features would you find most useful? 

Full disclosure:  I am thinking about building a new software platform for real estate investors. 

When thinking about a strategy, entering a new market, or determining a neighborhood of interest, what data do you look at? What tells you it is hot? Do you follow a bigger fish? Do you stay close to home? Do you use US Census data? Crime stats? Most starbucks per capita? 

-todd

As others have stated, your best option with the smallest expense is moving the stove to the wall with the fridge.  Also as others have mentioned smaller stoves and fridges are available.  Other options increase the expense significantly. I would move the stove like others have suggested until such time you are able to do a remodel (if you ever need to do one). 

Good luck!

-todd

100% wrong, no matter what lens you try to apply to the situation.

Banks and realtors alike have been guiding their clients to title companies for years.  They can do this because they have chosen to abuse their clients' trust and not to inform the buyer of their rights.  A seller cannot make the choice of the title company a condition of sale (directly or indirectly).  I'd suggest you revisit this or consult a real estate attorney before you advise anyone else to participate in this behavior.