All Forum Posts by: Jason Papp

@Eric C. Thanks. And I agree. Silver lining is I can replace and screen myself.

I didn’t get a phone number for this tenant at closing. I did get a tenant estoppel form, I’ll be adding phone number to that form going forward. I reached out to the sellers as well for the #.

@Caleb Heimsoth Thanks Caleb. I figured the rent wasn’t worth the effort. I’ll reach out to an attorney. I was also assuming there was a sticky situation brewing around changing locks without proper steps being taken.

@Jason Papp for clarification: Property is in Pennsylvania. Westmoreland County 45 min outside Pittsburgh.

So I bought a triplex recently, fully rented. I stopped today to check on the property and coordinate a utility inspection with one of the tenants. Looked in the window, unit is empty. Electric has been turned off.

Tenant’s lease was through April ‘20 under previous owners lease.

Can I seek lost rent? Is it worth my time?

Secondly, with the apartment abandoned and electric being off (assuming unpaid bill) can I legally change the locks immediately? Or do I need to post a notice of any sort?

Thanks for any input

@Aaron Froggatt Thanks for the suggestion.

I am in need of some service professionals in Westmoreland County PA. Specifically Greensburg / Jeanette areas. On a triplex.

Roofer: minor repairs and maintenance work on flat rubber roof.

Plumber: cracked drainage (stack). Portion will need replaced. Also 2 minor toilet repairs (new wax rings)

Exterminator: have reports of some minor bug problems from tenants. Need assessment and treatment.

Any recommendations of quality work / reasonable prices appreciated

Jason

In addition to the items discussed above, I’d also recommend requesting Tenant Estoppel Certificates to help validate lease terms etc.

@Joe M. Looks like $999

i have been to showings at a few in Pittsburgh.  All have been marketed as 1 unit less.  Example a triplex marketed as a duplex.  often i see them advertised as potential "owner occupied" space. Often when that space is already occupied by a tenant.

My realtor said that they had seen these more than a few times and that when talking to sellers agents they said that comps would be based upon comparable duplexes only.

Not sure of the repercussions, as i steered clear of obvious violations and didn't intend to find out the penalties. I would assume each borough has different penalties and methods to get occupancy permits expanded, which I'm sure if that was easy to do the sellers would have already done themselves. Also seems like a landmine for a renter to avoid paying rent, with little recourse as a landlord.

Yes, I have.  Few friends live in the area. Definitely aware of its limited A/B neighborhoods.