All Forum Posts by: Jessica Gilbert

I have had a horrendous time finding the right PM. I tried Ace and Barnett and Hill and it was not a good match. They answered questions correctly, but could not rent my apartment among other issues. The only one I’ve found that truly cares about protecting my investments is Atlana Chatham with Trinity Real Estate in Cross Plains and Cisco. She’s been amazing. 

So I recently posted about trouble I was having when two of the room mates on the lease demanded to be let off, the other two wanting to stay and two more wanting to be added. They came to me together wanting to rent the house, passed all screening, and signed a year lease. I guess they didn't get along as well as they thought. 

In trying to get advice on how to legally switch people out on the lease, I have gotten several comments to the affect that I shouldn't rent to room mates. I am in a college and airforce base town, this house within walking distance to a university. I get a lot of interest from younger people wanting to rent together.

Thus far I have had very good luck with tenants and all have been room mate situations. Even this problem I am having has been pretty easy to solve, minus the leaving tenants refusing to sign off the lease. Is this an uncommon way to lease? Would you lease differently, ie month to month instead of yearly, or anything like that? I feel like the way I have been doing things has been working fine, but I have only been doing this a few years, and since I was a bit shocked by the negativity I am hoping to find out if there is a general consensus on renting to room mates that I had totally missed.

@Amy Beth This house is walking distance from one of several universities/colleges in the town. The majority of interest we have is going to be room mate situations. That is typically what I have rented to I have never had an issue. Families break up, too. If you don't have anything helpful to say about the current issue, I don't understand why you felt the need to comment.

@Jim Cummings Thank you! 

I didn't rent separate rooms to separate people. They came to me together, wanted to rent a house. So they all went on the lease. I don't think that's uncommon. Three rooms, one sister in two and the couple in a third. My husband and I certainly lived that way in our younger years with friends.

I sent a termination form, have called and texted, and they will not respond. I wasn't sure how to proceed without putting myself in a bad place. The sisters will pay up, but by themselves do not make enough money to afford the house and I want the other two ladies on the lease before releasing the couple. I will do what you said Colleen and give so many day to comply, starting my paper trail. Thank you!

(Texas) I rented a 3/2 to two sisters and a couple who looked just fine on paper.  Everything was quiet for three months until the couple started blowing up my phone wanting off the lease. After speaking with the sisters, I decided my best course of action would be to screen two other women who the sisters said would like to replace the couple on the lease. They have passed screening, but the couple got angry and left before I could get them screened and now are ignoring me. They told me they are just breaking the lease. I guess since they said they are breaking the lease, they think they don't have to do anything else. I only need them to sign the paperwork removing them from the lease so I can add their replacements. If they refuse to sign anything, what the heck do I do? I can't just add people to the lease without their permission if they are still on the lease. I don't know if I can just end the lease and start a new one with the new tenants... I keep reading and can not figure out a clear solution that keeps me covered legally. I have been assured that the next month's rent will be paid by the sisters. I thought I had most scenarios planned for, but this one is throwing me. Any help? Thanks so much!!!

I have gotten into a bind and would like to sell this place. Several cosmetic upgrades have already been made. I just want out because I am overextended time wise and am asking less than I have in it. My partner on this backed out after purchase and my previously trustworthy contractor apparently had a mid life crisis and left me with less than stellar unfinished work. All new wiring has already been done and flooring laid in much of the place. New cabinets that need repainting in place in the kitchen. Rotten wood replaced on the outside. New tile in one bathroom and kitchen. All it needs is someone with a little time and skill or a good trustworthy handyman to finish it up and get it flipped or rented. Sweet neighbors. Have a new handyman at work and will continue working on it until sold. It’s just been a disaster and I need it gone for my mental health. Take advantage! Not willing to negotiate price. You can text 325-668-8992 with questions. 

Lots of work done on this one. Lots of character. Rented immediately upon putting it on the market to great tenants. Can be purchased as a package with 1342 Jeanette St for a steal at $192,000. Alley apartment comes with the home but needs a ton of work. Walking distance to McMurry University. 

This home also has a garage apartment that could add another $300 or more in income. We have been using it ourselves but will be putting it on the market as a rental soon if this place does not sell. Currently rented. GREAT tenants. Rented in less than a week of purchase. Well taken care of home. Walking distance to McMurry University. Can sell as a package deal with 1209 Palm, another 3/2 currently rented for $1020. Price for both as a package would be a steal at $192,000. 

Forgot to mention, these homes are within walking distance to McMurry University. 

I need out of the rental business because of some personal problems. I have had FANTASTIC luck in Abilene TX and I certainly plan to get back in the business as soon as I get my life ironed out! I guess it would be easiest to have you look them up on Zillow since there are plenty of pictures and information- 1209 Palm St and 1342 Jeanette St, Abilene TX. Both rented almost immediately to perfect tenants. Palm St: $1020 in rent, 3/2 plus bonus room/office, over 1500 sq ft, currently rented but expect to move soon. CUTE, tons of character, new gas lines, replaced a bathroom, warrantied foundation work, many improvements and repairs. It has an alley apartment but it needs to be completely redone. Jeanette St: $1090 in rent. 3/2 over 1600 sq ft Tenants are about to finish their year lease but intend to stay on month to month. Huge kitchen, great family home. Studio apartment in back with parking in the alley. We have been using it ourselves but if we don't sell it soon I will be renting it and expect $325. Shared water meter. Needs new water heater. I am offering these places as a package deal for $192,000 for a limited time. I will not finance. If you have questions please ask! 325-668-8992. I don't answer so text or leave a message and I will call you back.