All Forum Posts by: Jim Shepard

More than likely the insurance company will bring a suit against the tenant. When the insurance company gives you a check there will be a piece of paper you have to sign that says the insurance company gets paid first and then anything left over is yours. Sounds like the type of loser that has nothing to sue for and never will.

Depending on your state laws, the neighbor is probably responsible for their portion and you yours. To be a good neighbor, I would go ahead and get it cleaned up at your expense.

A big juicy steak laced with Valium should do the trick in 15 minutes!

I would forget the rent increase and tell him you are not renewing his lease. If he gives you any crap, I would send him a certified letter stating we have discovered the rent mistake and expect him to pay the amount listed in the lease. I would also have the property manager give you a credit for the missed rent in finding a new tenant.

I would just decline him based on not filling out the credit report. He had his chance. If he can't follow rules before he is in your rental, he sure won't after he is in your rental. As a word of caution, since your complete name appears in a public forum (as mine does) be careful what you say. He could look it up on the internet.

If it's too good to be true, it probably is... I would have to ask the question "why are they renting if they have that much money"? Where did the cash come from? Drug money? Are they actually going to be the ones living there or are they putting someone else in? If you have all of your money upfront (if it is legal) it is going to be much tougher to evict them. I have been offered this in the past and said no.

I have them sign the lease and get the security deposit and first month's rent at that time. If the lease doesn't start for 15 days (or whatever), they can come back and get the key the DAY the lease starts. Not before. I think your problem is you aren't locking them down. If they haven't signed a lease, they will keep looking.

If they short their rent $100, I would send them a 5 day notice to pay or quit. After the 5 days start eviction so it is on their record. Don't accept any further partial payments. As far as the security deposits, it is there for damages to the property beyond normal wear and tear. Remember, it is YOUR rental which makes you, NOT them in charge!

@Kristy Fard I don't want this to seem harsh but it is almost like you bought the building for their convenience? It sounds like you have done the necessary repairs that the previous landlord had not performed. Adding in new cabinets and range? I would explain to them that since there is rent control you are not allowed to raise the rent and they are $1000 / month under market. This is a business for profit and not a charity. If they want new cabinets, new oven ,etc., you just happen to have a new unit available that you are rehabbing right now. Oh, the rent is market rate! I try to accommodate a tenant complaining about noise telling them we can start at 8 instead of 7 if that makes it better for them? You are trying to improve the building and sometimes that is an inconvenience that is necessary. Tell them you have proven to them that you are a LL that takes care of problems and pride of ownership by changing the windows and blinds. However, you have to rehab the unit near theirs so you can get good, quality tenants. They want good neighbors don't they? If the emails you are getting from her are petty, just ignore them. If the pettiness and complaining about noise continues, I'd buy the repairmen bigger hammers and tell them to start at 6!

I have gone thru twice in the last year with with acquired rentals. If you cut corners the smell will linger. The carpet absorbs the smell and can't be removed from it. It has to be replaced. While the carpet is up, paint the floor with Kilz oil based primer. All the walls and ceilings need to be wiped down with tsp (you get it from your local hardware store.). Wipe your cabinets and tub surround with it as well. Use gloves and good ventilation. Then paint the house top to bottom with Kilz. Then put on your wall / ceiling paint. I put a cup full of white vinegar in the cold air return to help remove the smell. Have the ducts cleaned. While you are doing this, use an ozone generator while you are gone at night. A lot of work for smokers!