All Forum Posts by: Joyce Tavares

You have 21 days to return the deposit.  This is the time you NEED to make sure there are no other deductions from the security deposit.  It's a learning experience to not give the security deposit back too soon.  If window glass was broken, you can try to recoup the money and if they don't pay, take it to small claims court.  They will have to pay the damages and the court costs.  But remember, time is money and there is a lot of time and stress included in doing this.  Just don't be quick to return deposit in the future. 

I would let lease run out and then sign him up on a NEW rental agreement, with just him on it, for month-to-month after he confirms he can qualify on his own.  If he is a good tenant and you are OK with a 12 month lease, then do that.  The security deposit is between the two of them and the deposit stays with the property until they vacate it.

I have used Tenant File for years because it is easy.  https://www.tenantfile.com/   Check out their website.

Cash is still good. LOL  Just make sure you have a receipt book, count the money in front of him, and then give him a receipt and keep a copy for your records.

Did  you write a check?  If so, was it cashed?  If it was cashed, your bank will have a copy of it and a copy of the back of it showing who signed it.  If it was not cashed, put a stop payment on that check and send her another, or send it to her by electronic payment and email her a copy of the disposition paperwork.  

I am in the California Bay Area and I charge enough security deposit to cover cleaning, replacement carpet and flooring and damages.  So depending on the unit, my security deposits range between $1,700 and $2,500.  I never charge first and last and do not charge a pet deposit.  First month's rent is pro-rated if need be.  In my 50+ years of renting to people with pets, the pets have not done any severe damage, just carpet/floor damage, if any, and usually carpet cleaning with pet treatment is sufficient.  If there is any odor after professionally cleaning them, then I will replace them and deduct from deposit.  

I agree with Brandon.  There is also a form that they have to sign saying they are impacted by Covid and can't work.

The eviction moratorium is for jobs lost because of Covid.  Check the CDC.com website...

I have rented to many tenants who have had credit issues due to medical bills, divorces, bankruptcies, etc.  If you have their bank statements, I would look at the balance each day and make sure it is sufficient to pay the rent.  Every one I have taken a chance on have been excellent tenants.  The credit is a good guideline, but I feel that a lot of really good tenants are passed up because their FICO is not high enough.  My rentals are month-to-month, so if there would be a major issue, I would just give them notice.  During Covid, it is a little tough to do this tho.  Your applicant sounds like someone I would take a chance on.  

Ask to see tenant applications and ask if tenants are current on the rent and are not affected by Covid.  Walk thru each unit and meet each tenant (Facetime works for this).  We just bought a duplex with two tenants and kept them.  They are great and pay rent early each month.  It's a win-win because we can do repairs gradually while getting rent as well.  Just do your screening...best of luck.

Inspections take a while and with Covid, many offices are closed so it's hard to get paperwork, inspections, etc.

Make sure you thoroughly screen tenants.  Payments always on time from HACA.  HACA does have payment standards:

https://www.haca.net/participa...   May be different depending on where you live.

Here is the HUD link, which is helpful. https://www.haca.net/pdf/Inspe...

There is also a link to Austin, TX housing for inspections:  

https://www.hacanet.org/wp-con...