All Forum Posts by: Joyce Tavares

During Covid, best bet is to inform him that if you renew, it will be on a month-to-month basis.  If he is able to pay the rent, then eviction is not covered by Covid rules...  Have him complete a "DECLARATION OF COVID-19-RELATED FINANCIAL DISTRESS" to prove his inability to pay.   https://www.cdc.gov/coronaviru...

Month-to-month rent gives you the flexibility of selling or re-renting and getting a tenant who will pay their rent and take care of the property.  Even the most experienced of us runs into a tenant like yours.  But we don't quit, we learn from the experience.  Just do really good screening on the next tenant.  Have a rental agreement that covers all of the issues that may come up.  I love being a landlord, but definitely hate it when I have a bad tenant, which I get occasionally.  

Keep up on "Bigger Pockets" and other Landlord sites as everyone offers amazing solutions...I've been doing this for over 50 years and am still learning.  Good luck and stay safe...

Just bought a duplex with two long-term tenants at lower than market rents.  However, they have always paid rent on time and have never caused any issues.  Decided to buy duplex with them occupying it.  Increased rent upon closing and these are the best tenants I have had in a long time.  I am upgrading the units slowly, but I am pretty sure they won't leave for quite a while, and I can upgrade the duplex in the meantime without losing rents.  Just screen the existing tenants really well in the triplex.  

Rainbow vacuums are awesome, but heavy and expensive.  Had one years ago.  I bought a "refurbished" Hoover WindTunnel, light weight, bagless, with the long attached hose and long or retractable cord.  Check on reviews before you buy.  There are a lot of models, and some are better than others.  I also recommend getting a reputable cleaning person to do your cleaning of the unit after moveout, and deduct the cost from the security deposit.

Maybe do a 1031 exchange from your SFH into a duplex that is already built. That would be a good investment. Two for one... If you can, find a duplex with both units having two bedrooms and two baths so rent can be easily shared and each have their own bathroom.

I try not to be "friends" for same reasons as above.  But I do check in with each of them occasionally to see if they need anything.  I also send them digital cards on all holidays.  I also send them a monthly "Friendly Rent Reminder" by email with lots of really neat pictures of dogs, cats, special notices, etc.  That way I can keep in touch and let them know I am there for them.  But then, I only have 30 tenants.

Does not deserve a response.  Most of us do the best we can.  You need to walk in our shoes for a few months to get the real feel of landlording.  I have been walking in those shoes for over 50 years.... This is a TOUGH job, and oftentimes hurts you to the bone when you are not appreciated.  Sometimes you can just not please people no matter how hard you try.  Just do your best.  If it is a tenant, give them the option to move without giving 30-days' notice...just a heads up.  That's what I would do.  First and foremost, this is a business...and you have to look at it that way.  

Check Zillow.com for home sales in the area, and check rentometer.com to see what the rents will bring.  If attached units are not permitted, you might want to pass on this unless zoning says you can get them permitted later.  Find out the cost to do that.  Multiples are always a good bet if everything is presented above board, and especially with permits and approved by County.  In-law units are the new thing with housing so expensive.

If rental has good tenants who pay on time and are not destroying property, keep the tenants in place until they give YOU notice.  I would increase the rent, if it's not at market rent, and then see if they move.  Check on City regulations on raising rents first.  It will cost you quite a bit to refurbish unit once they leave, so keep this in mind.  And there is no guarantee that you will be able to rent right away.  You will also have to refund security deposit (or pay for damages).  If you want to upgrade, you can do this with existing tenants in place, that way you don't lose rent and when they leave, most upgrades will have already been done.  

Compare prices....then make a decision.  There is no guarantee someone will take care of newly refinished flooring.  Do they have kids, pets, etc??  Carpet cheaper and you can replace on moveout...Laminate is good because should last a while.  Up to you as to who will be renting it.

Agree with Nathan...contact garbage people and get a new can delivered asap and send a cc to second tenant....but stay out of it with them.  Send  followup emails about the can only, and keep reiterating that the new can will be there shortly.  Everyone is on a short fuse these days...do not get involved physically...keep your distance.  Would definitely not get rid of a good tenant.