All Forum Posts by: Joyce Tavares

I have an area I use for parking an RV that was not asphalted.  I just spread base rock....ground is hard and if any weeds come up, the gardener just sprays them.  

I agree with Mike.  Over 18 they need to fill out a rental application and you should run his credit report and criminal background.  You should put also add him to the rental agreement on an addendum as an additional renter.  If he is disabled, he may be getting income as well.

DEFINITELY no living in garage!  Lease violation for sure and not safe healthwise, unless garage is legally converted and has heat and water.  These are hard times, so if there are no issues or complaints with other tenants, I personally would have no problem with him living there and I would not increase the rent.

I personally would not buy a home without a termite inspection.  It not only checks for termites, but also for dry rot and any water issues.  I'm surprised your realtor didn't request one.  If the seller won't pay for it, you might want to.

Question:  Have you given the tenant "who lives in filth" a notice to either clean it up or move?  It sounds like your pest issues are not going to stop until that tenant is no longer there.  THEN get the pest control people in to spray that unit....did the pest control people spray that particular unit as well?  

Before you do anything, check with the local zoning department to make sure you can legally do this.

So easy to convert...I converted a garage into a 1 bedroom unit with a laundry room with coin-op laundry attached for other tenants.  It is a darling unit.  Be sure to screen tenants thoroughly, especially since they will be on your property.  I have never had an issue renting it.  

Call the Housing Department Landlord Division and speak with someone there.  Sorry for what you're going thru....I've been there.  I no longer do leases of any kind...month-to-month only.  Housing doesn't do month-to-month initially, but it turns to month-to-month after a year.  Housing requires a 90-day notice to evict, so you might ask them if you can give a 90-day notice now, so it will go into effect after the lease is up.  Not sure you can get out of the lease, especially during Covid-19. Let Housing know about the extra tenant occupying the home.  Make sure you file properly...worth spending the money to have professionals do this.  Take LOTS of pictures and email them to the Housing worker and keep all paperwork.  Re: cockroaches, I would call a pest control company.  Best of luck....don't let this discourage you...it is a learning experience.

Hi Rhett....Check the reviews on YELP....I rely heavily on these reviews for not only PM's, but for electrical, plumbing, painters, flooring, etc.  

Craigslist and Apartments.com are good.  Rentometer will also list rentals and I like that they tell you what .  I do like Zillow, but not their apps.  If they charged for listing I wouldn't list there.

Craigslist and Apartments.com are good.  Rentometer will also list rentals and I like that they tell you what places are renting for and have an abundance of information for landlords...and I don't mind paying for the service, even tho it is free.  When I want to increase rents I check there first.  I do like Zillow for listing rentals, but not their apps.  If they charged for listings I wouldn't list there tho.