All Forum Posts by: John Thompson

I have an 8 apartment complex. There are two, 4 unit buildings on the property. I took possession of these on the first of July this year. These are my first rentals, so I am still fairly new at this. As of today, I do not allow pets. I have two separate tenants that have decided to move in pets on me without my permission. There are several things pulling me to allow pets and several pulling me not to.  Here are my pros and cons. Pros: #1,  I myself am a dog lover and totally understand wanting a pet dog. #2, I currently have a vacancy and could have rented it out ten times already if I allowed a pet.  #3, This one kind of goes along with #2. 6 of the 8 units are one bedroom and a lot of people interested are single and living by themselves and therefore want and have pets already. Cons: #1, Dog S%&t! There is plenty of room outside as the property is 2.3 acres. I am more worried about inside. #2, Whenever you give people an inch they take a mile. If I tell them that I allow ONE dog, they will have 4 cats, 2 dogs, a parakeet and an aardvark. Question #1 is, if I allow a pet, as in one dog, should I collect a pet deposit in addition to the security deposit? Questions #2, If I collect a pet deposit, how much and should it be refundable? Question #3, What should I do about my current situation with the two tenants that have decided to move in their pets, when both of their leases specifically state that no pets are allowed? Thanks

Also, a friend of mine has 12 rentals. All but one of which he purchased off of the same annual tax sale. He usually has around $5-10K in each house after repairs, with an average rent of $500 per month. Most pay for themselves in 1-2 years.

A lot will depend on your finances. I got my start buying property on my counties property tax sale. Most parcels are usually empty lots, with a few condemned houses mixed in. Every now and then there is diamond amongst the coal. You know the county you live in better than those who do not live there. Go over the sale list with a fine tooth comb. You might be surprised. My first property was three lots, a mobile home (worthless) and a 72 x 30 post frame barn with a 14' side wall. I had $1200 in it by the time a received the deed (6 months process) and sold it the same day for $6000. Not bad considering the only thing I did was cut the grass one time.

I have evicted a couple before, but it was for a house I purchased on a tax sale. Quick update on the tenant. He has agreed to be out by the end of the weekend. I in turn agreed to refund his deposit, even though he owes me a months rent. I just want him gone. I have a new tenant lined up that is going to pay $100 more per month for this same unit. So, I figure I will get the money back and he leaves peacefully.

Thanks for all of the advice. Well, I got him to answer the door today and as expected, no rent money. Excuse, excuse and more excuses. He says he is contemplating moving in with a friend. I asked him if he needs help and when will the move begin? Of course he starts back peddling, talking about partial payments again and so on. I told it the rent in full or he is moving out. His eviction is coming up real soon. I did offer paying him his deposit back if he moves out though. Might be the edge I need to get him to bite.

Which brings me to my next question of, what if I file, pay the money, set the date, etc. and he comes up and has the money? Should I except the rent or cut my loses and proceed with the eviction? Thanks

paying his rent on time.  I was told by the previous owner, that the tenant (27) doesn't like to pay on time, but manages to pay. I took possession on the first of the month and collected rent from the tenants that same day (8 units).  This joker has a sign made from duct tape that reads "Do no disturb". Of course, I could not knock loud enough. He didn't answer  and I ran into him 2 or 3 days later. He had more excuses than Hillary and tries making a partial payment, which I refuse. I had a vacation coming up in two weeks and if I were to file for an eviction, would need to appear in court the week I am out of town. So, I decide to give him the two weeks and have intentions of filing the Monday after vacation. I did not let him know this. He thinks I am "working with him". Those are his words. He text me on Sunday, the day before I am set on filing and has the rent. He is now 3 weeks behind and owes rent again in 9 days. Well, 8 days have came on gone and he, along with everyone else, owes rent tomorrow. I informed him after he paid that if this months rent is not on time, I  am filing. I am pretty sure he will not be available tomorrow knowing rent is due, which means I will not get the opportunity to remind him. Should I file on Wednesday? I am trying not to be a hard ***, but I guess I have no choice but to be one. Thanks