I was, at one point, contemplating investing in a rental property, expanding my family's income, and providing a good home for others in a rough economy. I still may, but after my current nightmare as a tenant myself, I'm beginning to QUICKLY back away from the idea; simply because I am drained from dealing with greedy, horrible people. I have had my fair share of tenant nightmares, but my current one is my tipping point. Never ever will I rent again! Here is my nightmare:
We saw an old farm house for rent with so much charm, perfect location, in a small, peaceful farming community, amazing schools for the little one, and we fell in love. The landlord seemed awesome, and with a little tlc, the place could easily and quickly become the perfect home. We quickly received excuses, let downs, and broken promises; the kitchen floor would be replaced (needed!), the countertops would be replaced (not as important but definitely needed), painted, cleaned, tub would be tackled and re-caulked, the garage door would be fixed, and that would all get done before the move in date. Nope, none of that happened. In fact, it was never cleaned, AND we lived with a non-draining tub for over a month! Here is the list of problems: The front door barely opens, NONE of the doors close correctly, garage door has been replaced but the electrical still needs work, no doorbell, no fire alarms or carbon monoxide alarm, no working outside lights, a severe mice infestation (who have now raided my brand new couch), no insulation in the mudroom because of a door installed incorrectly, which is allowing cold air into the house and raising my heating (propane!) bil, I cleaned, I painted, and all I hear are excuses and how I'm responsible. All while paying $1,200 a month! I never signed the lease because it was never move in ready, none of the things were taken care of, and I immediately caught on to the games. (I told her I'd sign it once she takes care of the problems to make it acceptable to live in) I am now moving out just after 4 months of terror.
Here is my next major issue; I gave my landlord my 30 days notice the moment I found out we were moving into my fiance's parent's house, which is being passed down. The day I told her was the day my family got together for Christmas, she posted it on Craig's list and asked if I would be available to show it. I told her I wouldn't be available that day but otherwise yes, assuming I'd get my 24 hr notice. I accidentally left my phone in the car that day and at 3 pm I got a text asking if the house was unlocked, that she's showing it at 5, and that it doesn't matter she has a key. She then entered my home without my permission (I have dogs by the way!) with other people in tow, my house was a disaster because of the holiday celebration at my house the night before, and only giving me a couple hrs notice. I confronted her that I don't feel comfortable with people entering my home when I'm not there because of my valuable possessions and my dogs, and that I'd like the 24 hr notice so that I can make arrangements and also make sure the house is as presentable as possible, considering packing and moving will be taking place. Not only was I screamed and yelled at, but I was threatened to have my deposit withheld from me. Just last night she came over around 5, after being told she had work to do on the other rental on the same property and had to grab some stuff from my basement. My house was a disaster from the moving, sorted laundry, making dinner, and my 4 yr olds toys everywhere. She came in saying she's taking pictures to post, and that her girlfriend who hasn't seen the house in a long time is stopping by at some point that night. I told her, "oh, I wish I would've known all of this, I would've had the place cleaned up much better." She replied in a very nasty way that I have to deal with it. So, I continue getting my child ready for the days end. All of a sudden, with MUCH surprise and total confusion (I was expecting an older woman maybe around the same age as my landlord), a little boy comes running through the house. I then hear talking and realize she is showing the house to a potential tenant! Not only did she not introduce us, but I had NO idea she was showing the house, she was talking badly about me, lying about my family and me, and also lying about herself and as to why the house was in the condition that it was in. She then left without a word, no work done to the other house, nothing was grabbed from the basement; nothing. I was lied to! And disrespected! In my own home!
The woman moving in the other rental property came to me asking about the landlord because she has a very bad feeling, What she was describing to me was word for word what happened with us, and her living conditions are WAY worse than mine! The thing is, her lease and my would be/month to month lease are a TX lease, as if we resided in TX. We live in IL. I want this nightmare to be over with NOW, and I have a very bad feeling my deposit is gone, even after all the work, money, time, and effort I put into that house.
It may not have been the best idea not signing the lease, but in the end, I'm very glad I didn't because I can be rid of this nasty woman.
