All Forum Posts by: Linda Roberts

Thanks @Nathan Gesner It's definitely make sense.  

Thanks @Michael Smythe Could you please suggest where to check market rent other than Zillow?

Thanks @Emily Koelsch It's an interesting idea to add 3% rent increase to the lease. For example last year I was preoccupied with another 2 apartments and to secure tenants in this one, I only raced rent for $25. So rent increase of $100 this year created stress.

Thanks, I am in Massachusetts. No pet fees or pet deposit is allowed. I can set up rent higher and allow dogs, but this is for new tenants. Should tenants that stay for 2nd 3rd year pay below market, for how much?

Rental prices in my area have increased significantly. I'm confident I can rent this apartment for $2,750 or more. The current tenants have been living there for two years, paying $2,450 in rent. I proposed increasing the rent to $2,550 for next year.

They responded that a $100 increase feels high, and while they agree to some extent, they also want to adopt a dog from a shelter. I expressed my concerns—mainly that shelter dogs can require special care, and both tenants work full-time, which might make it difficult to meet the dog's needs. (Is that a fair concern?)

They seemed upset and countered with an offer to pay $2,500. I'm considering accepting this, possibly in exchange for help with gardening or snow removal. Alternatively, I could stick to $2,550, but that might result in unhappy tenants who are still paying below market rent.

What would be the right approach here?

Thanks @Randall Alan In my case, the tenant has already moved out, and I have her last month's rent and security deposit, which together equal the two months of penalty fees. Now, she wants it back. I don't feel obligated to return it to her. Additionally, she left a dozen large garbage bags in the apartment and abandoned furniture and a mattress on the street. We need to deal with all of this, as the garbage collectors won't remove it.

My lease states that if a tenant breaks the lease and moves out early, they must pay a penalty equal to two months' rent. One of my tenants broke the lease and moved out. I put a lot of time and effort into finding a new tenant, and there is no gap between the two tenants.

Can I still charge the penalty of two months' rent as stated in the lease? The tenant is requesting the return of their last month's payment and security deposit (equal to one month's rent).

Thanks @Dennis McNeely

Is there a standard letter that I need to send tenants a month before the end of their lease to remind them to move out by the end of the term? They already responded three months ago that they are not renewing the lease. I just want to ensure that they will move out on time because I have new tenants moving in the next day. Should I send a notice to quit a month before they move out?

Is there any standard paperwork I need to sign with a troublesome tenant who, after long negotiations, moved out on time? Specifically, anything indicating that the lease is completed and both sides have no claims or issues with each other.