All Forum Posts by: Lucas Hall

First, I would just have a conversation with her - saying that you need the garage cleaned out and she will have to find another place for her stuff. Offer up your "free labor" to help her move it into a truck that she provides.

If he fights back, you could point out that the lease doesn't actually say that she has access to the garage.

If she continues to protest, you could offer up a small one time discount, or offer to split (50/50) the cost of relocating the stuff.

Worse case scenario is that you force to to sign a new lease if she wants to stay (since she's month to month), and that one specifically says that she can't use the garage.

Bill,
Very nice. You're the man.

Hi Sydney Berman

I own 5 properties that I manage myself (aka Landlord and Property Manager). I've investigated a lot of different software programs (b/c I was in your shoes a few years ago).
I found AppFolio to be overkill for small DIY landlords. The best two options I found for people like us were: Buildium and Rentec Direct. Both have a tenant portal, and let you manage other people properties too. They also let you collect rent electronically. Buildium even has a mobile app.

Whichever you pick, make sure its hosted on the internet. Do not choose a software that is installed and stored on your computer. You'll be much happier if it's a cloud-based application.

Does your lease specifically allow the previous tenant usage of the outdoor space where they are "storing" the trailer and spa? If not, you could tell them that per the lease, their stuff is on private property, that they no longer have a right to. Threaten to sell it or trash it - and see if that gets' some movement from them.

I looked into Texas law, but didn't find anything specific in the code.

I agree with @K. Marie Poe and @Jon Holdman that you should try your best to convince the tenant to get rid of their stuff asap. But seek advice from a local real estate attorney if they don't.