All Forum Posts by: Malkia Ra

Geezus Kryst.

My first and second homes were in (decent) communities that had a couple Section 8 renters. You could point those homes out without seeing anyone, as those properties were the worst-kept in the neighborhood. I made the decision not to rent to Section 8 tenants when the time came, as to avoid my property being destroyed or tenants being a nuisance to neighbors. (Yes, I'm generalizing, I understand not all Section 8 renters are trashy.)

You mentioned your home is in a "VERY decent quiet part of town..." I can't help but wonder why your PM didn't select a better caliber of tenant. This sounds like an example of when more stock is placed on "guaranteed money" (Section 8) rather than carefully selecting the best-caliber tenant, it will turn into a situation you'll regret.

I sympathize with you, and wish you the best of luck in this situation.

0 Votes

Long Island, New York

Ha! Oh boy do I feel your pain.

I encountered this same experience with a renter. It was bad... so bad that she was embarrassed (with an attitude) when I had to have emergency HVAC maintenance done and I couldn't give her at least 24-hours notice that I, along with my HVAC guy, would be entering her space.

Believe me when I say, boy do I understand; however, how they live is their business, and unless you've spotted damage or a potential health/property hazard, it's unnecessary to hire a cleaning person while they're still living there. Not to mention, I imagine they'd probably be embarrassed/feel slighted by the idea.

1 Vote

Quote from @Bob Willis:

Can you go someplace like HotPad (they are owned by Zillow) to see what rooms are going for? I think you can do that same type search on Zillow looking for a room to rent.

I agree, HotPads would be a great resource. I currently have a listing on HotPads (via Zillow). Zillow doesn't list rooms for rent on their site, they're advertised on HotPads.

1 Vote

Jacksonville, Florida

I rent the basement of my home. Always have a lease. My lease is month-to-month, exactly for the reason you mentioned.

0 Votes

Jacksonville, Florida

I've been successful stating the basic requirements in my ads... credit score minimums and credit deal-breakers, background/rental checks, deposit requirements, etc... this way interested parties are immediately aware of the bare minimum they'd need to meet in order to qualify.

It's during an initial phone call or email where I conduct another layer of pre-screening before proceeding with scheduling a showing/inviting them to complete the application.

1 Vote

Quote from @John Shepard:

Honestly, whether they make enough income for the rent, and whether they have any violent felonies/are a sex offender is all that should matter.

Digging deep into their entire life history and wanting to see all their banking information, everywhere they have ever lived, if they once paid their cell phone bill three days late, none of that should matter. It's really none of anyone's business. And what on earth would anyone need to keep COPIES of someone's credit report and financial information...especially if they are denied. That is shady as hell.

Everyone needs a home: when someone shows up that can afford to pay you, they should get approved. If there are problems at some point, deal with it then--that's just a risk of doing this.

Maybe landlords should start having to submit to all this invasive nonsense to find a renter; how are YOUr finances, is your mortgage up to date? Property taxes? How much do you pay for each, and how much of the rent is just going into your bank account. How many people have you evicted, and why? How quickly do you make repairs? Are you one of those that charges insane late fees starting on the second and files eviction on the third? Do you just let yourself in without notice and whenever you want? Have you ever been sued? are you over leveraged and one late rent payment away from bankruptcy?

FINALLY! The best comment on this thread.

1 Vote

All Forum Posts by: Malkia Ra

Malkia Ra has started 5 posts and replied 176 times.

Post: SMALL INVESTOR: NEW Member. NEED HELP To EVICT Section8 Tenants.

Post: I want to hire cleaning lady in between renewal

Post: Rent by Room in Jacksonville

Post: Renting by the room strategy

Post: Stating your tenant criteria up front?

Post: Has anyone used Zillow rental applications? Your experience?