All Forum Posts by: Maria S.

For the rent you're getting, the cost is high. Take a look at nearby properties for rent - do they have LVP or just some fancy linoleum? You might be over-improving the property for the area.

I have cameras and I also have the following section in my lease:

1. SECURITY NOT PROMISED:

The Tenant has inspected and acknowledges that all locks and smoke detectors are in working order. Any provided fire extinguishers, security alarm systems, and/or carbon monoxide detectors have also been inspected by the Tenant and are in sound working order. Tenant understands that although the Landlord makes every effort to make the Leased Premises safe and secure, this in no way creates a promise of security.

I would say normal wear and tear - mine give out at about 10 years even in my personal home.

Follow the process for late payments. In my state, this is a 3-day pay or quit notice followed by filing for an eviction.

My first question would be why do you need a few weeks? My thoughts are that there should be ways to make the period without stairs shorter, for example, pre-assemble as much as possible and hire a dedicated team. Curiously, there was a recent article about a similar situation (don't forget to post notices):

Woman trapped in apartment for four hours

The 3 day does not include the day the notice is served - posted on the door. So if you serve on the 6th, then 7, 8, and 9 are the 3 days.

"I cannot discuss Other Tenant with you. I expect you to be out by xxx (original notice date), otherwise, I will take steps towards eviction." If the bad tenant keeps pushing, keep repeating the following:

"This arrangement is no longer working for me. This conversation is over." Then stop answering/hang up.

@Luke Hoffman, yes, definitely do the work yourself and or through a contractor. Also, I suggest that you are present for the inspection to head off any "it won't take but a minute" repairs. 

The thing that caught my attention is that you're discovering dripping/leaking faucets at move-out. Your tenants should be notifying you about those and you should be replacing them/fixing them promptly. Water kills your investment quickly. If your faucets are leaking, your sinks are most likely also leaking and destroying your cabinets/floors and subfloors underneath. The reason I am saying this is that in my experience, faucets and sink drains are installed at the same time and those drains are the same age as the faucets.

If your tenants did not care to tell you that they cannot shut off one side of the faucet, they also did not bother to tell you about the wet spot underneath.

@Dan Marl, having the security deposit and the 1st month available is a screening tool, just like a background check or a credit check. Always require those in full, then you don't have to wonder whether they are requesting to prorate the rent because they don't quite have the money.