All Forum Posts by: Mary Ann Aulbur

Plural ESa's. So why 2 or more. Each animal would have to alleviate separate symptoms. So right away, as a landlord, I would doubt the validity of multiple animals being ESA's. Also, you as the tenant are responsible for any damage, any waste products, any pest problems from these animals. It may cost you to continue welcoming them in your home.

Done this and made roommates sign lease with house rules.  Such as:  Noise levels, no smoking, no animals, no overnight guests, where to park, cleaning of kitchen.  Each room had own locked door and each bed had mattress cover.  I did not want them bringing in furniture.  I controlled temperature and tenants had a separate eating, cooking and congregating space.  Also provided internet and cable but they provided their own computer or tv.  I did not provide soap, toilet paper, towels or sheets.  I did provide cooking utensils and dishes.  I had to clean just a little bit and most roommates stayed as long as I lived there.  Just enforce the rules immediately and collect the rent on the due date.  You don't want to live with slackers.

Made a mistake with my first roommate and provided food.  Why?  Very stupid.  Don't do it.  And keep your food and supplies separate and safe from roommates.

Also, address storage and decorating.  Do you want a pink living room or a packed garage?  Then in the lease write they can have access to store their stuff in their room only.

This is an issue that is very aggravating because so many people bend or break the rules.  If you are in a roommate situation, the rules are different than in a separate apartment. 

If she has a real ESA, you can verify it with the doctor or therapist that prescribed the animal.  Also how old is the letter.  Did she enter into a contract under false conditions.   Contact your landlord; he may have had experience with this issue.  Also contact a knowledgeable lawyer about roommate situations and/or look up exact wording of ESA laws. I believe a dog that creates a disturbance does not have rights to be there even if ESA.  Going forward put an animal addendum on your lease for everyone. 

Does the current lease have a clause about tenant caused damage and how soon remediation expenses need to be repaid? If so I would be getting estimates, and then submit them to the tenants.  Document everything so it will hold up in court.  If they do not pay, then that is a lease violation.

Also, this is a health hazard for the whole building.  Any other tenant or visitor could complain and then your building will be in code violations, not just the horrible tenants that caused the issues.

When you do you monthly inspections: take pictures, look for drug related items, check closets, attic space and basement.  If questioned, you are looking for items needing repair.  And bring a strong light so you can see in corners.

Thank you for taking the time to explain why rock would not be appropriate.  I was from Arizona desert and we did not have that problem with grass there and most home yards were rocked.  Most rental complexes were landscaped and irrigated.

I've lived in the desert.  Yes dust storms are common, but so are rocked yards.  They are low maintenance and look appealing.  Dirt yards are a turn off unless the price is low.  Is this a town where most owners cannot afford rock, that you feel a dirt front yard is acceptable?  I do not understand your thinking.

There are drunks who are quiet and mellow when drunk and there are drunks who are obnoxious and loud when drunk.  What kind is he?  Can he keep a job with his record?  His personal life (if quiet and responsible with his rental) is generally not our business.  I have had 2 quiet and mellow drunks that rented from me until their death.  They were good tenants.  I have also had the obnoxious kind who were evicted.  And good riddance to them.

There are a lot of drinkers in Wisconsin.  How much do you want to limit your tenant base?  Worry more about the druggies--they never work out. 

Looked on Zillow.  When it said comparable rentals, it listed average price as $750.  Yet your price is $950.  That looks bad for your listing.  Is the trailer park bringing your rental price down?  Trulia will only let me see 1 picture unless I register for a showing. The picture is a grey room with 2 small windows.

Also, the front yard looks like it would blow dust in the house and make it a nightmare to keep clean.  Don't they rock the yards to keep it low maintenance in your area.  A dirt yard screams low end property.

Think about separate meters for gas on your property.  Paying the tenant's utilities is a profit killer.  How I handled the change:  I told the tenant I was reducing the rent but requiring that they pay the utilities.  They were happy thinking they were getting a deal and I was happy since my profit increased.  And when utilities rates increased I was still making a profit.

Also keep in mind the house movement.  Houses built on cement work well with ceramic.  If the house has a crawl space the flexing of the house may cause more problems with tile than laminate.  Also, what do people in the area have for flooring.  In some areas tile is very common and keeps the house cooler in hot areas.  If you go with ceramic don't forget to seal the grout.