All Forum Posts by: Mary E Copas

Interesting situation.  To what degree, if any, did the mother invest a deposit before signing the contract? To what extent, if any is it an inheritable interest?

Hmm. So what are those extra "guests" doing all day?  Is your tenant subletting to shift workers or running a daycare or other business out of the property?  Doesn't the lease state that occupants have to be on the lease?  And the property is for residential -- not commercial -- purposes?

You don't indicate where you are.  Treat tenants as tenants, not friends.  Don't let people take advantage of you -- because they absolutely will: even tenants who are white collar professionals (especially so)

OK so you paint with Kilz or even SW paint with an additive.  What about the ventilation system? 

What is his motivation in selling to you?  Saving the commission?  Helping someone out?  A quicker sale?  Before you proceed further, have the house inspected so you really know what he is offering you.

Lots of comments here -- all with valuable insights. You've never met this tenant, and you don't know how things were represented to her. You say she used to live in a "D" neighborhood in Virginia. Interesting. In some areas of Virginia, if a person in VA called the cops on an open-air drug deal, they would probably respond with 2 or 3 cars or maybe a SWAT team (the cops get bored). "D" neighborhoods? Certainly. But if she came down from NoVA she has high expectations... Just warning you. Maybe she brought the NoVA crazy down with her. ALSO these complaints sound like someone who feels like they are paying too much or someone who would be happier owning their own place. If you can get a new tenant, and frankly, a property manager, all the better for you and her. Good luck.

Internet search shows this program is used in NYC and nearby to help people transition into stable living arrangements.  If you access this FAQ, maybe you can contact the office and ask for more details:  

https://www.newdestinyhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/NYC-SOTA-program-FAQ.pdf

Lots of questions here on the mechanics of payments and the program.  I think this program will vary from one locality (state and county) to another.  Having said that, there are some landlords in DC who swear by rental subsidy programs.  There are also landlords in other areas who historically would refuse voucher folks because they felt they could not control who was living in their properties... on the other hand, years ago I knew a landlord whose very perfect tenants were a retired couple (man was disabled, woman was still able to work part-time at 68) and they were on a section 8 voucher program; the landlord wished all of his tenants were like them as rent was always on time, etc.  Again, you should ask questions.  If the property is damaged, what happens?  What is your gut feeling?  

Faderera -- thanks for the update!

Yes, it really sounds like one way or another you will need to talk to a real estate attorney or someone who knows what is going on here.  There are a variety of reasons for creating a trust - and it could be that to transfer the property out of the trust the trustee (like an executor) has to jump through some hoops; or it could be that the person at the title company is being a bit of a stickler.  Good luck.