All Forum Posts by: Michael Robbins

I would fix the steps right away.  Then I would verify with the tenant if she is requesting anything additional to be done to the steps.  It may be a reasonable accommodation being requested.  

I would request that the person who reported this activity to you to have them give you a complaint in writing.  Once you have the written complaint I would then contact the police for "calls for service."  I think it is key to have documented "third party" complaints before taking action.  The reason being, it helps protect you from being accused by the the tenant for targeting and will also help in building a case to have the tenant eventually evicted. 

I have used breed restrictions for dogs in the past.  I have also restricted large fish tanks and also reptiles.  

If you have not already, I would visit the area to make a determination.  I have not been there recently so do not have an opinion one way or the other.  But I think you will be able to make a reasonable decision once spending a few hours in the area.  

I would keep looking for applicants.  But just for arguments sake, if I had to select from income or credit then I would go with credit.  My criteria is 3x rental income (combined income of applicants) and all applicants must have satisfactory credit. 

I would not offer any incentives for paying late.  Is there anything in the lease that specifies what occurs when payment is not received on the 1st?  

Maybe you can make it clear to them that when they eventually move that one day you might have to complete a rental verification or verification from a lender on late payments.  Inform them that you would have no choices but to be truthful on the rental verification form and that would not bode well when trying to get a new place to buy or rent.  I would approach it as you watching out for their best interests.  If they start paying rent on time now then maybe the rental verification sent over will only go back 6 months or 1 year.  They should start on having a good record of on time payments now.

I would complete 100% before listing for rent.  

I have a separate buy-out agreement.  The agreement states the tenant is responsible through a 60 day notice and a buy-out fee of $1,500, 2,500, 3000 ...... depending on if its a one, two, or three bedroom.  Also, double check with your State regulations.  Buy out fee is also going to vary depending on your market.  

If the tenant moves out before the 60 day notice then I would charge them through their notice or between the days they are responsible (notice period) to the day a new tenant is placed.  

My understanding was that HUD only offered "guidelines" when it came to maximum number of occupants. I was trained that a good rule is two occupants per bedroom + one. It was also imperative, and the right thing to do, to only ask prospective tenants "how many occupants (as opposed to how many adults and children)" will be in the home.

What does it say in the lease regarding a tenants responsibility with cleaning upon move out?  I would follow the lease.  In regards to the dishwasher leak, was there any indication on the inventory and condition form (when tenant moved in) that there was an issue with the floor or dishwasher?  If not, I would consider holding the tenant responsible.