All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

When tenants give me notice that they are moving, I immediately give them a 30 day notice to vacate. This way, if they don't leave when they say they will, I don't have to wait another 30 days. I can file the eviction immediately.

I always Google my applicants and check Facebook as well. I have found out some really interesting things about people this way.

I don't rent to anyone that gets cranky with me over the phone, because "you are asking me too many personal questions and I haven't even seen it yet."

These are questions like: Where do you work? Do you make at least 3 times the rent? How many people will be living there? etc.

@Derone Patterson Congratulations on your purchase!

I would start by getting any info on the tenant that you can from the current owner. You really need a copy of his rental app, lease and background check. If no BG check, then run one yourself. Then you can make an informed decision about whether to keep him or not.

If you decide to keep him, be sure to get an estoppel letter. This is basically a form where the tenant tells you if there are any agreements with the landlord that may not be in the lease. You don't want to hear later: "I know my lease says my rent is $500 per month, but the landlord said I only have to pay $300."

I charge a $39 damage protection fee. It is not refundable. I tell them it will cover up to $300 in damage. After that, their credit card will be charged.

I then just let the $39 from all the rentals accumulate. Once in a while I have to pay to repair something, but I've already made several hundred dollars, plenty to pay for the repairs.

It's kind of like insurance, but I don't pay an insurance company.

We always hate it when they hire new inspectors around here. We know we are going to get dinged on every little thing. 

I would fight it. The building has been like that for 50 years and they now have a problem with it? Seems like that can be grandfathered in.

@Cal C. I can just imagine if I ever asked my wife to do that. BWHHHHAAAHHAAA!

 This made me laugh. That's pretty much what my husband would say too. 

I would never, ever, in a million years, clean a tenant's apartment.

I take the first month's rent ahead of time frequently. 

I would have her sign the lease dated for that day but effective 7/1/15.

Be sure to put something in the lease that says it is void (or the dates need to change) if you are unable to deliver the unit to them on time, due to no fault of your own. This is just in case the current tenants don't move out on time, or there are extensive issues to deal with after move out.

Post a 24 hour notice to enter the premises. He doesn't have to be there. You can just go in and do your inspection. If he is there and won't let you in, then give him a 3 Day Notice to Quit right then. He is violating the lease and the law, by not allowing you entrance.

The 3 Day Notice will get his attention. If he doesn't let you in after handing that to him, and doesn't move out, then in 3 days start the eviction process.

I would just tell her that you will continue showing and accepting applications until someone is approved and pays the security deposit.