All Forum Posts by: Mikielle Elum

@Bernard Joseph S.

Thank you!!!

I’m always open new opportunities. Philly has some of the lowest property taxes paired with the overwhelming number of renters, I thought I’d be a good match.

I want to thank everyone for their input. I really appreciate it.

If I decide to do market rate I will go month to month, revise my lease and get a better handle on my screening process.

I’ve learned that you can’t predict or control people’s behavior. The best bet is to be prepared, have a team, savings and be super ultra picky. And don’t lead with your heart.

But my question is, with all that preparedness and doing everything slightly right (because it is ever really right); are evictions just apart of the process?

And I don’t just mean going to court. I mean having someone sit and take possession of your property, refuse to pay or leave and then trash your house.

Is there a better way? Because there has to be.

As a landlord all that has happened and a tenant just has an eviction on their record and possibly a judgment.

Post Covid there is an air of “I don’t have to pay my rent”. And I’m not alone. Philly’s diversion program was implemented to help tenants and landlords but it’s flawed. To those who use it, it’s another month of sitting.

It’s a business. But there has to be better way.

Just my thoughts.

Or am i failing as a landlord.

@Bernard Joseph S.

Thank you!!

All great ideas.

@Troy P.

I was super confident in my screening process. No evictions, employment, referrals, credit, and background. Everything checked out.

It was early winter and they said the current place they were renting didn’t have heat. So I felt bad. Everything was going well, super upstanding for a good 6 months and then things just changed. It was like misdirected anger because they couldn’t afford the rent anymore. I had become the bad guy. Even after my repeated attempts of trying to work with them.

I know my story isn’t original unfortunately. I’m just trying to find a smarter way of doing things because great tenants do exist. And you’re right I need to tighten up.

I’ve hired a property manager and am on the road to section 8. I believe especially C class neighborhoods that is the way to go because I don’t want to sell. I started this journey for a reason.

@Annette Hibbler

Thank you!!! And yes please

That would help ease my mind

Thank you @Annette Hibbler

Yes please!!!

That would help ease my mind. I feel like it’s a fresh start with the house being empty. I just don’t know which way to go. No one talks about how traumatizing evictions can be. May skin may not be thick enough.

@David Ramirez

That was always my understanding. And I’d like really like to believe that in my heart. But at this point I don’t. I did not feel protected when my tenant yielded it and stood tall against me.

The process is the same. If you have a lease: 30 day diversion and court date. And if you have no lease 30 day diversion and court date. So why not take back some of that power.

I’m sorry. I’m ranting.

But I understand. I may consider month to month.

But the process would be the same!!!!! Lol

@Mohammed Rahman

Thank you!

I’m on the road to section 8 but it’s a process. I’m trying to stay patient. I have a few perspective tenants (non section 8). So I’m just weighing my options at this point.

I have a few investor friends and they do not do leases on any of their properties. And if a tenant becomes difficult, they get creative. And it seems to work for them. With no legal recourse on the tenants end.

I’m just thinking out loud.

But you’re right. A written or verbal commitment is the same. Both are valid

This applies to C class neighborhoods. Having just been through an eviction and a non paying tenant for 6 months, should I rent without a lease?

In Philadelphia the process was long and a lease didn’t seem to serve me. But it did him. I did everything right. I screened but it just didn’t end well. Please help and any input on the subject is greatly appreciated 🙂

Looking for a property management company in Philadelphia that accepts section 8 rentals.

Thank you