All Forum Posts by: Christine N.

Thanks Victoria.  Your insight is very beneficial. She has several cats that may be scaring rodents away, but  the problems as you point out, are layered and deep.

Michelle,

Thanks so much for your input.  This is difficult and your comments do help.

Christine

I bought a duplex to live in (downstairs) and rent (upstairs).  I inherited a lease / tenant who has been here 20 years. She is essentially a hoarder and extremely suspicious.  I intended to ride out her lease (3 months now remaining) and not renew.  Major concern is that she routinely accuses me of stealing things from her.  She claims I have taken everything from a piece of wood to a laundry basket of her daughters bluejeans from 25 years ago.  The fact is I have never and would never take things. I do however abhor the mess.  What can I do to protect myself from the false accusations?  

Christina R,

Thanks for taking the time to consider the details of this situation. I am taking this very seriously. I have inherited tenants in the past (15+ years ago) who were not what I thought they were. In this case, the tenant is what I think she is.  So, if there is an upside it is that I know the problem I face.  Eviction is a last resort, but will happen if necessary.

Thank you again for your response.

Christine

I am making my first rental property investment on my own. After 8 months of searching and several almost deals, I found this FSBO as soon as it came on the market. Bank appraisal was higher than sale price. Home is in a community I am very familiar with. The city has a strict inspection policy and this place is up to code. The property in a nice community (Shaker Heights, OH) but certainly the less desirable section. The house has had the same tenant upstairs for 18 years, making it profitable, but she is there because moving would be a monumental task due to her mountains of possessions. Fortunatley, she has a couple nice cats who guard the perimeter.

Again, if I could have bought in a better neighborhood, I would have.  But I had to get my foot in the door again somewhere.  I can see the downsides, but I know there are always possible downsides in any property.  I would appreciate any advice on managing a tenant like this. I must contain her somehow. Since hoarding is a protected disability, I must also be accommodating.  Your  input - especially encouragement if you can find any, will be treasured.  It is a bit scary doing this alone, but that is exactly why I must forge ahead.