All Forum Posts by: Pamela W.

I would pass on accepting a year's worth of rent upfront. Sounds as though she is dangling that in front of you to mask alot of other issues.

 Thank you Cheng, starting the eviction is likely the best course. He does have an attorney, and thank you for your insight.

 My husband had purchased the apartment before we got married, and had lived there himself, so his name is on the deed, and he signed the rental agreement with the tenant. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

My husband's tenant owes him $7000 in back rent since she moved into the apartment in April. She paid the April rent, and nothing since. She texts him periodically that "she's going to the bank" and will be sending the rent but never does. She has applied for RAFT, but over the last three months, the case keeps pingponging from the Lowell to Boston office for some reason. He's called both offices repeatedly, been told it's approved, then it's closed, then someone re-opens it saying they seem to have all the information. He's spoken to an attorney as well about possibly initiating an eviction, who said his best hope for getting any money is working through RAFT. How long should he wait in hopes of recovering any monies before filing a notice to quit and start an eviction. How much do attorney fees typically cost for an eviction; he's gotten estimates from $3000 to 10,000.

Nolo has an ebook with sample leases and documents

My tenants' lease ends Aug 31, and although they pay on time and take care of the house, they have been high maintenance, literally, from day one, and their usage of heat and water is much higher as well. The cost of oil, water, and trash pickup has increased, so I increased the rent 8%, the rate of inflation, and sent a renewal notice stating the increase via certified mail with signature receipt, and they got it July1, 60 days before the end of the lease, as it states that either party must give 60 days notice. I asked them to respond by July 7... and I have heard crickets.
They have been highly communicative when they want to complain about something.
I am assuming they are trying to buy a house, as they were priced out last year and ended up renting from me, or they are looking for a better deal, unlikely from what I see, as there are no homes and few decent apartments for rent in the immediate area. I would not be unhappy to see them leave, but would like to plan for upgrades that really need to be done when the house is vacant, and that takes some lead time to setup. My question is, what should I do in light of their non response. Wait a few more days, or until the end of July to start texting them, or just tell them I plan to start showing the house as they have not agreed to the increase. 

Hi David:

Although her income and stability are tempting, I would not rent to them. If she decides to leave him at some point, you will be stuck trying to get him to pay. I've encountered this situation where one partner meets all the criteria, yet the other is the exact opposite. I've wondered if the partner with good credit is actually going to live there; if the less desirable partner is the actual renter and using the other person as a way to get a place. I had one person and her "cousin" seem to be doing exactly this. She was in her 50s and he was 20 something. It didn't add up.

It is a lovely place, and I see why you might not want pets to wreck it, but alot of folks love their cats or dogs, especially if they don't have children yet. You might widen your pool of applicants by accepting pets. 

My question is if there is anything he can do in the meantime; should he tell her she is facing eviction