All Forum Posts by: Patricia Steiner

I think it's great...it's an opportune time to let them know what they are doing well and that you appreciate it - as well as to discuss areas of concern. I position my inspections as 'planning for future repairs/improvements' which mitigates that whole 'he's here to get my security deposit' mindset.

And, I would rather have the tenant with me than to have him later claim that something was broken during the inspection.  

All is well...

I stopped reading after reading your subject line...know this:

The #1 reason why landlords fail is due to their failure to manage to the lease (Source: American Apartment Owners' Assn).  As soon as one violation is discovered, send a Notice To Quit advising them to stop/cure within your state's time mandate (mine is 3 days) or vacate the property.  

You're running a business and when you proactively do so, your tenants will know that you're holding up your end of the lease - and if they don't, they don't stay.

Hope this helps.  

Let's cut to the chase:  "

A tenant is obligated to follow HOA rules, as they are considered residents of the community and must abide by the same restrictions as homeowners, even though they do not own the property; the landlord is responsible for ensuring their tenants understand and comply with the HOA rules. (End)

Don't apologize, don't sugar coat the message - just give them the statement above, in writing.  You can acknowledge their right to smoke but they do not have the right to do it on the property.  

Fun, huh?

Funny how this is never the stuff of podcasts and books...you're a rock star!

Please extend an invitation to your tenants to visit me in my home (1925 block/stucco construction - a dang bunker for all practical purposes)...footsteps bother them?  Really?  Urban living is a jungle and if I only heard footsteps, I would suspect the world had come to an end.  

I would recommend that they invest in an inexpensive 'white noise' machine to help muffle the sound but that no property is completely sound proof and the upstairs tenants are well-aware of their concerns and are respectful.

Always 'entertaining,' huh?

Ownership of the fence remains the key driver. You can replace it as long as you own it or it is jointly owned.  If the neighbor owns a dog or has other reason that even a temporary dismantling could be problematic, you'll want to let them know that the fence is being replaced so they can mitigate any damage to your property or crew while it is being replaced.

Hope this helps...

I would just asks the question without a monetary tag; gauge interest first. I wouldn't even badmouth the ugly thing - I would just ask if they might have any interest in joining you in replacing a portion of the fence.  If they seem agreeable, then you can ask if they would prefer to cut the cost down the middle or would they prefer to purchase the supplies and you will assume the cost of labor to install it.  This is when your role as a landlord now becomes the role of Ambassador.

You got this.  (And, hopefully a new fence).

Wow...he sounds 'entertaining.'  Know this first:  the #1 reason that landlords fail is their failure to manage to the lease (American Apartment Owners' Assn).  When a tenant violates even one term of the lease, you need to immediately send him a Notice To Quit which informs him of the violation and gives a cure period (set by state law) for him to stop/make it right/get in compliance - or eviction will begin.  You need to send him a letter with proof of delivery required (a cheap date with US postal service) and you can also post the Notice in a sealed white envelope marked confidential to his door - and take a photo of it for proof of delivery.  Be factual.  The lease rules.  In cases I have encountered with inherited tenants, often times the official, factual Notice will be enough for pause.  It's a power play.  They often think they're the smartest people in the room and, as such, they should be in charge.  Keep the focus on the lease; it rules - and he signed it.  

And, then there is this:  what starts out crazy, ends crazier.  

You can't afford to wait to act any longer.  

Congrats!  I would have knocked that sucker down with her first tantrum.  

How did you determine that?  Not questioning your judgement/assessment, just trying to understand the situation to best advise you.  Generally, the 'bad' side of the fence faces the owner. And, even when the fence sits on the property line, there is an argument as to ownership that can be made.

If it were me, I would ask if they would be interested in sharing the cost of replacing the fence. Their money, your labor is a potential disaster in the making; what if they don't like the install?  How will the fence be maintained and by whom afterwards?  And, how do you show equitable value?  

It seems like it should be just so easy - and these situations rarely are...a hostile neighbor is costly.  Tread lightly.