All Forum Posts by: Robin Thornton

BP Help!

I finally got my inherited semi detached SFH (C+ working class neighborhood) ready to rent out but the attached house sticks out like a sore thumb and I believe the tenants do it on purpose as a deterrent and intimidation factor. When I first started cleaning out my house, there were 3 young women and a child living in the attached house. Now there's only 1 or 2 of them, plus a few males, 2-3 dogs, and there is sad looking traffic going in & out of the house. They NEVER EVER cut the grass so the weeds are all over my backyard chain-link fence that divides our properties. There has been dog mess and trash (liquor bottles baby diapers, etc.) under their back porch, all over their back yard, and in the alley. The smell is nauseating! Every few days to a week a neighbor cleans up the alley in the back of their property and at the curbside in the front of their property because she simply can't stand the sight of the trash they seem to purposely drop. I was already considering putting up a wood or vinyl fence to create a decent outdoor space for my tenant but that will only block the sight in the back. I tried calling the 311 # for the environmental hazard but nothing has been done yet. Now that I have a few quality close-up pictures, I will contact them again electronically. Should I also contact the owner, an LLC out of state? Would they even care since they are probably getting their rent on time every month? I am not ready to sell and I shouldn't have to. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Robin

@Jamal L. Thanks Jamal!

@Alecia Loveless  Thank you!  I will start with the planning and zoning office and then my financial planner to be sure I'm sure :)

The structure that I would consider converting already has electricity and it is right next to the sewer line so hopefully that would cut down on some cost.  I watched an old BP episode that talked about other fees too before even getting started!  There is definitely a lot to consider.  I mentioned the idea to my previous lender and he was saying about the same $100K-$150K.  I also spoke to my realtor about possible rent and she said based on my location alone I could get $1700-$1800 for a studio/1BR.  However, I would be more interested in moving into the new construction myself and renting out my house for even more.

Once I find out I can build, I will take my time finding a builder.  To me that seems to be the scariest part and I am in no rush.  My lender even told me to be careful.  He said there are some builders out there who were once good builders but are now desperate.  Yikes! 

Again, thanks!

Michael, I have not called the city yet to see what my options are.  Thanks.  I will do that tomorrow.  

As for towing, I will be at the property in a few weeks and since I have a rapport with them I will just go ahead and tell them that a tow company will be towing any vehicle not authorized to park on my property after I'm gone.  (They know I live out of state)  

I found a towing company who I can tell the one specific vehicle that they can tow and the time frame that I expect them to be there (6pm to 6am).  I have clear pictures of the vehicle and the plates.  The tow company must first post their own sign (free of charge) and then after 24 hours they can tow.

Jay, I have pictures of everything and on multiple days. I learned that the landlord is an LLC out of Florida. I was going back and forth with whether I should send the tenants a letter using certified mail return receipt and then send one to the landlord including the tenant letter and the pictures. However, I know Baltimore and I have become accustomed to living so maybe not. I am actively looking for a property manager now. As for the ADU project, I am doing my homework now and just decided to start with BP :) Thank you!

Jonathan the Baltimore property has been vacant for about two years.  I inherited it so there's no mortgage on it.  I have an emotional attachment to it and I'm not ready to give it up yet.  Besides, I thought I should use it to my advantage.  And no I have not checked the regulations for my primary house.  That's why I came to BP.  Thank you Jonathan!

Canton and Federal Hill have their eye sores too as my friend calls it upper trash.  I know this street and most of the neighbors very well because I grew up on this street.  Like I said this house is the only eye sore on this street and I want to do my part to not add another eye sore.  It sucks that out of town investors ruin whole neighborhoods by not properly vetting tenants.  Some will place a tenant and then have no idea what is happening at the property.  

Hello BP!  

I am a longtime newbie finally taking action.  Yay me!

Property #1 - I have a semi-detached SFH in Baltimore, Maryland that will be ready for a tenant by May 1st or sooner. I live out of state. The neighbor who is attached is the one and only eye sore on the block. Every window has broken blinds. The once pretty red front door now has children's stickers all over it. They never cut the grass. Despite having a backyard, they sometimes let their 2 small dogs out the front door and do their business on my lawn which was green before they moved in. They always have overflowing trashcans in the backyard and alley. And when I am not there, they park on my property (paved double parking pad). I have a sign posted that says private property, no parking. I am always nice to them when I am at the property. I offered to have their grass cut once and they said yes so I did. Although I think it was a one time thing, one of the tenants almost relieved herself on my front lawn. I could go on and on. I already spoke to the tenants in a nurturing way more than once about how their overflowing trash and not cutting the lawn can bring rats. Another neighbor told me she offered them an additional trashcan but they refused. One of the tenants even told me they had to pay for violations in the past for the lawn and trash. What can I do? As far as parking on my property, I was thinking of getting a towing company involved. Any suggestions on what I can do before its time for my property to be shown to prospects? Also, I am still looking for a PM if anyone has any recommendations.

Property #2 - I want to build an ADU on my primary residence in Florida and am thinking I should use a HELOC. Should I get my other property rented out first before applying? Does it matter? Is there ever a time when an ADU does not make sense? Although I don't make very much from my W2, I've been there for 10 years, I have 2+ years worth of emergency funds, and excellent credit. Should I be searching for a GC or a builder or are they the same? When should I and how do I get started on this process?

I would appreciate any feedback.  Please and thank you BP!  

Robin