All Forum Posts by: Sahana R.

Yes, I would get an attorney but you will have to pay upfront, at least that is how it is in Illinois. Going after them to pay the fees maybe a waste time because something tells me they will dodge court or even go to court and not pay a thing. You'll be stuck with a judgement you can't get the money for. Even if they don't pay this month, if they leave and your apartment is still in tact, let it go and consider it a lesson. Chasing tenants like this is a waste of time, if they're already gone. Just my opinion, I understand how you feel because its not right. But because they have already proven they can't be trusted an attorney would be a must for me, you're not in the business of giving free rent. In any case get your eviction papers ready. 

@Bob Floss II Yes, I was looking on the south side. It is very frustrating. You're right, I doubt the listing agent was doing it, because he did replace them a few times. But after other agents/buyers viewed the property, we could not find the key. 

"I've had listing agents tell me they replaced keys on a REO listing several times a week." - WOW!

Thanks everyone. It seems odd. Also, they told us where it was located and someone keeps moving it. Now it is temporarily off the market because the key is lost again, or someone took it. I just hope it does not suddenly pop up with a contract. Thanks everyone!

OK BP. I'd like your input in this matter. I've been looking for a foreclosure to flip in Chicago, Currently, my agent and I are attempting to see a foreclosure right now. I'm noticing that whenever it is a really good deal or a hot REO property the agent does not answer, respond to messages, or if they do respond - we'll go view the property and the lock box is mysteriously "lost". But a few days (or a week) later there is a contract on the home. It seems to just be happening with REO in which the bank has hired an agent. I think some agents are holding out for their friends or business partners and is making it difficult for other investors to see and bid on the properties. So my question is...Has anyone experienced this? Where it seems the agent is shady or doing something shady so buyers cannot bid?

Hi @Perry Ivy, I agree and I do understand your concern. It is a concern of mine as well. I read about how "easy" it is to get a pet for this kind of emotional support. I'm not sure what all animals it covers but its concerning that some individuals with this are not required to insure the little critters. To answer your question, I thought about having monthly inspections for anyone with a pet, IF I am being forced to provide housing for the animal. An animal can tear your property up pretty quickly and some renters may not be as quick to take care of matters because it is a rental. I'm not sure if you can do a monthly inspection legally or not but, I would also have animal care agreements in the lease such as...proof of shots for the animal (and all other legal requirements), noise levels, smells from the animal or its waste, and agreements about what is to be done with the animals waste, and rules about where the pest can go, or rules about the animals being on a leash at all times. I'm not even sure what can be done about any of those. For now, the best thing you can do is get a list of concerns like the ones I posted here and take it to an attorney to find out what you can legally put in your lease. Then if they violate the lease, you can legally evict them. Its your job to protect your property even if it means being very strict on a renter that is careless with their animal. Thanks for posting this topic. I was discussing the same issue because some renters have serious allergies and some pet owners do get careless with their animals. If you find out anything else, please let us know.

Hi Steve and Welcome. As you know, you can never tell for certain when dealing with individuals and renters BUT I do believe in probability. After you crunch numbers and if the numbers make sense. You're best determination will be to actually see the areas and observe behaviors. If you are just starting out this is a must unless you have an experienced partner. For me, I will avoid areas that look like this at first sight: many lawns that unkept, house that need paint on the outside, numerous broken down cars (not old but broken down), people that are hanging out and it is the middle of the day, trash in lawn, streets, and sidewalk. If I don't see general maintenance and care for properties in a particular area, often times you might be dealing with folks who may not care about your property even if they are living in your building. Renters that are attracted to areas like that may keep your property the same way. (Not true all the time but you have to play the odds.)

Hope this helps somewhat. 

Welcome Layla! I hope you find all you're looking for and much more. I think the states you mentioned are a good place to start. Keep in mind a management company may be your friend if you are out of state. Just vet them well and make sure they come with good references and hopefully you get a personal referral. Even with a management company, visit your properties regularly if at all possible. I would even say meet with management companies too. Happy investing!

Thank you to everyone for all of your posts and concerns. We appreciate your advice. The last thing anyone wants is for this woman to be abused in anyway. And we don't want the other tenant to feel uncomfortable at her own place. @Jenny Duclair Yes there are some rights an abused woman has, such as breaking a lease and requesting the locks be change but I think it is state specific. Thanks BP Family!

@Jenny Duclair

Hello BP family! I want to give a friend advice on a situation. However, I'm not really sure how to handle this. Interested in hearing your advice/feedback on a possible domestic violence situation:

If a tenant in one unit overhears a loud domestic violence situation that involves yelling, crying and worse of all hitting or beating. How should the landlord handle this? Does the landlord have to directly observe the incident or be alerted from the actual victim? Obviously, the tenant that overheard the fight is VERY concerned. Should the landlord ask to be notified immediately if the tenant hears it again? Any advice?

I have experience in the Chicago market not in your area. But I do think the program is similar. The voucher can be carried for state to state I believe. Anyway...when we did it, a rent check was deposited in our account monthly. Additionally, we had to keep up repairs and provide quality living like any other apartment and adhere the section 8 guidelines that was not so bad because you should do that for any tenant. However, we had a not so good experience with the tenants when they did not want to pay their portion of the rent. (which was less than $200, if I remember correctly because the woman had a job and that was her part according to her papers and what we were charging) I think the program is a good program and it provides a path for individuals that need it. I have no problem with that. However, I wish the program was more hands on in the event that a tenant was in violation of lease or causing problems. Due to circumstances, poorer communities (and rich ones too) may come with issues that you may not be ready for. If this is your first time, I would consider hiring a management company or just a stand in person to be a buffer between you and the tenants. We almost came to blows with ours. I know people personally who have the section 8 voucher and some I would LOVE to rent to and others not so much. Just screen, screen and screen some more. Do personality interviews, ask them questions about how they would respond in certain situations. Do background checks and ask for professional references. I would even have monthly maintenance so you can observe their behavior. Just make sure you are not violating fair housing laws with certain questions or rules etc. In Chicago, if asked  if you accept Section 8, I think you have to "consider" the applicant. Then the Housing Authority comes to do the inspection and you complete paperwork. Its been a while but that was the general way it went. It was nice getting the check on time but we wish we had not chosen that tenant at the end of the day. Hope I didn't scare you. Just find the best application you can and take your time because you may be stuck with them for a while.