All Forum Posts by: Sandy G.

A further note:  It would be impossible to perform background checks on illegals.  You need to consider the safety and welfare of your other tenants (if this is a multi-family unit).  

That's a definite NO.  Before you know it, you will have all kinds of people staying there and who knows how many!  Can anyone say "open borders?"  More people = more wear and tear on your place.  Besides, you should be conducting background screening on ALL tenants.  No one 18 and over stays in our rentals without a background screening.  Keep looking... 

Hi.  Sounds like your place is in good shape so it's nothing on your end.  You shouldn't have trouble finding a qualified tenant.  Yes, definitely get a non-refundable deposit if allowable so that they don't just string you along while they weigh their options.  If they are running late -- that usually translates to we are looking at another place right now.  

Just had a showing yesterday.  I made it clear on the phone what the terms are in order to move in, first month's rent + 2 months deposit (among other things).  They said no problem.  So they  look it over and like the place (what's not to like!) then they start telling me my ad says only 2 months due.  NOPE, I know what my ad says...  it's been the same for years...  I just tweak it a bit as needed and update the photos.  They also did not want to pay the application fee for TurboTenant.  Not off to a good start.  

Perhaps the folks you showed it to didn't qualify or didn't have enough for the deposit, etc. At least they showed up!  I've had one too many not show up and not even bother to tell me.  Hey, just tell me you found something else... save me the trip out there.  Sadly, you will soon find out that most of them are inconsiderate and liars, too.  Hang in there!

Received a text from a potential tenant today.  I can’t stand all the back and forth texting and besides I prefer a phone call so I can ask my screening questions so I responded by saying “good afternoon, please give me a call so I may answer any questions you may have.”  Their response:  “What questions?”  
Seriously??  Geez was my text that confusing?  I just don’t have the patience like I used to.  Next… 

I agree.  DO NOT answer questions on the spot even if pressed to do so.  You could say something like “let me run this by my partner/associate and get back with you.”  Don’t lower your standards for anyone.  They WILL NOT and I mean NOT appreciate it and you are the one that ends up losing something.  Also NEVER mention even in passing something you would like to do to the property like “I really would like to install new windows or repaint the exterior of the house,” etc. because the tenants will pester you about it until you do.  Funny how tenants want you to spend time and money making upgrades and they reward you by not taking care of the property.  

Thanks for all the advice.  We also have a NO SMOKING of anything inside unit policy including vaping but people will still try to get away with it anyway. They will lie and say they don’t smoke (anything).  We also have a crime free/drug free addendum as part of our rental agreement that is explained and signed by tenants.  Agreed it’s illegal at a Federal level but here in Florida they hand out medical marijuana cards to anyone that will buy one. Just sitting at a red light and you can smell it.  Already had several experiences with tenants violating our rental terms and disturbing other tenants by smoking pot.  Just trying to avoid ANOTHER one of the those situations and nipping it in the bud.  

Good advice indeed.  Thank you.  Gut instincts are usually right.  

LOL.  I'm glad we can find the humor in it all, keeps us sane.  All the best to you!

Yes indeed it may be legal in most parts but not everyone wants to smell it.  We are still trying to get the smell out of our rental.  I'm sure the other tenants would complain, as well.

@Bjorn Ahlblad Will do!  Thank you so much! 

 Hi.  Not familiar with how those locks work but what if the tenant changes the code and you no longer know it??  Do you have a master key that will override any programmed code?  In my experience, tenants DO NOT like people in their place when they are not home.  Also, you could be opening up yourself to liability.  They could claim "something went missing" or was damaged by the worker so that they are not held responsible when they move out.  Once upon move out, we had tenants claim that the plumber that had only months before replaced the wax ring and re-set the toilet left it all loose and wobbly with a broken seat and they refused to take responsibility for it's condition.  This later confirmed why the toilet was leaking and needed to be reset in the first place -- they had 3 kids so I'm pretty sure that had a lot to do with it.  Funny how they never complained that the plumber had allegedly left in that wobbly condition (which I know is not true).  We never have any maintenance work done without the tenant there with the exception that we personally accompany the worker, which is a hassle for us and takes up our time.  When possible, we also accompany the worker even when the tenant is there (especially when it is a female tenant so they cannot claim harassment or anything).  Again, I do not like being in a tenant's unit without them there -- it can open up a can of worms.