All Forum Posts by: Sandy G.

Quote from @Chris M.:

Working with my last tenant to allow people into the apartment to fix things was a nightmare.  I am thinknig of installing a smart door knob and lock so I or the tenant can program temporary codes to allow access when someone needs to show up to fix something.  Anyone ever done this?  Not sure how a tenant would like this.  I am pretty lax about stuff like this; it wouldn't bother me.  Any apartment has maintenance people showing up when you're not there to fix stuff.  

 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. 

How delinquent are they?  Has the time already tolled for the automated notices deadlines?  I agree, one more phone call, text, etc. is not going to prompt their payment.  Sounds like the classic living out their deposit scenario in which they will deplete everything and leave you with nothing to cover repairs, clean up and other turnover costs.  I just went through this and it sucks trust me.  Had to pay $1800 in attorneys fees and costs, lost rent due to turnover, clean up and repair costs.  And just to add to the fun, tenants smoked pot inside and it stinks!  Still looking for replacement tenants.  The sooner you act the better.  If the time has tolled, have the PM start eviction proceedings.  That is the ONLY way they will know you are serious.  Best of luck to you!  

Quote from @Matthew Paul:

And after you would lower the rent , whats stopping the same people moving back in ?

 Good point!

NO, don't lower the rent!  Since they no longer need so many rooms and cannot afford it, they should look for a place that better suits their needs.  Find more qualified tenants and raise the rent to market or just below.  We are not in the business of subsidizing tenant's rent.  Over time, you will be losing out on revenue and just prolonging the inevitable move out when they can no longer pay the rent.  Remember this is a business nothing personal.  Good luck to you!  

Good evening all.  So they say if you listen, people will tell you who they really are.  Well, how about if a prospective tenant shows up wearing sunglasses at night and a cap with a big marijuana leaf printed on the front and all over the sides?  Think he could be telling me something??  I've already been down that road with pot smokers.  Last tenants claimed they "did not smoke anything at all" but when we posted their 3-day notice, the pot smell was lurking out from under the front door.  Upon return of the property, it was clear they had been heavily smoking pot inside.  We had been inside the property several months before to meet with them and did not detect it then - they were burning incense (should have been a clue).  I think they smoked inside since they had nothing to loose at that point (stopped paying rent).  It's a shame since they have 2 young children.  Would have never guessed people would smoke pot in the house with kids there, especially with one that has asthma and allergies.  Guess I was wrong.  

Anyhow, gut feeling tells me this is a preview of the future.  Also, told me money is not an issue but in the same breath asked if they could give less than 3 month's rent to move in (I had already explained the requirements).  Another red flag.  Sadly, this is becoming  all too familiar...  Next...

Quote from @Katarina Takahashi:

This is my first time as a landlord screening applicants.

I had an applicant on Zillow for a property with an income less than the rent amount. I confirmed with them their income amount. After they confirmed they make less than the rent, I denied the application on those grounds.

After that, they messaged me that they have a housing voucher which was not included in the application as a source of income and that the housing voucher would make their income reach the minimum requirements.

What do I do now? Tell them to re-apply, since their application has already been denied? I don't want to discriminate and I know it's important to be fair and take into account all income sources such as housing vouchers. 

Thank you in advance for any advice. 

You could allow them to reapply; however, I would be concerned how the long the vouchers are available to the tenant.  If they are only for a given amount of time, then their income would drop back down below your requirements.  

Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

Quote from @Sandy G.:

The real funny part is that there are other Landlords that will accept it.

Oh Lordy that’s scary! In time, they’ll learn.

Quote from @Ray Hage:

That is hilarious! Hey were broke basically but why not lie to your prospective landlord, I guess? Haha...While no one has ever asked me to discount rents because of furniture, they do ask for a big decrease in rent sometimes. Apt is listed at 1400...they show up and ask if you will take 1100, etc. 

I know I hate when that happens, argh so frustrating!  They also show up and try to haggle the amount to move in when I already clearly stated on the phone how much it is …. 3 months rent.  They’ll say we only have 2.  Already learned that lesson.  Installment plans don’t work.  If they don’t have the full amount today, they NEVER will.  

Hello there!  Thought you all might get a chuckle out of this one.  Had some prospective tenants check out one of our rentals today.  I had asked them multiple screening questions prior to the showing and then toward the end of the showing and out of nowhere they asked if they could receive a discount on the first month's rent so that they could buy new furniture... living room, dining room and bedroom sets.  What???  They supposedly have been living somewhere for 1 year and produced a letter from their landlord singing their praises of what great tenants they are  (which we all know anyone could have written).  I couldn't help myself so I asked "don't you have furniture now in the place you are currently renting?"  They said they do but they need bigger furniture since our rental is bigger...  I guess when you start to think you've heard all the reasons one could ask for discounted rent, you find out clearly you have not.  Turns out their total monthly income is too low ($600 shy of 2 month's rent -- we require it to be at least 3 months).  I love how they leave that part out when you are screening them over the phone.  Next...  

Hi.  I just looked at the pictures of the windows again.  It appears they are the type that have 2 latches that are attached (or were attached in this case) in the areas that were broken off and now missing.  So you’re not able to lock them now, yes?  if that’s the case, I would suggest contacting a window company to see how to remedy this.