All Forum Posts by: Taz Patel

Originally posted by @Kimberly H.:

@Taz Patel tell her that while she thinks about it that you need to serve the notice and make sure you serve it properly for what is required in your area (for example, in my area, posting it on the door isn't legal). She has time to think/figure out how to pay rent during the legal process since evictions don't happen overnight. 

There is just to much drama going on here. You need to get the clock started already by serving the notice.

 She is paying me today so giving her notice and evicting is not a choice. Technically they offered me payment when I meet them on Friday so it would not be right to give them notice now.

I did tell her that if the check bounces there is $35 fee so she better not give me a bad check. I don't think they will bounce the check , should know by the weekend

Originally posted by @Michael Totman:

It may be different in Florida, but as far as I'm aware the landlord is responsible for providing a safe and habitable apartment.  Be careful with an eviction at this point as it may be seen as retaliatory, but again perhaps Florida is different.  Follow the law, if the law says your contractor can make repairs in a small space then do it, but document it per the law to show that the issue was caused by their negligence and not your lack of maintenance. Have your own inspector check it out and make recommendations, follow them, and then you'll have made your good faith effort to repair the apartment back to a safe condition.  Once you do that and they still complain then you can think about eviction, and certainly not renewing in November. 

"Retaliatory Eviction" is the concern me and the lawyer share. The judge i our county that handles these cases is known to sympathize with Tenants and my best bet is try going the eviction route.

New update : I had shared how the Tenants blocked my eRentPayment …..fast forward this week she wants to start making me check payments. I countered that I don't want the hassle of collecting checks every month so she is giving me post dated checks for all 3 months left of lease. Will collect those today. 

This lady really does not want to move (i offered money to move she won't take it). I have been documenting every thing. Today when collecting rent I will have her sign an addendum about how I had offered her money to move and yet she wanted to stay so there should not be any more liability on my end for Mold if she sees a health risks .  I hope that protects me in case this ever goes to court.

My HandyMan is fixing the AC closet and I have a mold inspector that will run the report. All of this is going to be $750 out of my pocket at this time. But I am spending the money to these tenants because tenants does not want to move and I have a lease till November. Tried telling them many times to take money and leave but can't force them since they are paying and we have a lease.

They have stopped asking money for the Mold report and never gave me a copy so officially I was never given any report. 

Here is the latest update. We(me and wifey) meet the tenants on Friday It was different than what we had expected . They were nice ( her son and the tenants) She wants to stay and complete the lease because of the low rent . Said she was brainwashed by her daughter and a sister into getting the Mold report . I don't wish to force evict her . I offered her some money to move and she is thinking it out . She claims that doctors appointment was routine and not for mold . She is not trying to sue. Not sure whom to believe anymore but she was nice . Mean time I have fixed the leaking faucet and my handyman is going to ' clean' and paint the AC closet Tuesday. This should mediate any MOLD concerns she has . Tenants wants to pay me the rent but I have yet not collected the check since I am still trying to get her to move out nicely. She is checking her options this week. I can always send her the 3 day notice next week. I have her last months rent so won't be a loss Hoping the issue can be resolved with communications without a fight .

I have found a great mold inspection guy .👍 He comes from a referral. But he is busy right now and will be available next week . We spoke over the phone and he has asked for pictures. This is the first inspector that said you can find mold pretty much anywhere! . Still meeting the tenants today. Will also take my handyman to fix the leak and stop the moisture in the sink (if any) . Thanks for all the comments . Gives me some food for thought and questions I can ask my attorney. Still leaning towards not going to take the tenants to court yet . It much easier if I can talk them out of this stupidity. All was well until 10 days ago and can't believe they pulled the rug under my feet like that.

Spoke to my Realtor. Folks it is possible that she has paid the money to the court house . That means she really has all her ducks in a row and I am screwed . First paying $600 for Mold Inspector report , next going to her doctor to get reports and last nail take the reports and filing a court case. My Realtor says he is seeing this pattern on few other rentals where they try to extort money from Landlords. He has not heard of this Mold Inspector and was a different company in the last scam, so at this point I might be safe ! Should have some update today evening.

I have had some more time to think about my next steps tomorrow and will share it here to seek some advice. Once again thanks for taking the time to read this and sharing your thoughts . It's great to be able to connect with landlords and like minded investors. 1) Tenants are late on rent now . So far she has not mentioned this to me either by text , phone or any letter 2) There have been no written demands of repairs or anything notifying me that tenants will withhold rent so I do have the option to take her to court for eviction. I read online that in some cases tenants can withhold rent but must inform landlords. 3) First option is I offer her some money tomorrow to leave . If she wants to leave we end this. 4) If she insists on staying but just wants the repairs then I offer her the option to handle the repairs but she must not officially hand me the Mold report . Without the report I can make these repairs cheap and something I am happy to be doing in any case . My main thorn is this mold inspection report that's a liability and make the rehab expensive . If she pulls back the report I will get a chance to make repairs easily . She should start paying me immediately 5) If she won't agree to move out or start paying me then I will start the eviction with a 3 day notice. Best case eviction is handed easily and she loses her deposit and last month. But may not be that easy . The judge may she this as landlord being retaliation for requesting repair . I will explain that she has the option to move with no fines and I am trying to get her out for her own good because I need to renovate the condo. Staying at this place while I repair is not in her own good. I will in front of the Judge offer her back the deposit and last month and end the eviction . I can't imagine a judge not seeing that as fair . If tenant does not accept then the Judge hopefully sees for what this is. Any thoughts?

Originally posted by @Jason Bott:

@Taz Patel You should start with the agent who insures your home, auto and rentals.  They should be able to provide an Umbrella that goes over your auto, home and properties.  Giving you more complete protection

If they can not provide you an Umbrella, then there are commercial products that can go over just the rentals.  I'll PM you info on this product.

 Yes, I have contacted my agent.

Please PM me

Originally posted by @Chris Boyd:

I have someone for you. Message me.

 I have messaged you Chris, Thanks!

Originally posted by @Jason Martin:

http://www.cihenvironmental.com/

They mainly perform commercial work, explain what you want though on testing and they can develop a proposal/plan for assessment. 

 Thanks !

Greeting BP members, I am looking for Mold inspector in south florida, west palm beach area Most bids I got was from Mold companies that specialize in repairs . They would have an incentive to find Mold An independent inspector could give me a honest opinion that I am looking for