All Forum Posts by: Tomiko Graves

Wow.  Thanks for all the suggestions and input!  After careful consideration, here's what I did:

I called and sent a follow-up email stating:

1) Restoration has to happen by Oct. 17 (2.5 weeks from now)

2) Inspector (of my choosing) has to come out once restoration occurs (at their expense)

3) Quarterly inspections will start (Feb, May and Aug)

I decided NOT to evict as long as restoration is done by Oct. 17.  I let them know that the violation warrants termination but because of .... I'm letting them stay.  I did say that if anything like this happens again, the lease will be terminated.  

I'll let you know what happens by Oct 17...

Thanks again everyone!!

@Laticia Braxton Thanks so much! I am crafting an email now that will follow a phone conversation.  And I do agree that I need to send a strong message that any future violations will result in termination.  The good thing is I have NO problem with sending strong messages!  I also like writing in the letter that quarterly inspections will begin as a result of this violation. 
Appreciate your advice!

@Rick Bassett LOL

@Darius Ogloza that's a good idea to take it out of the security deposit! I'll ask their preference.

@john 

@John Underwood Thanks! I'll definitely start calling tomorrow to identify someone that can come in to check that it's up to code.  Thanks for the other parts too, regarding having them restore it as it was prior to them moving in or keeping it.  It actually may work in my favor keeping it! 

@Dutch Langley the lease explicitly states not improvements without permission from landlord.

Hi all!

I need some advice.  This has never happened to me before and I'm not sure how to handle it.  When I went today to have my current tenants sign another one-year lease, I did an inspection of the property.   To my surprise, they built a kitchen (electric stove, sink and refrigerator) in the downstairs wash room.  

When I asked where the washer and dryer was, he said upstairs.  They had redirected the plumbing and electrical and installed the washer and dryer upstairs!!

Now, I'm no dummy.  Clearly, if you are installing a kitchen/kitchenette in the basement you have plans to move someone in (not on the lease).  That's actually the least of my concerns.  I'm concerned that if something happens to the property (electrical fire, flooding, ...) as a result of these new installations, I will be left S.O.L.

What are my steps to protect myself and my property?  I'm thinking step one is to get someone out to ensure the work is up to code AT THEIR EXPENSE...Please help!

*Also, I don't want to evict them because I'm getting top rent for the area and they always pay on time...through covid and all...

@Russell Brazil Forestville, MD

I ended up finding out by happenstance that they were having a Section 8 workshop/class for landlords and attended.  Very informative!

Good evening all!

I am under contract on a SF that, in order to maximize the cash flow, I have to either convert it to a duplex or rent it out as a Section 8 home.  Is anyone familiar with the section 8 process in Greensboro?  Trying to get someone on the phone is next to impossible!  Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks everyone!