All Forum Posts by: Tracy D.

I require insurance, particularly liability. In fact, when I sign a year lease, I require the tenant have the full year policy paid in advance before I hand over the keys. At lease renewal, I require the same thing. And yes, I would be prepared to evict for lapse in policy. I don't intend to ever pay for anything my tenant should be liable for.

I had a tenant arrested for a bad check once. I have never accepted checks since then from anyone.

Tenting kills termites. If there are no live termites, what would you be trying to kill? i would personally have a thorough inspection to be sure there are not live ones but not tent unless live ones are found. My $.02

I have many houses in Jacksonville. Last year I personally delivered a turkey at thanksgiving to every single house. Then I delivered a ham at Christmas the same way. It was the first year I have ever done it. It was definitely a hit. The only tenants that didnt renew with me was one moving out of state and another i evicted for non-payment.  I enjoyed doing it as much as they enjoyed receiving it. I will do it this year too

wow those property taxes are atrocious! Do people around the country really pay property taxes that high on such a small assessed value? Wow

I installed a metal cage around a window with an ac unit. The cage is attached to the house. 

I have a contract with a lawn service for mowing all of my lawns. My homes are all single family and I pay to mow them all through the service. Before I started doing this, I was constantly getting notices from the city. The fact is, most tenants will never take care of your property the way you would. If you find city fines stressful and code violations, take that on yourself. And you must keep up on your investments. Why spend all that money and then let them fall into disrepair? This is bad for you, your tenants, and your tenants neighbors.

I would make the point that even if it is legal in the state, it is still federally illegal and that always trumps state. Aside from that, smoking is smoking. Cigarettes and cigars are legal too and a no smoking rule should cover all of that. 

 Aww. Dont feel bad. You didnt get into this to start a charity out of your own pocket, did you? Your responsibility is to provide good housing. The tenants responsibility is to pay rent. If the tenant cant do it, they cant stay. Period. I never feel guilty anymore. I used to but after a half dozen times of cleaning up after an eviction, you wont feel guilty either. Its a life lesson. If they dont pay, you have to (unless you are mortgage, tax, and insurance free).  Somebody always pays.

i give a 3 day notice to pay or quit on the 5th. After the 3 days, I file eviction. I dont play anymore and I also dont care which excuse they give me. I have heard every story known to man by now. I either get paid or I evict. Period.