All Forum Posts by: Ursula B.

@Dawn Anastasi My husband usually changes the locks on our properties, but he won't be with me when the time comes.  I just want to make quick work of it - not sure if there will be a confrontation...I just want to be in and out and not have to worry about botching the locks in the process.

@Pari Thiagasundaram Thanks, that's certainly ringing true here. I have all kinds of experiences and lessons over 10 years.  And now, fortunately or unfortunately, I can add evictions to my experience.

@Aly W.Thanks!  Since I didn't place the first one so I'm not stressing that one, but the second one is a result of me deviating 1/2 an inch from my standard procedure.  Lesson learned!

@Brian W. Thanks! I'll drive by this weekend to see if there's any activity.  I'll have my employee drive by a couple of days next week.  Thinking I'll also check with the power company to see if they've schedule to turn off the lights...that would also be a good indication of when they intend to move.

 Great idea, I'll take two glasses please.

@Nicki Quick Welcome to BP!

I wouldn't read too much into it. We live in what I consider a nice neighborhood and our neighbors down the street have no living room or kitchen furniture.  They're the owners, and have lived there full-time for at least the 3.5 years we've lived in the neighborhood.  It sounds odd but a sparsely furnished house seems to be somewhat common.

...I finally had to evict my first Tenant. I've threatened eviction before, even filed the documents and had a court date, but have never made it to the hearing before now.  

These tenants were placed by a former property management company and I inherited them after parting ways with the PM.  In another thread I mentioned these were slow paying tenants and I wasn't planning to renew their lease in August.  I won the judgement for possession yesterday - now patiently waiting for the automatic 10-day appeal period to expire to file the writ.  Maybe I'll get lucky and they will move out on their own before I show up with the sheriff, a locksmith and a moving truck. 

Feeling both accomplished and defeated all at the same time - and I'm sure my fellow landlords know what I mean - but it had to be done.

Unfortunately I have another non-payment eviction on deck, with the hearing schedule for June 8.  This one is ALL my fault, absolutely should have passed on this tenant! 

Still can't believe that I ended up with not one, but two evictions in one month, after such a great run.

Someone pass the Tylenol...

@Daniel Renta

No legal advice, but I would think he owes you at least the minimum notice period before changing the terms of the lease. You aren't required to sign a new lease, but 15 days is an extremely short notice to move.  Perhaps the Landlord will allow you to continue on a month-to-month under the current terms for a month or two so that you can give an ample notice and move out accordingly.

My notice period is usually 30 days, so I send lease renewal notices 75 days out.  That gives them ~40 days to think about  whether or not they plan to renew the lease or give their notice of intent to vacate.

@Mark WernerA difficult applicant makes for a difficult tenant.  People will always show you their true self.  It's up to us to believe them.

I'd pass on this one.

@Randy E. After ~10 years in the business I could write a book ...you just can't make this stuff up.

Agree with @Randy E., it's not late until the grace period is over. The day after the grace period, begin whatever steps you must take to evict in your state.  For example, our grace period is through the 5th. On the 6th, like clockwork, we assess the late fee and issue a pay or quit notice. The day after the notice period ends, the file is forwarded to the attorney to process the eviction paperwork. We explain this to tenants upfront.

Had a tenant yesterday say they couldn't pay the rent until the 8th and asked the amount of the late fee. I told her the amount of the late fee but reminded her that the notice would be issued to start the eviction on the 6th as standard procedure.  Her reply - Oh I looked at the calendar wrong. It will be paid by the 5th.

Set an expectation, then stick to it.  Good luck to you.

Not a big deal. Just prepare to take your home inspector when you go for the showing.