As we approach the winter time for those in the north, many skilled laborers will be heading south to warmer weather, work, and potentially no state income tax if they choose to reside here.  

It's just the winter time that darkens it a little.

In the winter time, the sun sets South of East or West.

I know winter timing is playing a factor in the process.

I rent to section 8 and if they have one eviction I won’t rent to them even if the voucher will pay 100% because it’s a mindset.Yes winter time is harder to rent.... especially in cold weather environments....I deal with that in Cleveland and the tenant pool is very slim at this time of year. 

“telling them verbally” often times is not as effective as “telling them in writing”.The latter also protects you when you have to go to court and/or charge for damages.I like this post as it now makes me go to reinforce my own lease language by giving examples of just what the repercussions will be.My tenants are aware “NOT” to turn off heat when away for vacation during winter time as I spell this out in my lease agreement and now I am going to add to up the cost of this on my damages addendum that also spells out what they are facing in terms of damages on certain things.I always have the statement in there that the prices shown are just estimates, but management will charge the cost of the replacement using current year costs, to include labor.When tenants see a price to something, they freak out and are more inclined to comply.Another suggestion is to add yourself to their Utility accounts as a backup so that the service provider never shuts down utilities for lack of payment.In a case like that, the bill will be sent to you before they shut off utilities thereby protecting your property from pipe freeze.You can threaten to charge them half the cost just to see if they will.They may fight you on that but at least it will register and make them more responsible next time.Sounds like you have some big babies for tenants and need to do some babysitting.Ugggghhhhh.Good luck though and great post as it makes me make not to reinforce my existing lease just to ensure I am applying the same advice, I am giving to you.

If I do one a 1 year lease, it will end during winter time (freezing and snow) so I thought I can offer a 9 month so that it will always end during a spring or fall time.

Not sure how long you've been a landlord but in 15 years I've learned that winter time is the hardest time to find tenants.

I am in MA and here I don't know any investor who wants to do an eviction process because it can take for ever, specially if they have kids and it is winter time.

Dear New Haven BP members,Can any investor recommend someone who is reliable and does snow shuffling and snow removal in the drive way in winter time？