You need to make sure regular maintenance has been taken care of such as batteries in smoke detectors, outside hose bibs are turned off in the winter and air filter has been changed. 

Walking through the home my first time was exciting for it had many opportunities – smoked in for years, old gross carpet, wood paneling walls, no light fixtures in half the rooms, sloping floors, minor water damage in the ceiling, old smoke stained acoustic ceiling tiles, etc.However the foundation was in good condition, roof was replaced 2 years ago, water heater last year, plumbing and electrical both updated, and a 20 year old furnace.As my realtor described the property – “it needed a lot of lipstick.”

Anyway, I'm hesitant to post anything here because so many people have been vocal about how only an idiot would fall for their smoke and mirrors...and that might be true.

The joists for the first floor living room are severely damaged and the house has a very strong smell of smoke.

My initial thought was that he had been smoking inside for years...but there was no smell of smoke whatsoever.

@Mindy Jensenif the tenant prepays but breaks some other term of the lease like smoking or causing damage is the landlord still bound to this tenant?

Do you guys come across annoying smoke stains on your windows?

This tenant sues, conducts discovery, and has a smoking claim for conversion.

Repairs and insurance can't be deducted under a normal personal residence... so there are some silver linings.Good luck...best not to give the Feds any reason to believe you aren't reporting all of your income.

Lookup Silver Springs post.