You Are The Tenant Not The Owner!!!
This is so funny that I just had to share it. I have a rental home and the tenant that lives there is one of the funniest people I have come across in years. Let’s see what’s first it’s so much I just don’t know where to start. Ok the rent is due by the 5th of every month and late charges occur after that. Well my tenant “told” me he will pay on the 10th and if he hasn’t paid by then he will pay $25 late charge (My late charges is $10 a day). Oh it gets better it clearly states in the lease no color paint on the walls. The walls are to stay off white. He painted each room a different color, and told me it would be ok (The nerve). He basically acts like he is the owner. I am thinking about evicting him it’s not worth the headache. Someone please help me. How would you handle this tenant? If I evict him is he going to leave or tell me he is not moving by the date I give him. (Since he think he is the owner)
Comments (2)
When he doesn't pay on the 5th, give him whatever constitutes a notice to pay up (in your state) including the late fee or vacate. If he pays by the 8th including the late fee, you are probably back in control. (Tenants like to test) If not, get rid of him. He is obviously driving you nuts and life is too short! Do this in the Spring when you will have a better market to choose a new tenant. PS. Change your lease terms to rent due on the 1st, you are too lenient. Tenants need to pay for their housing before anything else; by the 5th he has probably two or three car payments due, etc.
KD Hudson, about 14 years ago
Always follow the lease. If the lease still has time on it, the only way to get him out is either for not paying all that he owes... or try for a breach of lease... which in many locations is hard to obtain. Here is how I would work this... go to rent court or whatever other entity you would go and file for the rent/late fees you are owed. Then schedule a formal safe and clean inspection... this is your chance to get into the property and let the tenant know that they have violated the lease. Do the inspection, flunk them and tell them you will be back in two to make sure everything is the same as when you rented to them. Do this in writing... sent both via certified mail and 1st class. The idea behind this approach is to get their attention and keep them off balance... because right now the only who is off balance is you! Best of luck! Pete
Peter Giardini, about 14 years ago