Would you rent to this family?

[Adam Craig]

We finished a rehab in a B/C class neighborhood. The house has been listed at $1300 for 2 weeks. I just got this email from my PM - would you rent in this situation....? I am leaning towards a yes because its December.

I have a client, a family of 4 with 3 dogs, in need of a rental for a 6 month lease with possible month to month after that while their home is repaired from a fire. They would be willing to pay $1600 per month, for the shorter term + $500 pet deposit. The insurance work is usually close to the estimated time frame and the month to month thereafter is not usually necessary. The only thing would be the three dogs (mastiffs). If you were to consider, we would have the commission reflect the time period - 1/2 commission for six months in this case. It has been quieter lately with fewer requests for showings. So I want to make sure you have every possible opportunity to consider.

Please advise,

[Aaron Mazzrillo]

Here is what I put in every single real estate ad I post:

SHORT TERM RENTERS NEED NOT APPLY

I do not like them in my house.

I do not like them with a mouse. (or a mastiff, but nothing rhymes with that!)
I do not like them here or there.
I do not like them anywhere.

Short term renters please go away.
I only want renters here to stay.

This is where greed sets you up to lose. You go for it because of the extra $300! Then, they stay until Sept. Now you have a vacancy, that stinks like dogs, and it is Sept. You're right back to a sucky time of year to be looking for tenants. If you can't afford to keep it vacant, you can't afford to keep it. That's my golden rule. I'd hold out for someone looking to pack my garage with all their crap and settle in for a loooong winters nap. One of my favorite questions is "If things work out, how long are you looking to stay?" If they answer 1 year or less, things probably aren't going to work out for them in my rental. I like people looking for a home, not temporary shelter.