Lowell, MA · Member since 2014 · 335 posts · 52 votes
Hi All,
I need some opinions!
Case:
I gave a 30 days notice to a tenant to vacant the premise. A few weeks later they called the board of health on me.
I review the items from board of health, and they are very ridiculous.
Example, stain on the ceiling (need repair), the toilet seat is old and not smooth (need repair), tenant has no access to the basement, I don't post my contact information in the building ... etc.
What is your opinion on this matter if you have encountered it in the past? Any recommendation ....
Real Estate Broker · Naples, FL · Member since 2013 · 9k+ posts · 6k+ votes
9y
I had a tenant play that game. Not once but 3 times. Because my lease states they are responsible for any code violations we terminated their lease. They were a real PITA but the Dept of Health was very understanding. We got the guy out, he forfeited his 2K deposit, and I also got a judgement against him over $4600. Not the best solution but the new tenants have been wonderful and no issues. Sounds like your Board of Health is a little extreme. Remedy what you have to now and get your problem tenant gone. Make sure they don't move to Florida please.
Real Estate Broker · Naples, FL · Member since 2013 · 9k+ posts · 6k+ votes
9y
I had a tenant play that game. Not once but 3 times. Because my lease states they are responsible for any code violations we terminated their lease. They were a real PITA but the Dept of Health was very understanding. We got the guy out, he forfeited his 2K deposit, and I also got a judgement against him over $4600. Not the best solution but the new tenants have been wonderful and no issues. Sounds like your Board of Health is a little extreme. Remedy what you have to now and get your problem tenant gone. Make sure they don't move to Florida please.
Orlando, FL · Member since 2016 · 19 posts · 3 votes
9y
I would check into your obligations as a landlord to tenants for your state to make sure that none of the claims hold any merit under this. Otherwise your lease should dictate any outcomes. Unfortunately this kind of stuff is fairly common. We always recommend to our landlords in Florida to do everything possible to settle outside of court because you never know what's going to happen when you get in front of a judge.