Real Estate Agent · Jackson Heights, NY · Member since 2017 · 17 posts · 4 votes
So we have an issue. My grandma owns a home and I do part of the landloring for her. We rented the 2nd fl apt to fellow church friends. Now at first my grandmother did not want to do business with church people but got sucked into it. They started out well, however, they are now paying rent late. Rent is due on the 1st they have up to the 10th to pay. Today is the 17th, no rent money as of yet.
Now every month is a new excuse, while there are 5 working people in the apt, someway somehow only the mom is responsible for rent and just lost her job. Lease expired and they never even gave a security deposit. They did not have it at the time and agreed to pay it little by little (which did not happen.)
Given the relationship, how can I approach the situation.? Any suggestions? My grandma suggested I move in the 2nd floor and pay rent - the place is very big for me so she tells me I can rent the two extra bedrooms. I feel some type of way to share my space with someone. I have my husband and a baby.
Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
9y
Put up a 3 day notice.
Grandma needs to decide whether she wants to be a landlord or support her church friends. Unfortunately, it'll likely back fire on the friendship. But it doesn't sound as if these people will catch up, if only the mother works and they're used to sitting on the couch.
The 3 day notice will make them wake up. But then you'll have to be willing to follow through.
Investor · Vancouver, WA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
@Johanna Castel It's now the 24th day of the month. More than three weeks since rent was due, a full two weeks past the time you normally collect rent and less than a week before the start of the next rental period.
Update please. How did it go? Did you talk with them? Did you serve the three-day notice? Are they paying and staying or moving out? Did you find a good attorney to help you out in case you need to proceed with an eviction through the courts?
Real Estate Agent · Jackson Heights, NY · Member since 2017 · 17 posts · 4 votes
9y
@Marcia Maynard I was going to make an appointment to talk to them but my grandmother told me to wait because she spoke with the mother and she said "that she is waiting for her tax refund to pay 2 months rent" My meeting will still happen because I want to create a moving plan with them because obviously this is not working for them nor us. My grandma doesn't want to tell them to move until she gets her money. She feels that they will used their tax refund to move rather than pay her. Makes no sense since that is what we want, but I will go by what my grandmother wants.
Investor · Vancouver, WA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
9y
@Johanna Castel Of course I don't know the personalities involved or how much your grandmother values the relationship with her friend from church. The fact is the friend from church breached her agreement with your grandmother and her trust. She obviously can't afford to rent this place from your grandmother. It is quite likely your grandmother will be out of three months rent by the time this is over (March, April, May). That is a high price to pay. Her choice. How sad.
How long has this family been renting from your grandmother? Have you or your grandmother ever done a maintenance inspection? We do regular inspections of our properties to keep up on maintenance and to keep our relationship with tenants on track. When we become aware of any breaches to the rental agreement, we do an inspection. If a tenant is breaking one rule, they are likley breaking other rules. You need to know what the condition of the property is at this juncture. Document it. Things could get worse for you, as this tenancy is going south.
You should not delay in posting notice for non-payment of rent. Your grandmother is delaying the inevitable and it will cost her more in the long run. Not likely she will see any of the tax return money.
Also, I understand that the building gives to the 10th to pay rent, but you should really recommend to your grandmother to change that. I highly recommend that you change the lease template so that future leases give a grace period of only to the 3rd (or latest, 5th) of each month. 10th of the month is ridiculous.
Real Estate Agent · Jackson Heights, NY · Member since 2017 · 17 posts · 4 votes
9y
@Marcia Maynard Hope not. However, the apartment is still in good condition. They will have two years living there this summer. We never had an issue until now. Even though, my grandmother told me to be in charge of collecting rent and the reason for that is that they have been paying late and my grandma didn't know how to demand and gave me the task. However, she wants to wait until the tax money comes. I don't have the slightest hope nor trust in them. The problem is that the bills get dumped on the mother rather than it being a team work effort. So now that the mom is out of a job, everyone continues their life as if nothing happened. I spoke to my pastor and let them know of the situation, cause things might escalate and then i. They did verify about the financial burden being placed on the mom. Sad situation but they need to solve their issues on their own.