Investor · shawnee oklahoma · Member since 2017 · 194 posts · 148 votes
It's been a little over a year since I first allowed a specific tenant to move into my property. I let her know that enough time had passed and I would like to do the first annual inspection and asked her to provide a date and time that worked for her.
Silence, sounded like some kind of panic. Then she went into a rant about how we are supposed to be building trust with one another and I must not trust her. Then she said in all her years of renting she has never been asked for an inspection. (After I assured her it was pretty normal). She further went on to say, if she had known she would have never moved in. (It's right in the contract that we went over together and she signed)
She hung up on me.
What do you think? RED FLAG? ... what should I do?
Rental Property Investor · Shakopee, MN · Member since 2015 · 985 posts · 374 votes
6y
Once a year inspections are pretty common and many times even 6 month inspections. I know people that use that time to not only check the condition of the property, but also to change the furnace filter, replace CO2, Smoke alarm batteries.
Investor · Broward County, FL · Member since 2018 · 1k+ posts · 938 votes
6y
@BOB CRANEY
DO NOT CALL the police if the tenant refuses you entry. It is a civil matter and the police has no business documenting your civil issue. If you need a third party then have a third party present who would be able to testify in court if the time come. The police won’t be your third party and if you ask them to respond you will piss them off and loose any goodwill that they can provide when you really need them.
Call the police however if you have a physical fight with your tenant or any other CRIMINAL activity on your property.
Walnut Creek, CA · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
6y
Don't get carried away with the details of why... As per the lease and inspection will be performed. No need to complicate it or make it something more then it has to be.
same goes for your thoughts, keep it professional. If she is hiding something deal with it as it comes. If not, continue on with normal inspection as per your lease.
Investor · Clatskanie, OR · Member since 2014 · 212 posts · 233 votes
6y
20 bucks says she has a Pit bull or similar dangerous dog or moved people in who are not on the lease (for a reason) . Get her out NOW! anything less is a sign of weakness and WILL be exploited by your tenant.
@Jason J. I would say trust goes both ways, is it in your lease agreement for annual inspection? if so than you can just differ to that and tell tenant you are following through with agreement, which is keeping your word, which is building trust. As well, the fact is that it is your house and you are allowed to check on it for the well being of your tenants (make sure all is well for them) and your investment
Investor · shawnee oklahoma · Member since 2017 · 194 posts · 148 votes
6y
I did the inspection. I found quite a bit of general wear for only 1 year. just dirt, scratches on floor etc. A few handles on cabinets were missing.
Also saw some nail polish that had spilled on lament flooring. A few damaged baseboards I found a big hole in her sheet rock near the front door. She had an elaborate story about a crazy neighbor that came inside and tried to "tase" her. Her rear car window was busted out too, glass everywhere. Apparently part of the same dramatic event. She got quite a few new tattoos. One of which is Giant letters on her arm that say "F**k OFF!" ... (albeit no stars to hide the bad word) I found a stripper pole setup in the living room that she says is for "exercise" Closet mirror doors in master bedroom busted. Bathroom tub slider doors busted. AC needed a new thermostat. Sent my Electrician to look at AC and my handyman to fix sheet rock and they confirmed that she had a dog. Although the dog was nowhere in sight while I was there. WOW! Landlord life is always full of surprises.
What are thoughts about my findings after inspection?
I'd fix everything, everything. Give her the bill for each item as you fix it and tell her it is to be paid before you will accept the next rent check. If she pays rent only, apply the rent to the damages.
Once the bill is paid or the rent is over due, then evict her!
Property Manager · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2016 · 2k+ posts · 2k+ votes
6y
When someone hangs up on my I call or text right back and say “I’m not sure what happened, but we lost connection right in the middle of our conversation. I’m sure you wouldn’t hang up on my, so I’m guessing your phone died. Call me back when you get someplace where you can plug in.
In your case, I would end it with - As we discussed, I’ll be doing an inspection on ?/?/19 between ?-?. It would be great if you can be there, but don’t sweat losing income by taking off work. I can let myself in and will text you when I leave to confirm it is all locked up.