Don't you already have enough money that you didn't earn?

Question

I was in landlord tenant court this morning to evict a tenant. She hasn't paid Sept., Oct., and now November. I got an e-mail after I got back home. "People like you make me sick". "You've ruined several lives". "Don't you already have enough money that you didn't earn". I have a long history with this tenant. She has been systematically late since the 2nd month she was there in May of 2009. I've bent over backwards to help her out. Any other LL would have evicted her 2+yrs ago. (yes, I am too soft on people). Why do people believe that they should live free? This is what is the matter with this Country. "You got it, I want it".

This was my first time in an actual trial and I've been a LL for 30yrs.

btw - this newly renovated TH is a pig-pen.

No more "breaks" for anyone. Sorry about the vent/rant.

This was my first time in an actual trial and I've been a LL for 30yrs.

btw - this newly renovated TH is a pig-pen.

No more "breaks" for anyone.  Sorry about the vent/rant.

Jon Klaus · Answer

Cheryl, some of this is on you.  Both sides need to abide by the terms of the written agreement.  Obviously your tenant has not, but what about you?  If you flex from your terms, how do they know what you really require next time?  Perhaps you'll flex again.  The boundaries are indistinct.

I've been guilty of this, too.  Now I work hard to set the expectation that the lease is a contract, and we will both meet it's requirements, and if no,t the lease has remedies that we will follow.  It sets the standards for a healthy working relationship.  Can you dispense grace?  Of course, but make sure you still abide by the lease.  I.e.  Eviction process for late/non payment.

Jon Holdman · Answer

Did you ask her is she steals from Walmart, too?  Because tenants who don't pay rent are thieves just the same as if they walked out of Walmart with a buggy of stuff. I provide a place to live, they pay rent. If there is a hiccup, and we can work it out, we will. Multiple months of no rent isn't a hiccup. Move quickly next time.

David Niles · Answer

Unfortunately Cheryl, its my favorite adage "no good deed goes unpunished"

Eric Blackford · Answer

Cheryl, the hardest part of this business for me is when a former tenant or a landlord that I've had to separate myself from brings into question my honesty, integrity or business practices. I know that I am solid in those three areas but it still bugs me to this day. Usually, when this happens, I end up spending several days recounting the entire relationship making sure that I treated them fairly, honestly and with integrity. Heck, sometimes I lose sleep over it. You're doing great. Keep up the good work.

Jerry Kisasonak · Answer

Cheryl C.
Obviously this tenant is ignorant of how business works. That's not your fault. Certainly don't feel guilty over it! Here's a couple ideas that have helped me with this:

I tell the tenant this: I only asked that you do two things: Pay the rent and keep the home in good condition. You haven't kept up on your end of the agreement to do one of those two things. Now that you've forced my hand, are you going to complain about what is written?  I ask this question and keep quiet. They are usually stunned by this question... shocked back into reality.

Also I ask, "If something happens and I can't pay the mortgage on MY house are you going to pay it for me?" If they answer at all of course they say "No". Then I say, "So why should I pay your bills? Your rent is your bill not mine."

By the way, I've actually had several tenants whom I evicted refer friends or family members to me. Those are interesting calls to take! And the conversation goes something like this: "Hi Jerry. I'm so-and-so's friend. She said that you are a good landlord and I'm looking for a place. Do you have anything available?" The point is, if you do always do the right thing even people who try to get over on you end up recognizing that YOU are not the problem. You just have to know how to communicate with people. Real estate easy... as dumb as a rock. It's people who are difficult.

Colleen S. · Answer

I agree with Bill! Don't let a crappy person get the best of you so much that it ruins your attitude & co-op nature. I've had this happen with a commercial tenant late paying & after they were gone things changed for the better. I also make everyone sign up at erentpayment for residential & commercial is auto ACH payments. Having a 3rd party on line system do rent collection takes the personalities/drama out of it.

Bill Gulley · Answer

Nah, if you have done well it's because of who you are, so stay that way. Just have to understand that people like that won't take responsibilty for their failures and need to shift the blame.....let them, they know you helped out and so do you! :)

Scott W. · Answer

Rob K when are you gonna write that book? Man, you've got outstanding advise.

Rob K. · Answer

I would HIGHLY advise against giving tenants your home address. There are so many crazies out there. You never know when a desperate individual will vandalize your house or worse, murder you.

A post office box is well worth the $60 per year. It keeps your home life private. Also, it makes it difficult for a disgruntled tenant to sue you as they will have a hard time finding you, and you can't be served at a P.O. box.

I use my P.O. box for everything and I have an unlisted phone number. That's $60 per year, but also worth it. Especially now when everyone is getting robo calls for the election. I don't get those.

Cheryl C. · Answer

Chris K., no not section 8 (although I have an excellent section 8 tenant).  Sorry about the "political" comment (but I am glad you live in MD :) )  Eric  Blackford, you got it right.  I'll have to think about something fun.  Did I mention how "extremely selfish" I am?  Lest you all think I'm some LL wizard - NOT.  I've had my share of losers but most leave after they get a 5 day notice.

Don't you already have enough money that you didn't earn?

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