Real Estate Agent · Milwaukee · Member since 2019 · 33 posts · 14 votes
Hey guys,
My friend and previous landlord rented a room to a tenant he believed would be a good fit. He did not run a background check. Two days into the house and the other tenants do not feel safe. He needs to get him out ASAP. Here's the situation
1. Tenant paid first month and part of last month month upon move in.
2. The landlord did not run a background check but the tenant said 'he has bad credit' [LEVERAGE???]
3. The tenant signed the lease [1 year] but the landlord did not sign it and give it back to him [LEVERAGE???]
Please give us your advice. He needs to get him out. Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.
Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
6y
He paid rent; he was given keys; he moved in. Lease signed or not, he's there. Failure to run credit/screening - that's on the landlord, not the tenant. Cash for keys is the only option I see. If the other roommates feel unsafe (is he foaming at the mouth, carrying a revolver?) they should call the police. Make it worth his while to leave; evicting anyone at this point is off the table for the immediate future.
Cash for keys. Unless you're in a spot were you can still do an eviction (if there are any left), pay them to leave. Sounds bad but will probably be your cheapest solution in the long run.
Real Estate Agent · Milwaukee · Member since 2019 · 33 posts · 14 votes
6y
Thanks guys for the quick response. Excellent advice with the 'trial leases' Josh. What does everyone think is a fair price for cash for keys? He moved in at 650/month with 1050 due at signing.
Real Estate Broker · Hyde Park Tampa, FL · Member since 2019 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
6y
He paid rent; he was given keys; he moved in. Lease signed or not, he's there. Failure to run credit/screening - that's on the landlord, not the tenant. Cash for keys is the only option I see. If the other roommates feel unsafe (is he foaming at the mouth, carrying a revolver?) they should call the police. Make it worth his while to leave; evicting anyone at this point is off the table for the immediate future.
Rental Property Investor · Ankeny, IA · Member since 2017 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
6y
Before cash for keys, I would have a talk with the new tenant and explain that it doesn't appear that this is a good fit, and would he be interested in moving out if his deposit was paid back immediately upon move out. If lucky, he will agree that it isn't a good fit either. However, based upon the bad credit and no background check, the guy probably feels happy and lucky that he got into a place. Good luck.