Construction Services for Rent Reduction

[Allen W.]

Anyone ever exchanged rent payment/cost for maintenence services on a property?

My scenario:

Mr. Tenant seems to always have some excuse that makes him late (almost 30 days each time). I've started the eviction process already. The next court date is August 1st (loss of 3 months of rent + what's already owed).

My thought was to have him paint and do small tasks while the eviction process is on-going and let them voluntarily break the lease and leave, keep the courts out of this, and not seek back rent. But I keep the security deposit

This allows me to immediately turn it after a few touch ups and have it rent ready sooner.

Any feedback or suggestion is appreciated

[Bruce Woodruff]

In a word, NO!

Is this tenant a skilled worker in the trades? How do you know? references, pics?

Is he going to do anything that requires a permit? Who is going to get it?

Is he a legal business entity? If no, then are you prepared to become his employer? Lots of paperwork and liability there...not to mention the risk.

And......do you seriously want someone who you are evicting to work on your property? This is funny. I know at least a dozen ways to completely screw up your property without being able to ever pin it on me

Cut this guy loose as soon as possible. Clean break as Terrell said.