All Forum Posts by: Account Closed

A first for me.  Knock on wood, since my first rental property 7yrs ago there have been zero issues with rent.  I was dreading the day this came at my doorstep and here it is.  Legal process has begun.

No hobby landlord here, just the first time someone has slipped by our vetting process and turned out to be a dud.  Already have a RE attorney notified, however I am trying to be a human being and try to work with the tenant as long as its a two way street.  MA is a tenant friendly state. Before I started the legal route I wanted to give her the opportunity to do right by the lease agreement she signed. 

Hi BP community.  Wanted to put up a question to get some suggestions from landlords who might have gone through a similar situation.  I am dealing with a non paying tenant in Massachusetts.

She is a single mom who moved in beginning of 2021.  Rent has been on time until about 2 months ago when she asked for an extra week to pay, or post date a check.  Month of November she begins by saying she will be a bit late on the full rent, to a week later saying she can only afford to pay half rent, to now saying she can't pay any rent until next month.  She has supposedly applied for RCAPS program which helps tenants pay their rent if they have fallen behind.  The program kicks in once the tenant is 2 months behind on rent.

I have not received any paperwork from RCAPS to do my part for her application process.  In her last contact with me she claims that I knew she was having issues paying rent and I could have started the RCAPS application months ago as if that's my responsibility.

I have kept track of all my communication with her.  My question is what is the best way to approach this?  Should I sent out a demand for rent letter?  Should I start an eviction process?  Can I ask her to provide proof of the application for RCAPS?  How can I navigate this process basically as gingerly as possible?

Also, her lease runs out May 2022.  Renewal notices go about 60 days prior to end of lease agreement.  If RCAPS does not kick in soon or if she is dragging her feet in any way I will not be renewing her lease.  Come May, even if worst case scenario happens and she has not paid until May, can I still have her move out?  Lease is done, I don't wish to renew.  Is that within my right?

Any ideas, suggestions how to navigate this process would be much appreciated.  Thanks BP fam.

 14k to remodel a small bathroom?  Last few we have done for our rentals have been around 8k. Then again you could have gone higher end with materials.  Ours were rental properties.

In the process of purchasing another off market 4-fam and the top floor unit needs a complete overhaul.  Have called a few people I have used in the past for these sort of jobs but wanted to see if the BP community has a recommendation for me.  Looking for a reliable contractor that does the job right the first time.  Have wasted too much time with unreliable contractors and contractors who do shoddy work.  Any recommendations are much appreciated.

This will be a total reno, floors/walls, new kitchen, new bath, fixtures, doors.

I own a portfolio of 4-fam properties in Fitchburg.  Any questions, I'd be happy to help regarding this market.  Great market to cash flow if buying in a select few areas in town.

I will get in touch with all 3 of them.  Thanks for the heads up Justin.

 Thanks for the info.  I will jump in on that meet up.