All Forum Posts by: Brian Mitchell

Hello BP, I am looking to start my own PM firm here in Maine. I have secured a handyman that has expressed interest. He's capable, trustworthy, on time, and presents himself quite well. I have had a hard time finding a handyman that hits all the marks. I've built a pretty good network of other services. Because I want to create a long-term relationship with my maintenance/handyman person I want to make an enticing offer. This led me to the idea of creating a partnership, or giving a portion away. The company isn't set up yet, but I was thinking about offering up 10-25% of the company for him to handle all the maintenance calls (night and day) while I focus on the rest... hustling for new properties, networking, building up contacts for services, etc. My question is, do you feel this is the right move to create a long-lasting, secure situation? Any other suggestions outside of sharing the company? My goal is to grow the company to a decent size so laying things out appropriately now is crucial.

@Garret Getch  @John Weisheit

It depends on the tenant.  Back on May 9th I served a tenant of mine a 7 day notice to quit.  Had she not kicked in the door recently, smoked in the unit, and bring bad people over, I most certainly would have worked with her. 

Turns out she didn't end up paying which is what I was hoping for.  I handled the eviction myself and it's a pain.

Not sure where your units are, but there is a deputy sheriff out of Windham that I used.  Unfortunately, there aren't many of them so you have to work at their pace.  The law requires a Deputy Sheriff to serve the forcible entry and detainer.

Luckily, it's an easy lay up in court if you have a tenant that hasn't paid.  She decided to show up for the hearing.  Not sure why because she really didn't have a defense.  No pay is no pay.

Good luck and reach out if you have any questions.

Thanks Mike!

Thank you all.  She’s a Tenant at Will now and I’ve served her a notice to Quit for non pay.  She has until Friday or she’s out.  She does plan to pay before then, though.

As you can see... more than one headache with this one.  

@Howard Todd I am trying to get the data from the tenant.

I do think I will likely approve it.

Thanks for the post.

Hello BP,

I have a tenant that swears she’s not smoking Pot in her unit. But, the last two times I’ve been in she’s said it’s a bag of marijuana I smell coupled with a few other marijuana non-smoking products. Maine is a marijuana-friendly State. Besides, she says she has a medical card for it.

My worry isn’t that she uses it. Just that she uses it inside. The Lease specifically says no smoking inside the premise. Can I give her a 7 Day Notice to Quit simply because I feel she’s violating the indoor smoking policy based on smell alone? It’s strong and obvious.

Also, anyone experienced in laws around marijuana in marijuana-friendly states, I have a question. Future leases of mine will likely have a “no smoking on premise” Policy. So, no smoking indoors, or out. You can do this in Maine, I am not sure if other States. For those who have a medical marijuana card (easy to get, I’ve heard) do they have protection, would the law exempt them from a landlords no smoking rule? Anywhere on premise... indoors, or out.

Thanks!

Thanks everyone!

The lease says any pet. It goes on further to say that if this section is blank then no pet should be allowed without the Lessor's acknowledgement. Given this, it gives them a shot at trying to get me to OK it. However, I need to be comfortable with the reptile and all the things that go along with it (heat lamp, cage area on carpeted floors, etc.). Certainly, the playbook (Lease Agreement) gives me the right to say no. I am just looking to weigh out the pros and cons on a species I have no knowledge of.

Hello BP Community,

I am new to owning a multifamily and had a question for the community. I have a new tenant that signed a lease with me two weeks ago. We talked about if she had pets and she said she doesn't. Fast forward two short weeks. She now says that her dad is moving and he cannot take his Lizard with him. She wants to know if she can take him without paying the $350 pet fee.

I want uniformity and want to avoid other tenants catching on that there would be a way around the pet fee (buy a lizard, or snake instead of a cat/dog).

We live in Maine so there will be a heat lamp. Of course, I am now thinking about the liability.

I don't know much about caged pets so if you have experience with tenants that have reptiles, let me know. Also, any advice as to how best to handle the situation, I am all ears.

Thanks!