All Forum Posts by: Daryl Luc

Well, maybe, maybe not.  The bit about someone in the bathroom, sitting on the toilet with the window open while smoking and then flicking butts into the neighbors drive...just got that call this June.  I had a tenant going back and forth to Colorado and then upon return, having weed parties in the basement of another house.  I could go on.  My point to you was, without a solid performance clause in your lease, your leverage regarding stopping something once you find out it's happening, is weak at best.  

A co-signer by virtue of your acceptance of their qualifications (they aren't the student you are renting to and they aren't living there) and signature on the lease specifically as the identified co-signer, they accept responsibility for any late rent, damages,etc.

Yep.  Even if I knew how to hide income, which is what you are asking as opposed to taking advantage of deductions or one business structure v another, or leverage or whatever, I wouldn't present that in a public forum.  For all any of us know, you work for the IRS.  If you take the time to read through other discussions, referring a poster to a local or specialized resource occurs all the time.  Again, if you want good solid advice, you'll find as many before you have, it has to be paid for by dealing directly with someone who can better assess your situation through questioning and applying their background of knowledge.  

Landlord policy.  Not homeowner HO3, HO5 etc.....just a landlord policy.  Because you aren't covering contents, you can also go with a much higher deductible...$1500 isn't uncommon.

Two guidance motto's that have been the basis for my decisions over the past 60+ years and 5 businesses....when in doubt, do nothing.....and, he who talks first...loses.     Good Luck.

Go pay a CPA for that kind of advice.  Then it might make more sense to you since you are presenting a problem that is 'unique' to you.

If you don't want animals in your property, then first provide the prospect with a showing.  If they have a physical disability and the dog gives assistance, then the dog is most likely a legit service animal.  If no physical impairment is obvious and being assisted, then the animal is a support animal.  Yes, they too are protected, however we've entered an era of absolute abuse of the protection clause.  To be protected class of person, the support animal must be there to give assistance to a diagnosed mental disorder of the person or a diagnosed emotional disorder.  That is the definition of an emotional support animal, not a service animal.  If the prospect has a letter from a licensed practitioner of psychology or psychiatry, you need to accept that their claim is legit.  It's not the dog that is 'certified', it's the person.  If that certification letter can't be produced, then their 'need' is a non sequitur.....ie: B/S
If you have other prospects, then by all means examine them for suitability regarding income and your other criteria and then select the best.  After the selection is made, you only owe those who filled out an application the courtesy of a rejection.  Keep it simple.  No explanation other than another prospect was chosen.  This is no different than a job interview.  Very few get much more than 'we chose another candidate' that was a better fit upon examination.  The more you allow yourself to disclose, the more you expose yourself to a possible action by the rejected prospect.

Have them produce a co-signer with a job and credit history.

It's a safety issue.  First responders would be impaired if it became necessary to show up for an emergency.  Not something I would be nice about.

Smoking what.  Are you allowing them to go outside, or in common areas.  What will be your position on 'butts'.  If there's an infraction where someone has been locking themselves in the bathroom and smoking and then throwing the butts out the window into a neighbor's yard, what are you prepared to do?  Been there,done that.  It's not a 'simple' paragraph.  Put a lot of thought into all the possibilities and consequences, or have a paralegal or attorney charge you $40 to provide a clause that addresses your concerns.