All Forum Posts by: Danielle Moser

Thank you both!!  I appreciate the feedback.  

My current tenant is moving out (yay!) and I need to do a MUCH better job screening this time around.  I have heard of landlords using My Smart Move to do this, and it comes with an application fee of around $35.  My question is, in order to be sure you have serious renters, do you have them fill out the application prior to even viewing the apartment if you already have photos online?  

I'm not sure of the laws and regulations in Indiana, but in NYS they are extensive when it comes to running a preschool, or daycare - unless they are doing so and not registering as a legal entity.  It would be a massive amount of liability on you.  Usually, there has to be an inspection of the property to be sure things are up to code when it comes to educating children, so any updates that would need to be made would fall on you, I would assume?  To me, it seems like a lot to take on.  Personally, I would steer clear.  

Thank you for the advice!  The language in my lease states that after the expiration of the year lease, it then goes to a month-to-month tenancy with the consent of the Landlord.  So, worst case, if he gives me a hard time I wait another month and then according to my lease I can give him 30 days notice once he is on a month-to-month basis to leave.  But I like the idea of keeping it simple.  I don't have to explain why I am not renewing.  

I am planning to not renew my current tenants lease when the year is up.  I still have 6 months before that happens (I'm clearly eager to get him out), but want to plan ahead and get an idea of what others do.  He lives in the duplex I live in; however, due to the issues we've had I will only communicate with him through documentation.  Does anyone have a letter, or language they used when it was the end of your tenant's lease and you were not going to renew it?  Thank you!

Justin, congrats on the duplex!  I just purchased one about 3 years ago and am still learning a lot.  I think you learn more with each new tenant.  My biggest problem right now are probably things you already thought about, but my ignorance has caused me many issues: have a visitors clause in your lease, and on the application be sure to ask about past criminal history.  Both are common sense; however, I used a lease from a family member who had been renting their property for years, yet didn't have either of these things in there.  Luckily, they had never run into a problem, but I have and will be adding it into my lease for the next tenant.  

Thank you everyone, this has been very helpful!

@William Hochstedler, I'm so new to this I had no idea those associations existed.  I will research it now.  Thank you!

@Marcia Maynard, he is definitely pushing the envelope.  It's not a "normal" situation at at all, it's very strange and seems as if something shady is going on.  I do have a no pet clause in my lease; however, I was much to trusting and didn't say 'no' to allowing the pet, as it was only supposed to be 3 weeks.  He didn't really ask me, just basically told me the "co-worker", her son and cat would be staying.  But, 3 weeks turned into 7 weeks and I had to ask them to leave.  Again, my own ignorance.  I allowed him to take advantage.  Property inspection is a good idea, I will schedule that.  I was in there recently and he keeps it very neat and clean, the main issue is the visitors, along with his spotted past that didn't show up on a background check.  @Corby Goade, we used to have a good relationship until he moved in his 3rd "guest".  I also feel very uncomfortable speaking to him alone and I've told him we can discuss issues through documentation.  The anger he has shown when I asked about visitors was not a threat; however, knowing more about his past now, it is a bit threatening to me.  I don't feel very comfortable in my own home with him next door.  

@Chris Lad, that's also a great idea!  In my lease it does state that he needs to provide me a written request to make any copies of keys; however, with going on the 3rd long-term guest I know he has made copies and has never asked.  But, it's kind of a hard thing to prove.  I had never thought of a FOB key though, that can't be copied!