All Forum Posts by: Stirling Gardner

Charles,
It may simply be that your ad lacks a fun, easy list of all of the benefits of your particular rental.
Unfortunately, Weichart doesn't really have much motivation because they don't stand to make a lot of money off of your one rental. They don't want to do the work required to have prospects knocking on your door.

If you'd like I can give you a copy of one of the ads I use (also on Craigslist) to advertise my apartment... although it is a nice apartment, people don't think about some of the things that I know exist in the neighborhood when perusing CList unless you tell them.

What makes your place better, different? What is in teh neighborhood that would want someone to live there? Walk to _____, _____ & _____.

Let me know and I can email you my personal listings it you want.

Sell the sizzle, baby! :D

If you haven't gotten this handled, fly it be me and I'd be happy to take a look at it.

Let me know what state you are preparing this for, so I can check to make sure all the necessary legal clauses are included.

Best,

Jennifer,

These gentleman are right on the money... you do not want to put the landscaping chores into the hands of renters... for one thing, even if you did, they may not know what the heck they are doing and actually end up costing you more. I have on RARE occasion, rented to someone with a green thumb and actually liked doing it, but they are a needle in a haystack.

If the neighborhood is truly known for it's landscaping, you want to have a professional do it (just build it into the rent price) and then one of your great selling points in advertising your property is that "professional landscaping" included! They don't have to know the price, but all they will think is, "wow, what a gorgeous place and we don't have to do the upkeep?!!?"

Good luck with your rental adventure!

Michael,

I am assuming if it is that large of a complex you have an onsite manager, yes?

I would call her and ask specifically, "I would like to get a copy of my lease. I will be by during your office hours of __ - __. I would appreciate it if you had my copy ready at that time."

I don't know about Tennessee, but in Cali we have to have our office days/hours on our lease agreement to let the tenants know when they can come by to drop off payments and/or other correspondence. See if you have that clause buried somewhere in your original lease.

I don't believe that she does have a legal timeline.

But you might be able to find out some info on the HUD website. www.hud.gov - then search for Tennessee.

Good luck! And there is no such thing as being a 'dick tenant' in this case.

I manage property in California and the courts here are generally pretty tenant favorable.

If you can prove that they have paid rent, you will be in good shape... the court will see them as tenants (rather than uninvited guests, squatters, etc.) and without a written agreement, it will be seen as a month to month "lease".

If you have canceled checks or money order receipts, that will suffice.

Then, you have to initiate eviction proceedings which really isn't hard, just tedious, because the process can take awhile.

I suggest two quality sites that will help you greatly.

You can find all of the applicable California Landlord/Tenant Laws on the HUD website... California Housing and Urban Development - then search for Cali... it will guide you through the procedure.

Once you know what the procedure is, make sure you get the applicable state compliant eviction forms...

Stirling Gardner
Good luck! You'll be fine!

P.S. DixieInvestor, I haven't met any commies out here yet and I'm a good Virginia boy at heart! :D

Well, I think the most practical way to handle this from your perspective is to put a clause in your rental agreement that the tenant is responsible for any maintenance of the jet-tub.

Obviously, it may turn one or two potential renters off, but you will find someone that LOVES this feature and will agree to your terms.

All that being said, I know a lot of people with these tubs and they all seem to be fairly maintenance free - if anything, the motor will eventually burn out and have to be replaced, but I wouldn't worry too much about that.

Renee, I am not sure what side of this you are on, but this is a general information site for the state of Maryland. http://www.foreclosurelaw.org/Maryland_Foreclosure_Law.htm

I wish you the best in your endeavors.

Also, if you google "Maryland foreclosure laws", you will probably find everything you need about the new laws as well as links to some attorneys.

Good luck!

Dan,

I read your entire article and couldn't agree with you more!

It is our responsibility as owners and managers to properly screen the tenants! I have managed a 16 unit property in Los Angeles for ten years and I can tell you that my management has gone from an enormous pain in the neck to near auto-pilot strictly because of the quality of the tenants I have let into the building. Obviously, there are laws about non-discrimination that I adhere to and that doesn't mean you can't have great quality tenants that make your life easier! :lol:

Good forms and the screening process have saved me countless hours.

Best of luck to everyone!

Stirling Gardner
Hollywood Landlord

Thanks, Eddie! My cover is blown! :)

Originally from Maryland, went to college at The University of Richmond (in Virginia) and keeping 100 irons in the fire, as they say!

Thank you all.

Please check out this terrific resource if you don't already know about it. I will be posting momentarily in the networking section by the end of the day.

I would have to say that not 'sure-ing' up your tenants and your property with all the legal documentation necessary so you know your rights, the tenant's know theirs and you don't end up in court unnecessarily, thus creating further expenses.

As a new landlord, you need to be protected on every level from the very beginning of your landlord-tenant relationship. Knowing the laws in your state regarding lease agreements is the first step and a huge one. Every state has different laws for their leases. Don't 'think' you know... KNOW you KNOW! [SOLICITATION REMOVED]

Best,
Stirling