All Forum Posts by: Jared JLemail

@Jared JLemail

On the my lease for my self-managed SFH, I spell what they're allowed to park and store in the garage. They can park an operating vehicle and store a bicycle and skis/snowboard (no non-operating vehicles). On your family member's lease it says "Parking Only" - I guess technically they're parking a non-operating vehicle. My landlord friend said everything needs to be spelled so there's no room for misinterpretation. For example, I have no use of candles (fire hazard). She even goes as far as none of those room freshener plug ins or spraying of air fresheners, presumably for allergy reasons in her multi-unit. And on her lease it says "tenant responsible for pest infestation removal such as ants, bed bugs, etc" She wrote her lease in consultation with an attorney. I hope everything works out for your family member.

If the messy garage is the only remaining issue, then in my opinion you are stuck. You can't manage people out of being messy and if the garage space is part of their current lease, then can use it as they please. Unless its a code violation...unsafe or unsanitary with pest etc, then you have no case to get rid of them based on it being filled with stuff..... you would have to get rid of them based on something else. 

Definitely consult an attorney, since this long term situation is beyond a DIY eviction plan. 

In this situation you are going to be better off starting from scratch by getting them out and starting new or selling..... but be prepared for some heavy renovation costs if it hasnt been touched in 16 years

@Jared JLemail

I co-own a multi-unit in S.F. and a property management team takes care of everything. I self manage a SFH and will probably turn that over to a PM in the near future. Since your family member is 93 years old, does she want to deal with this and would she consider hiring a PM? I know it would cost money but would prevent problems like this tenant.

I would echo what Nathan is saying to hire an attorney. They've clearly violated lease terms with the garage space and having 4 occupants in a space designed for 2 people. Did they respond or correct the number of occupants issue even though they didn't clean out their belongings and the non-operating vehicle in the garage? 

From looking at the lease it says the rent is $1550, unless I'm misreading the number. This is pretty low.  The rent board has a chart each year with the amount of rent increase on rent controlled unit since 2007 ranges from 0.1% to a high of 2.6% but effective March 1, 2023, you can raise the rent 3.6%. That would be a $55 increase on $1550. 

As far as market rate rent, if they've been there since 2007, the unit probably hasn't been renovated (updated kitchen and bathrooms, flooring) you probably wouldn't get full market rate if you're able to get those tenants out. From a quick search of some S.F. 1 bedroom apartments, I see the rent range from $2500 for a clean apartment in good condition with carpet but not upgraded (around 600 sq ft.) to over $3600 for renovated with all the amenities. updated cabinets and countertops, stainless steel appliances, LVP flooring, but it depends on the area. I would consult a PM company and have them advise your relative of what rent they could charge if these tenants hopefully leave since they would have a better pulse on rental comps of properties in similar condition. Good luck!