All Forum Posts by: Kathy Johnson

https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2014-02/documents/lead_in_your_home_brochure_land_b_w_508_easy_print_0.pdf

If they have an unlawful detainer judgement against them, even if they left before the sheriff came that is an eviction.  It shows that they didn't work something out with the landlord and they didn't cure the lease violation (pay rent or stop breaking other lease requirement) within the notice period.  They are likely to justify that kind of behavior again and the potential landlord is on notice about it.  

If you place a new tenant early, you need to return the prorated portion the former tenant paid for the time the new tenant is in residence.  If they are definitely out you can start prepping the unit.  If you are not certain they are out, follow your state/local laws about giving notice about going in for repairs (COVID 19 has caused some locations to restrict going in for maintenance to the basic health and safety issues)

You are overthinking and over-explaining.  Keep it simple.  Be firm but kind.  No one wants a laundry list of why you didn't pick them. Sometimes it is as simple as saying the tenants we chose were better qualified.  

All of the above.  A good coat of paint can tie mismatched doors together better as long as they are functional and repaired.  Repair and a good coat of paint can freshen up cabinets too.  Secure doors and windows that open appropriately are important for safety so make sure they are fixed.  Now is the time to develop your list of reputable good handymen and service providers so that even if you use a property manager, you have things covered for emergencies.  A good heating/cooling repair/installation service, plumber, locksmith, electrician, and carpenter/handyman can save you a lot of grief.

For the furnace, planning to replace, check with the local utility company about when they have rebate programs.  If you time the replacement, you can get a big reduction in the cost of replacement instead of waiting until it goes out (picture it going out in the middle of the night on a holiday week during a terrible cold spell)

What are your local codes?  We had one tenant put up fence and the village sent a notice that it didn't meet code and had to be removed. (This was at our Wisconsin rental)

In Florida the landlord has the right to charge double the monthly rent amount as holdover rent. When a tenant remains in possession of the rental after the agreement term expires they are considered a “holdover tenant” . ... In Florida the landlord has the right to charge double the monthly rent amount as holdover rent.

Since this is not a late fee or penalty, but simply a result of holdover he might be able to apply this.  Talking with a local attorney is a must before taking any action though.

What are the abandonment laws in your state?  If there is no response and tenant appears to have left the unit, follow these.

Since you didn't list your location, it would be a guess to answer. Is this the only bathroom in the rental? In the meantime, contact your landlord to find out what the timeline is and whether they can lay and tack down a temporary plywood over the hole.  If they do, do not walk/stand on it since it would just be a visual barrier.  Also if this is the only bathroom, ask about rent abatement or putting you up in a hotel (although that may not be an option with the COVID-19 situation.  Normally you are not entitled to both rent abatement and a hotel.  You and the landlord negotiate which is going to work for your situation.  The landlord may be having trouble pulling permits if local government offices are closed or limiting contact.  You could contact your local Health department, but if they see that there is no bathroom, they may condemn the apartment and you would not be allowed to stay there.

I wouldn't respond because she is warning other landlords about what a problem she is on her facebook.