All Forum Posts by: Lena S.

ok, I messed up and...

we have 4 unit building and 7 parking spot. In December we rented a unit and tenant said that they are ok with 1 parking for now, since one work night and other work day, she asked if she can get extra parking if someone moves out. I said yes and forgot about it. Now, we are going to rent a unit for new tenant and  Imarked she will get 2 parking spaces. So... our december tenant reminded me about extra parking. Now, everyone wants to have 2 parking spots. I have to add that our december tenant moves to second floor, because I agreed to that change as well. They have big kids and work night shifts so, for them sleeping one day and one night it's a must. Since, we know that new tenants come with kids, we placed them downstairs (when our dec. tenants lives now). Basically, I messed up with parking. December tenant lease says 1 parking spot and new tenants lease that will be coming soon says 2 parking spots. I know, I've got my lesson and no more rotations and promises. If lease cancelation would be the option, we would take this as a last option. 

I need to cancel the lease before the new tenants move in.  I took deposit and first month rent. Is it any legal consequences of doing it?

Of course we refund all the money back including background check money. It is urgent,  Thank you very much.

wow! they moved out!

our tenant called us about 10 days ago and informed us that they are going to use their deposit for next month rent, and they are going to move out of our building at the end of the April, she also apologized us for giving us short note for her plans. So, hoping that all turns well for us, we already found a new tenant who already paid deposit and first month rent and will be ready to move in in first week of May. Time is ticking and we have just 6 days left to see what will happen. If you have any piece of advise for me, how to make sure it's smooth transition, please feel free to drop some words.

thank you Ebony, thanks for that detail explanation. Just another lesson learnt, yes, we know we made couple of mistakes here and there, and of course bigger pocket posters came with help. By the way, we started our landlording business with  4 units apartments building and I am hungry for more. thank you!

No, we don't evict them. We do not renewal lease with them, we want them move out. Since they got a letter of not renewal they didn't pay us their rent. I know, we are still new landlords and this is a new situation of course. 

I read somewhere that month-to-month you give 30 days notice to move out and annual lease is 60 days notice. Any way, we will be smarter next time.

Collection agency is a good idea. Thank you! We are going to send them warning letter.

What collection agencies are best for landlords?

Thank you

Need advice from pro-

We finally decided to not extend  lease with our inherited tenants. They got their note in April 1st and we gave them 60 days (according to Illinois law) to move out of the building. The next what they did is not payed us their rent that should be paid on 10th of each month. Of course, we remind them about it, and they keep quiet, which is pretty normal with them. Then will be another month of May, that probably they won't pay until they hit 1 of June, hopefully they peacefully move out (which I doubt). 

Are there any legal tricks to get the rent back or we should just take it us our loss and move on?

Zelle- that's what we use. Simple and fast, of course only if tenants don't look for excuses

Thank you all for all the great ideas. I don't have renters insurance,  I didn't know about such thing, I have to read more about it. Neither I considered my insurance may cover situation like this. At least you say it rarely happens, so I can sleep calmly. Thanks again BP posters!

  Two weeks ago, we've got a call from one of our tenants about gas leaking outside our property. We immediately called the service, they came and fixed the problem, and since there was not signs of  gas leaking inside the building all tenants could stay in their apartments. Above situation actually make me wonder what if all tenants has to be evacuated from the building and need to go to sleep somewhere else, Are landlords or tenants themselves responsible to find and pay for their temporary place?