All Forum Posts by: Malkia Ra

Great topic.  I've started paying more attention to applicant's charges/issues, rather than the level of the crime (misdemeanors/felonies).

A recent applicant was upfront and admitted to some past issues in his background that were "nothing serious."  A review of his report showed multiple restraining orders and disorderly conduct violations filed against him.  While no felonies, his background clearly showed a pattern.  No bueno.  Luckily a more solid candidate came along.

Was contacted by Travelers Haven today, a corporate housing/short-term rental agency.  There's a traveling medical professional who's interested in my rental, so a rep called to get more information.

The rep explained the lease would be with them, not the tenant, and they will also be responsible for payments and damages.  Their reviews on Google and Facebook aren't very good.

Can anyone chime-in?

One of the earliest lessons I've learned as a landlord... no matter what was said/agreed-to verbally, if it isn't in writing, the tenant will act as if the conversation NEVER happened.

I agree with the others that it's best to get the tenant out ASAP.  I also agree that it's time to strongly consider working with a property management company going forward; at the very least, consult with an experienced landlord/eviction attorney.  This is a business relationship, and your tenant appears to have done a good job of manipulating your feelings.  Good luck with this.

There's a difference between a recommendation and a requirement.  Sounds like you're giving one but wanting the other.

Make it a condition of your lease.

Agreed!

This is a great turn of events here; your tenants (1.) paid for the full month yet vacated before month's end, (2.) left the place in clean condition, (3.) referred new tenants.  I'd certainly be inclined to refund them for the days after they moved out, especially if the new tenants moved in before the end of the month.

Stick to your guns on this.  It sucks, and it's a HUGE inconvenience; however most often when a home is being sold with an existing tenant the seller is attempting to cut their losses, and you don't want to inherit a problem.  So your assumption here makes sense (I like the way you think).

Moreover, if the purchase contract indicates the home must be delivered vacant, the seller was well aware of what your terms are and thus the onus is on him/her to find temporary housing for their tenant.

Proceed with the eviction process (which should have been started months ago).

Rental assistance can take a significant amount of time, and the tenant is already 5 months in arrears; not to mention the assistance is NOT guaranteed. 

Zelle, bank transfer/direct deposit 

 Yup.  I ran into this issue with a previous tenant which prompted me to revise my lease language regarding length of stay for guests.