All Forum Posts by: Matt Clark

Gabriel Ferrin many states have a department of forestry or something similar. Their employees perform a variety of functions, including water quality and law enforcement, fire suppression, harvest regulation, and even timber industry promotion. They usually have foresters on staff that are very familiar with the local timber climate and would be a great resource as you identify possible deals. Just stop in their local office and start to chat.

It may be different in your state, but here we can take any proof we have to the magistrate. If you have video or pictures of the neighbor on your property after being told to stay off, the magistrate will most likely issue a trespassing warrant.

@Mindy Jensen this questions was posed at a recent seminar I attended.  The presenter was a well respected landlord tenant attorney, and his opinion was that you would allow the ESA.  He said there is no case law that speaks to the issue of claims against the landlord by an allergic resident in a case such as this.  While there will certainly be litigation at some point, it's not clear what the outcome will be.

However, it is clear what the outcome would be if the ESA was denied.  So really, it becomes a question of which risk is greater... and he believes it's far riskier to deny the ESA.  It makes sense to me.

He also recommended that a landlord who found themselves in this situation mitigate the risk of a claim by the allergic resident by offering to move them to a different unit (this was specifically a multi-family discussion).  While this would be expensive, it would be less expensive than paying to defend against such a claim.

Anyone in Greensville County or Southampton County?

Todd Krzeminski If they have been good tenants who are easy to work with, I charge 10% over the renewal rate, and allow them to vacate with a full calendar month notice.

Any BPers familiar with Emporia, VA? My brother (an "accidental landlord") just got deployed for a year, and has a vacant distressed property in/near Emporia. We're trying to figure out a solution to help move things along while he is gone - should we make it rent-ready, try to sell as-is, etc.? Does anyone know the local market? I'm several hours away...

Any tips appreciated!

Matt

The answer to the cost of service question will vary state to state, hopefully someone from Ohio will chime in. Regarding the unlicensed daycare, you could file a complaint with the state licensing agency. Let them do the investigating.

The simple solution is to use one at each outlet. But if you have some diagnostic skills you can get by with not replacing some of them by installing a GFCI "upstream" of the ones you're not replacing. Even then, you'll have to still put a sticker that says "GFCI Protected No Equipment Ground" on the ones you don't replace.

Virginia Reasor I always choose option 2 in this scenario. In VA you do not have to be licensed to replace a device (receptacle). But the work must be done to code, inspections or not. The GFCI will come with code compliant instructions, and the required sticker that goes on the receptacle cover. If you choose option 3, the work must be done by a licensed electrician and inspections are required.

I would charge the full amount. They are backing out on a legally binding contract, causing damage to your business, and it's reasonable for you to recoup a portion of the loss.