Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 16%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$39 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime

Let's keep in touch

Subscribe to our newsletter for timely insights and actionable tips on your real estate journey.

By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions
×
Try Pro Features for Free
Start your 7 day free trial. Pick markets, find deals, analyze and manage properties.
Followed Discussions Followed Categories Followed People Followed Locations
All Forum Categories
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

All Forum Posts by: Matthew Morrow

Matthew Morrow has started 53 posts and replied 433 times.

Post: Tenant couples requested rider agreement to lease.

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Patrick Idowu:

Thank you so all so much! I appreciate everyone's response.  I told them NO and they agree to terminate the lease early and move out by the end of the month. I hope they do because they have been an horrible tenant. 

Good.  Defend  your lease.  Their issues are theirs alone.  👍

Post: New Landlord to W. Philly

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Desati Nyanwleh:
I will be owner occupied but I can give more details after while. 
Thanks for your response. 
When are the local meet ups hosted and where. 
I'm typically free for Saturday & Sundays. 

Nyanwleh, MBA
Awesome. Owner occupied is a great way to start.  Our meetups are physically outside Allentown as our team covers Easter PA up to Wilkesbarre.  But we have remote / call in options if you prefer.  Let me know if you want more info and I can send it over. 👍 

Post: Questions For Previous Landlords

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Denishan Joseph:

Hey all, I received an application from a potential tenant. What are some good general questions to ask the potential tenant's previous landlord? Want to make sure I am doing my due diligence in choosing the right tenant for my property.


 When contacting a potential tenant's previous landlord, consider asking about the tenant's payment history, whether they consistently paid rent on time, how they maintained the property, if there were any complaints from neighbors, and the reason for leaving. You might also want to know if they would rent to the tenant again. These questions can help you gauge the tenant's reliability and suitability for your property. Good luck!

Post: Am I creating a potential discrimination claim for myself?

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Craig McCarter:

I have one rental property - a house that I used to live in for 5 years. Each of the past tenants have been great and I have been very transparent with them - we're looking for the right fit, someone that will take care of the place, not be a headache, etc. Basically out of all the people that were interested, I have chosen the people I liked/trusted the most. 

The unit is coming up for rent again soon and I'm wondering if I am opening myself up for a claim of discrimination with this process - where a tenant who is not chosen could claim that I rented to someone else based on their (fill in the blank of protected class)?

Any tips on how I should potentially navigate this differently? but also, I really like being able to hand pick my favorite from a pool of applicants. 


 It's great that you've had positive experiences with tenants and value finding the right fit. However, your concern about discrimination claims is valid. To navigate this, consider implementing a standardized application and screening process that focuses on objective criteria, such as income, rental history, and credit checks. This way, you can still have a personal touch in your selection but ensure that your decisions are based on measurable factors rather than subjective preferences. Document your process and the reasons for your choices to further protect yourself. If you have any doubts or questions, it’s always best to consult an attorney to ensure you’re compliant with fair housing laws.

Post: Would you rent to someone with a housing voucher?

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Janice Chang:

I am in the process of renting out my property and screening tenants. So far the applicants that are coming in are unemployed but have housing vouchers that can cover 100% of the rent.

I am new to housing vouchers so curious what ppl think about this.

Appreciate any insight.

I've had quite a few tenants with housing vouchers, and it can be a positive experience if you screen them carefully. While it's concerning that the applicants are unemployed, housing vouchers ensure that their rent is covered, which can provide you with consistent payments. It's important to look at their rental history, references, and overall reliability as tenants. Additionally, be aware of any specific requirements or regulations related to accepting vouchers in your area. Overall, if they meet your screening criteria, it can be a good arrangement. Good luck!

Post: Interest in rental for group home

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Jed Leviner:

Hello allI just had someone reach out about renting one of my properties to use as a group home or adult care home housing adult males.


Has anyone done this and what has your experience been?  Are there addition conditions I should consider if I do lease to them?


Renting to a group home or adult care facility can be a viable option, but it comes with specific considerations. While we don’t have direct experience with this, we have clients who do, and they usually report great experiences when zoning and other regulations align. You'll want to ensure that the lease clearly outlines the terms and responsibilities, including occupancy limits and any necessary modifications to the property. It’s also important to check local zoning regulations and licensing requirements, as these can vary significantly. Additionally, consider how this arrangement may impact your insurance and liability. Connecting with other landlords who have experience in this area can provide valuable insights. Good luck! 

Post: Would appreciate advice on tenant screening and a big inconsistency...

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Kristine Lambert:

Hi all, 

I'm hoping someone more experienced can provide some guidance for me. My fiancé and I have a SFH that we just finished renovating to list for rent. While working on the house last week, a woman and her adult son stopped by to ask if we would be renting soon. We explained that we would be listing this week and allowed them to look around. In the course of talking with them, the son mentioned separately to both me and my fiancé that he lived with his mom, had done so for a while, and was planning to take the smaller bedroom. He also made comments about taking care of the lawn, etc.

We listed the house last night and the woman immediately applied.  We advised her that her son also needed to apply and she replied that her son was not going to live with her and was out of town through the end of the year. 

I'm not sure how to respond given that he was quite clear that he intended to live there. Our form lease forbids any adult from living in the house who is not on the lease, but am I just setting myself up for a fight later?  

Kristine 


 It sounds like you're in a bit of a tricky situation. Since the son clearly indicated he intended to live there, it's important to address this upfront. You can explain to the woman that your policy requires all adult occupants to be on the lease for liability and compliance reasons. If the son is indeed planning to live there, he will need to apply as well. This sets clear expectations from the start and helps avoid potential conflicts later. Just be transparent about your policies, and hopefully, they'll understand your position. Good luck!

Post: Lease expiring, couple is splitting up -- Each wants to renew on their own

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Craig James Conrad:

I lease out a place occupied by an unmarried couple and a young child belonging to one of them.  The lease expires in couple months.  They are not getting along and one has told me they plan to leave the relationship.  I'm sure that each one wants to keep the place on renewal though, obviously, not together.  Together, it worked out for me as their combined income allowed them to always make rent.  However, one of them is much more responsible and a much better financial risk (I'll omit details). I would be content to let that one remain by themself, but not the other one by themself.

It will be awkward to tell them that, as they aren't renewing *together*, I am not renewing the lease as it is, but that I am offering it to just one of them.  Anything I need to be particularly cautious of before I communicate this to them?


 It's definitely a delicate situation. When communicating your decision, be clear and respectful, emphasizing that the lease will not be renewed as is since they are not continuing as a couple. You can express your willingness to offer a new lease to the more responsible tenant, but it's important to avoid getting involved in their personal issues. Make sure to document everything and handle the transition smoothly, allowing the responsible tenant time to decide if they want to take on the lease alone.

Be prepared for some potential tension during the conversation, and consider that if this situation escalates or becomes contentious, you may need legal representation. It’s a good idea to consult your legal team beforehand to ensure you’re fully protected. Good luck!

Post: Tenant couples requested rider agreement to lease.

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Patrick Idowu:

Hi all, 

I have a tenant couple who moved in 4 months ago. They are requesting an addendum to their current lease because their relationship has changed. They were supposed to pay the rent jointly, as stated in the lease agreement. However, it appears they agreed to split the rent 50/50, and one of them is not meeting this agreement. They are now requesting an addendum stating that each person is responsible for their own rent, and payments are not mutually exclusive. Please advice on what to do. Much appreciated. Thank you. 



 It sounds like you're facing a challenging situation with your tenants. First, review the original lease agreement to confirm that they are jointly responsible for the rent. Given their request for an addendum, it's important to communicate clearly with them without getting involved in their personal disputes. You can explain that any changes to the lease must be carefully considered, as you want to maintain the original terms that protect your interests.

If you decide to allow the change, you could draft an addendum stating that each tenant is responsible for their own rent. However, make sure they understand that this means each person is ultimately accountable for the full rent amount. This way, if one tenant doesn't pay, you still have recourse against the other. Be sure to document any changes in writing and have both tenants sign the new agreement. This approach helps ensure clarity and protects you as the landlord. Good luck!

Post: Building my home here in NJ possible?

Matthew Morrow
Posted
  • Investor
  • Pennsylvania
  • Posts 438
  • Votes 161
Quote from @Jonathan Rivera:

Hey guys, I needed some advice on new construction here in NJ.

Me & my wife want to purchase a second home as our primary home but prices on houses are super over priced and just not worth it especially with inventory being so low & the market just all twisted.

My thought was to maybe pick the town I want to live in and potentially see if I can get vacant land to build on obviously.

I wonder if maybe it will cheaper to do this strategy instead of getting a loan for 600-700K home that still needs work and I’m not happy about it..


thoughts?



 Hey! It’s a challenging market in NJ. Building a new home could be a smart move, especially given the high prices for existing properties and low inventory. Exploring vacant land in suburbs or up-and-coming neighborhoods could offer you cheaper build costs and potentially lower taxes as well. Our team see this frequently state wide.  

Just keep in mind that construction costs can add up and timelines for building can vary. If you're considering this as an investment property, it's also important to analyze the potential return on investment and rental market in those areas. Ultimately, if you find the right land and feel confident in the building process, it could be a great way to create a space that meets your needs. Good luck!