All Forum Posts by: Megan Phillips

@Jessica Wood Sorry about the PITA tenant. Always a learning opportunity. 

My lease states I can enter within 48hrs (state requirement) with or without tenant permission, and immediately in case of emergency (which active water leak definitely is). If they do not allow entrance or change/add locks without permission, it states I can forcibly enter the property, I take that to mean by any means. They cover the cost of a new door/locks/any repair of damages, etc. Also states they are on the hook for any damages if I'm not immediately notified of water or whatever other issue is at hand, so if you weren't allowed in purposefully, they are on the hook for all of the water damage too. Sounds like small claims is coming your way.

I opened a couple cards to help fix up a property I purchased (and to travel hack at the same time), as I was going to be spending the money regardless --- I opened a third card that didn't charge anything (usually they charge 3-5%) to transfer balances and also had a 0% for 15 months, and no annual fee. I paid for my projects on the cards and then transferred to the 0% card. I have been able to keep up with payments on the 0% card, but it's definitely a nice safety net in case you can't get your balance to zero in one month. Maybe look into something similar that would allow you to keep more of your savings and not get charged a bunch of interest at the same time.

Edit: sorry - didn't see someone already mentioned this idea! definitely look for a card that doesn't charge a transfer fee (I only found one). I can PM you a referral to the same card I used if you like.

I may prefer to have the unit vacant at close... I would feel uncomfortable renting to someone closely related to the previous owner that has no recent history of paying rent. You could screen them the same way you would screen anyone else and verify income and all that, and if it's all good, go forward with it.

Maybe get a partner that has the other 10%.

@Samantha Hiscock My job is moving to Randolph - will definitely be checking out the Barre area within the next year or so, would love insight to the avoidable (tenant quality and flooding issues) areas and what areas are better/more desirable.

Maybe we can get a beverage some time later this year! Speaking of that - it's about time to set up another VT meet up event... I think the last one was in February!

I would just wait, but would continue to be firm with asking them to remove the extra vehicle/stuff in the garage/not to bother other tenants... verify whatever length of time is required for notice of non-renewal and deliver when necessary. If it's 60 days, you'd deliver it this week. If it's 30 days - you could still deliver it now, it's just more notice.

I'm not sure I understand the question, but as long as you give the current tenant the legally required length of notice for the non-renewal of the lease, after they move out, someone else can move in immediately.

Edit: if it's clean and move-in ready

Welcome to BP and to VT!

Continue looking for which landlord/tenant laws apply to your location. Call property management companies, google landlord tenant laws *your location*, find other owners on BP in your area, whatever. It will give you a LOT of comfort and easily allow you to see through BS with threatening tenants.

Generally, tenants cannot withhold rent unless you don't take any action to fix the "problems" within a timely manner (in VT that's 30 days, of course this doesn't apply to issues that would make a unit uninhabitable, like if the furnace goes out in February). 

You've clearly been communicative the entire time, and attempted to fix the problems ASAP. As you already know too, you are allowed to have whomever you want act as an agent for you on your property, it doesn't matter that your name is what is on the lease as owner. It's points like that that make it clear they don't know what they are talking about. Maybe during your sit down make it more clear that you won't necessarily be the one making repairs or dealing with them on a regular basis.

All communication needs to be in email or text for your records. 

as others have stated, figure out what the "leaking dryer" deal is, that doesn't make any sense. 

Other than that, I'm leaning towards they are just being a-holes. Don't let them scare you with legal action threats, based on the info given, they have no claim against you.

Call the city/town zoning admin., they should be able to verify if they are single family or duplex officially.