All Forum Posts by: Michael Nahm

I recently had to reject a potential tenant due Their credit report, specifically, a couple of accounts are in collections.

In the message I sent, informing of the denial, I simply wrote that the denial is having to do with their credit report.

The potential tenant sent a message claiming to have a stellar background.

My question is, whether I could (or should) provide the specifics and inform them of the accounts in collections or would that open up a new can of worms.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

First thing that came to my mind when you mentioned “illegal” was to have the downstairs tenant call the police.

The letter reads well.

a couple comments: 

1. Don’t give them an opportunity to claim confusion. Set a consistent timeframe for all items to be removed, and not 24 hours to remedy one area, then 72 for another.

2. You’re coming off rather lenient in the second to last paragraph, discussing the deck. I wouldn’t request they keep their personal items there to a minimum. Too subjective. I’d either tell them what can stay or tell them that all personal items must be removed.

All the best and keep us posted.

I have a property up for rent and received an application from a very eager gentleman. He gave a really nice impression, has steady employment and has been renting for a few years at the same place.

However, he has abysmal credit. There aren’t very many accounts on the file, however, everything on it, which is from the past couple of years, is in collections. EVERYTHING.

I don’t even know why I’m writing this, because I have a very specific process, and thus far, not deviating from it has worked extremely well for me (knock on wood). I already wrote and sent a rejection letter, yet he wrote back a very polite email asking whether a co-signer would be sufficient.

I’ve never added a co-signer and would like your thoughts on whether a stellar-credited co-signer would ease your minds if you were in this situation.

Try reaching out to your local HUD office and complain. An infestation might lead to a health hazard and, who knows, they may send an official to check and see whether the issue is hazardous, forcing the owner to handle it.

Good luck, that’s a very nasty problem and it seems as though you’ve handled it to the best you could on your own.

I have a home up for rent and I received a great application from potential tenants. They have a couple of dogs. 

I’d like some advice on possible clauses that would protect me in the event of potential damage, beyond an added security deposit. 

Thank you all.

Thank you all, great advice and the food coloring idea is genius.

I own a townhome and received a letter from the city it’s in, that the water meter has indicated that there may be a leak at the property.

There was a small leak under one of the sinks and I had a plumber fix it immediately. However, I noticed that the water bill is very high compared to prior years. Even though the tenants are responsible to pay for the water, I find it wasteful for them to pay such a high amount.

I advised the tenants and forwarded the letter to them so they are aware and to inform me of any leaks or water issues immediately.


I’m wondering though, since it’s a townhome, whether the city or the association are responsible for detecting any leaks outside of the home.

I’m probably answering my own question here and going to look into the townhome docs, but would like any additional advice from the sound minds on this forum.

Don’t be tempted to buy as a homestead and not actually live there. 

A tenant, at least in MN, is entitled to a tax refund based on the rent paid, in addition, any tenant would receive mail to the home, as you would to any place you lived in.

This is the last thing you need, and it’s considered fraudulent, although I’m sure there are many that do it.

Good luck on your RE investing.

Will do. Thanks again.