All Forum Posts by: Joe Martella

When you purchased the property, did you take into account the damages that were done?   Maybe the prior landlord didn’t see the tenant as responsible.  

You should have had the owner selling the property resolve the damages.  You had an opportunity to inspect the property prior to inspection.  I wouldn’t hold them responsible. Did you know what caused the pests?   How could the pests be the responsibility of that tenant.  Maybe the other tenant caused the pests.  

I would caution you on the lease.  I am not a lawyer, but if you hold the tenant to the lease then you may have to sell the property subject to the lease, which means that the buyer may not be able to immediately move in.  

Does it matter?  If the property is in showable condition, I would let the tenant out of the lease early with no penalty if I am able to list and they will show the property while they are still there.  Otherwise, I would get the 30 days rent and move on.

They are probably charging you a premium for using their platform.  You should find someone who deals with tax liens in FL that can guide you.  

It depends.  If you allow the cousins to stay as “guests”, you can keep the original tenants responsible for the rents.  That is if you are ok with this issue.  You may still want to do a background and ensure the current tenants aren’t subletting the place.

Whoa.  You charged them for every nickel.

First, you need to go to your lease and see what it says.  Then you have to figure out what is normal wear and tear.  

If this goes to court, they are going to look at how long the tenants are going to live there and what is reasonable. 

First, lets go to cleaning.  $835 for cleaning is a ripoff.  I get cleaning of a whole house done for about $200 - $250.  When tenants move out, I don't necessarily charge them for cleaning if they made an attempt to provide the unit in the broom swept condition.  

As for the carpet, you cannot charge them for 100% of the carpet.  The carpet depreciates in value every year.  

Spackling, first, the tenants sealed up the holes.  I personally think that it is unreasonable to charge people to seal up holes from pictures.  Most rolls of the paint cover the holes up.  It is a $10 bucket of spackle and some landlords charge hundreds.  I personally think it is abusive.  

Paint - you can't tell me that you wouldn't repaint the unit for a new renter.  If they just painted a small area over the holes, then you can easily paint over them if you can match the paint.  We are talking about "pinholes" which are mostly sealed up by painting alone.  Are you chagrining them for your labor?  If so, you aren't allowed to do so.  The$3,200 quote seems like the entire unit is getting a fresh coat of paint.  If you can't match the existing paint, how can you expect the tenants to do so?  Looks like you are trying to get a free paint job of the unit if it goes to a judge. 

The only thing I would have taken from them was for the utilities.  Your pictures can't be viewed, but they are irrelevant based on your description.  Remember, turnovers cost money, that is why you want the tenant to stay as long as possible.  

I can tell you that if my tenants left the place in 100% amazing condition, I will still do spot painting if not painting the entire unit, having the place cleaned and the carpets steam cleaned.   Note that I usually paint the unit.  Paint is low cost and easy, but annoying, to do.  A fresh paint smell is similar to that of a new car smell for me - especially when I am showing the unit.

I don't understand why some landlords nickel and dime the tenants that are moving out.  Remember, tenants talk to other tenants, too. 

@Jeff Copeland Your advice is sound unless you live in a liberal state like NJ.  In NJ you cannot just kick someone out just because.  The tenants have a right to renewal unless you have good reason.  If you don't have good reason, you have to renew a tenant's lease.  

Unfortunately, we all don't live in the wonderful state of Florida.  I am curious to know where the OP is located.  

I use TurboTenant.  I used to use Zillow Rental Manager.  both are free.  I switched because TT now offers free credit reporting, and I wanted to offer it since there was no cost.  

As for tracking, I use Stessa.

You can probably look the court case up locally to find out all the details that you keep asking him, unless the case is sealed.  It should also give you an idea on how long he is going to jail for. 

I would absolutely consult with an attorney that works with storage companies.  The laws are different than when you are renting to people and you should get yourself an appropriate lease and educate yourself on the process.