All Forum Posts by: Nick Rutkowski

@Alec Jacobs you have a good process as far as making them fill out a application before touring the property. You can ask piliminary questions to see if an applicant is worth your time too if you don't want applicants always filling out an application before a tour. 

I use Facebook marketplace as my way of marketing my rentals. This way I can see pictures of the applicant, their living conditions, people they're associated with and their job. It's not fool proof but I've weeded out a lot of people this way without spending money for marketing. 

@Greg Scott I agree. Most of the times when this happens it's a blessing in disguise. 

This story is happening to me right now, out of the blue last night, one of my tenants terminated her lease early. She sent me a text last night saying she left. We've had her for 10 months, she was quiet, kind, when she had an issue with the apartment she would let me know and I would come fix it. Over the weekend she packed up and moved out - no heads up, no communication, no complaints. Just upped and left.  

Now, this has happened to me before. The signs are obvious when a tenant is about to leave unexpectedly. Typically someone who was communicative turns distant, unresponsive, blows you off when you're trying to talk to them in person, and the tall tale sign of boxes in the hallway. In NY tenants have to give 30 days notice before they move out to give me time to rent out the apartment again. This time, I didn't get a 30 day notice, just a "I'm leaving now, goodbye."  I think I'll just let her go and move on to the next tenant. 

On a side note, oddly, the tenant before her was also a single woman, around the same age, stayed in the apartment for 10 months, no communication or heads up, left around the same time of the year. Call it a coincidence? Well, I'm going to see how she left my apartment today, we'll see how she did. To be continued...

Welcome to BP. If you need a conntection in Upstate NY I can direct you to the right person. Hope to see you out there winging and slinging.

@Lincoln Waite I would pass the utilities down to the tenants. That way they are accountable for their energy consumption not you. You may want to look into separating your meters if you haven't done so already. 

@Jack Sarcia ah, a forced appreciation deal. Love those. Have you used the income approach for the current rents and the projected rents? 

@Mason Wilhite Welcome to BP! You'll find everything you need to get started in the forums. I'd suggest you ask as many questions as you can, there are a ton of people on here who are knowledgeable in many subjects. 
Good luck on your journey! 

@Linda Thomas yes, at least do that so there's something in writing and showing you're complying with the law. 

Quote from @Linda Thomas:

Hi there.,

Two tenants on the lease. Tenant 1 moved out. Tenant 2 stays. 5 months goes by to come to find out that now tenant 2 moved out without our knowledge and let squatters move in.. had to file for eviction, got them out finally. Over 4k in damages, utilities, past due rent, court fees, tons of trash, holes in walls, pee everywhere, etc. 

Now, tenant 1 texted me asking when he was going to get the sec dep back. I explained the process and how I have 30 days to either send check or itemized letter with deductions. Tenant then proceeded to provide me with his new address and another address for tenant 2. 

Question. 

do you send the itemized letter certified mail to both of the new addresses he gave me? Or to just his since I have not had any communication with the other tenant that was on the lease? How do I know this other address is even valid? Or if they split up etc?

do I also send a copy for the sec Dep letter to the rental ? 

Cover my basis and send to the rental and the 2 addresses the one tenant provided via text? 

How would you handle this? best way possible? 

thank you!

Wow. The audacity people have to trash your place, treat you like garbage and want their money back. If I were you, I'd ask for where the squatters ended up and get their address too. Hopefully you took pictures of the damage and the have receipts from the contractors you use. I would take them all to small claims court for the damages in your apartment. 

 If you're looking to move on faster, tell them they're not getting any money back and if they bug you again threaten to take them to court the damages. No way would I give a dime back to anyone.

I'm not from Oneonta but my wife is from Worchester. We're in Ithaca now but I'd be happy to connect with you.