All Forum Posts by: Nicole A.

I think you shouldn't have mentioned "eviction" via text message with your tenant. I think you should have serious discussions on the phone when you can't in person. You need to try calling him....leave a nice professional voicemail offering some sort of "cash for keys" deal.

I've learned to not carry out full conversations via text message. As soon as they are uncomfortable, they just stop responding. At least on the phone, they must respond (unless they hang up). Then you follow up a conversation with a letter recapping the agreement and have them sign it if need be.

Besides our LLC's rentals, we also rent out bedrooms in our personal house. A prospect roommate looked at the place and met us....liked it. He texted me later saying he wanted to read over the lease before getting together to actually sign. I sent a blank copy to him...no problem there.

But then he texts back later and says he read the lease and that he finds it very "strict" and has always dealt with much "friendlier" leases and that he doesn't have problems not paying rent or damaging property. A few mins later, tries to back pedal and says "i'm okay with it though. i just want my security deposit back whenever i leave assuming there's no damage and i'm financially good".

Our lease is just a standard lease....I'm not sure what he finds strict about it. I'm sorry, I'm not letting anyone move into (especially) my own house without signing something. Other things he said give off red flags as well....

It's frustrating because it's so easy for people to screw you over and not pay rent or not pay a small Promissory Note. There's no reason for people to be honest unless they're truly a good person...

I have a small Promissory Note with former renters and they basically said "do you really think we're paying that"? I could go to court, out of principle...and to try and recoup some of my money, but at the same time, it's a small amount to fight for...it's just so angering.

It's like we're just pretending that these contracts mean anything.

On the other hand, showing the place while occupied might not be as attractive as a clean, empty place.

Any idea why he's become unresponsive? Have you shown frustration? I'd say if he's not paying anyway, but wanting to move out, let him just move out so you can find a GOOD renter. But put it in writing. Talk pleasantly to him. Have a written agreement that on X date, he will be completely moved out and you will not continue with court charges.

The date should be soon too.... giving him an entire month is too generous in my opinion. I say two weeks tops.

I could be wrong, but I don't think your notice to come to the property or to show it is about asking for "permission". It's about giving them notice. Therefore, if he doesn't want to respond, no matter because you still told him. To be safe, I'd notify via email, regular mail, voicemail....everything...and document it....and get there early before prospective tenants arrive so you can knock on the door and possibly talk in person.

No lawyers "allowed"? Doubt that....? It's an option to have one. In MD I'm pretty sure you don't need a lawyer for small claims (even as a business).

Perhaps the SFH is an easier bet. However, if it currently rents for $750 and that's to a friend of the owner...why would you "conservatively" say it'll rent for $700? Wouldn't you think that $750 is probably already a good deal? Have you checked out what other nearby houses are renting for? If you can't find the info on say, Zillow, perhaps you could ask people in the neighborhood. I recently rented each apartment in my duplex for $850 when the previous rents were $795 and my buddy didn't think I could get $850. :-)

Possibly in some states, but I'm fairly certain I read that it's not required in MD...and this info came from the state site. I'm just not sure if they require all members to go to court or if just one person from the LLC will suffice.

Bringing this topic "back to life" with a somewhat related question...

If your LLC has a Promissory Note with an individual and that individual has flat out refused to pay and told you they won't pay, when the LLC goes to small claims court, must all members of the LLC attend?

Wow, congrats! That sounds great! And with the big stores popping up nearby is an even bigger plus. Very excited for you!