All Forum Posts by: Nicole Obregon

I completely agree with Ned. Whether you're technically exempt, I'd just get it done anyway. Whether you're exempt or not, you're still liable, and that's a legal problem that you want to put yourself at risk for.

Missed the word "not" in there. ha ha He is in his last month of his lease, so I guess technically he's been there 11 months 2 weeks. He's finishing out a complete year there, and looks like he's been paying on time.

I'm going to keep looking for tenants, and not rent to this guy. Since then, I've had 4 more people request showings, so I'm going to move on.  Thanks for all the advice, everyone. 

 How do I access the eviction record? I don't think it was actually a formal eviction. He and his roommate just didn't fully pay the last month's rent. 

Charging a couple months ahead of time is a good idea. Although, I've seen his last bank statement, and he doesn't have thousands of dollars. He seems to have enough for his bills every month, but spends like crazy on shopping and eating out.

I hear you all loud and clear. Lots of different perspectives, but I'm hearing to proceed with caution (if, at all).

This is a young man who disclosed to me that he was living with a roommate in 2015, and his roommate lost his job, so his roommate was unable to make his portion of the rental payment. He said that he personally was making his portion of the payment. The landlord sort of just let it go because it was the last month of their lease. He's been living in his currently apartment for 11 months, and as far as I can see on his bank statements, he's been paying on time. Rent is $1,000/month, he makes $5,200/month.

He told me that his many late payments on his credit report were actually due to his friend (same previous roommate). They entered into some financial dealings together, and his friend essentially messed up his credit. He's working with a credit correction agency now. 

I asked him for the contact info for his current and previous landlord (the one with the off-the-books eviction), and he hasn't responded. 

This is very clear and simple advice. Yea, I think I'm creating work for myself by having my own pdf application. I'll just use one online, and cut down on my time. 

Is this a deal breaker for you? Is it an automatic disqualified? Or, do you take it on a case-by-case basis?

Here's some background info on my situation:

Renting out a townhouse in a decent, working-class area, some crime, but ok
Rent is $1,000/month, 2 bedroom, 1 bath, renovated

I have a prospective tenant who said that he has a past eviction, in 2015. His credit is spotty, but he said he's working with a credit correction / assistance company to get it straightened out and improved. He makes $5,200 verifiable income at his job. He explained that he and his roommate got evicted in 2015 because his roommate lost his job, and they had a hard time paying the rent. 

WWYD?

I am managing my own rental properties. How do you have your tenants complete the rental application? Online? Through z website like cozy.co, zillow rentals, etc.? Or, do you have your own rental application?

I have a good rental application in .doc and .pdf form. I've been emailing it to prospective tenants, but so far no one has turned one in. It's only been less than a week, but so many people have emailed me with interest in the property, but no one has actually turned in an application.

I'm wondering if the fact that it's a pdf form is an issue. They'd have to print it out, complete it, then scan it (or take a photo of it) and send it back to me. Is this too cumbersome, or is it what is expected?

Congratulations, Sam! Your story is very inspiring. Thank you for taking the time to post about it, and answer all of the questions about your experience. Your story is very motivating. :) Good on you. 

Very interesting conversation about the areas of Baltimore! Following and reading. Curtis Bay isn't appealing or growing in value, from what I've heard, but you can always find a renter.