All Forum Posts by: Bill Bell

They decided to pay...and not face summary ejectment, at least at this time.  Of course, we will see what happens in Sept.  Though from advice here, I am treating this and all future leases "by the book" and will set in motion eviction simply as a part of doing business.  

thanks for the advice!

Regarding "trashing the place" in response to anger over an eviction, are other avenues such as criminal vandalism warranted within the scope of rental property use?  For example if a tenant pours sand down each drain trap, or spray paints the walls, etc... would these activities warrant criminal vandalism or civil lawsuit grounds for the cost of repairs/lost rental income?  Unlikely, they would go that route, but who knows if a person is presented with an eviction notice they feel is not proper in their mind.

Indeed, I noted that consideration as well in the payment ultimatum.  

That is one thing about running a rental operation, many tenants treat the agreement as a "personal" rather than "business" relationship.  Of course, as a landlord, attempts to maintain the business angle often fall on deaf ears.  It is like "babysitting" sometimes, which can be quite frustrating.  

All I care about as "landlord" (is there a better 21st century term for this position?) is that the property is in complete working order and the rent is paid on time.  However when tenants come to me with issues with neighbors, problems with income, etc... I am like.... talk to your family member, do not bring it to me.  Just seems odd that people bring these stories to their landlord when I do not want to hear it.  Landlord != lifecoach

Thanks for the advice all.  I have informed them of the decision to either pay outstanding rent by tomorrow or I will begin ejectment proceedings Thurs.  Not sure which option they will take or reaction, but we shall see.  They seem like the type of people who would not want a summary ejectment on their record as they are professional people with solid background.  However, the wife is also clearly an alpha with a controlling mindset.  Thus, I believe she feels "entitled" to the current situation.  

I have a scenario where the tenants experienced financial difficultly in July and were unable, they claim, to pay Aug rent, due on the 1st.  They also noted via email there intention to move via a 30 day notice.  However, as we approach the beginning of Sept, they recently noted that they have not yet found a new place, and I feel that likely the situation will exist where they are "stuck" in my property while they continue to search for a new place to live.  

They noted use of their current security deposit (1 month rent) to cover Aug, however, once Sept is here, I will have nothing if they decide not to pay in full for Sept (they continuously note they plan to pay prorated for the days they will be there in Sept).  Very dicey scenario, and I feel they will end up not finding a place which suits their need while remaining at my place with no incentive to vacate (rental market in my area sees a high demand in tenants thus competition among tenants is high).  If my tenants are experiencing any financial woe (husband too is a seasonal employee and his job ends Oct 1), this will also add difficultly to their finding a new place. 

The property is in NC and I believe a SD may not be substituted for a rent payment.  Thus, given the 10 day window from time of late rent/ejectment notice (sent Aug 8), I am now within the window to start a summary ejectment.  

However, my concern is the time.  The ejectment process can take up to/over 30 days to complete if the tenants ride it to full term.  Additionally, though a PITA, they are immaculate in the tidiness/cleanliness of the property so it shows quite well now.  Concern is that if I start a summary ejectment, they may mess up the place downgrading its presentation.  Though, if I do nothing, I am at their mercy for when they actually leave.

Thoughts?

Indeed, the slander risk may exist if an open dialog is present; however, if the data is based on metrics rather than dialog, it may work?  Also, it would require a localized/granular attribute, though perhaps if a more global system was developed, members could check localities based perhaps on a prospective tenant's past residence(s) listing.  Perhaps a US county by county breakdown would work.  

As for the metrics collected, perhaps a 1 - 5 ranking system could be employed based on a core set of tenant qualities where a registered landlord could enter a tenant listing (if not currently exists), and then fill in a ranking dialog for that tenant based on the fixed qualities matrix.  Other landlords who may host the same tenant could include their ranking as well.  Through these metrics, a pattern may show of tenant "rentability" which would focus more on landlord rental experience with the tenant, as compared to standard background check sources which may miss key attributes specific to landlord interests.

Thoughts?

Who knows, this may not be possible, though wondering if there is an online resource or dialog available to help vet potential tenants though direct landlord experience reporting.  For example, if you have a tenant prospect, is there an online resource where a past landlord may have noted a prospect as a "bad apple?"  

Kind of like an "Angie's List" for prospective rental tenants?