All Forum Posts by: Phil C.

@Brandon Turner This is the most hysterical thing I have ever read.  Why have you not evicted this trouble making tenant?  I can't imagine someone like this is paying rent on time every month.  She is likely on illegal drugs or is doing something obviously shady.  I would evict get her the hell out, she is bad news. 

how much time and cost would it take to convert to zoning in that area?  

hi cierra, I will message you.

Great advice, Michele.  I definitely can relate to the 'nice guy' approach and collections tip.  I have'nt heard of Mr. Landlord, but I will look that up.  Thank you so much!  

Thank you Jon and Anthony! Jon, I like your suggestions a lot.  I plan to require first months AND last months rent in addition to security deposit.  This way, if they think they are being sneaky by skipping out on the last months rent and using the security deposit as rent, they'll be surprised if they ever do remember. 

I think I will send monthly invoices, that's how my current building charges me rent.  I think that is the only way to continually remind them. It's extra work, but it seems necessary. 

Thank you, again!

Phil

Hi, I'm planning on investing in my first buy and hold in the next few months, but one thing that I could not find a concrete answer on these forums is how to enforce fees on a tenant? I.e. if a tenant is late on rent, or broke a window, or caused you to hire a plumber due to  their own stupidity.  

If you collect rent via direct deposit - do you request them to wire you the $50 the plumber invoiced you?  do you send them a letter stating the charges they owe on top of the rent? What if they don't pay?  do you deduct if it from the security deposit?  

What if they damaged something more severely, i.e. hosted a party and drunk guests punched holes in windows and walls (worst case scenario) and security deposit doesn't cover?  Do you evict and then sue them if they don't pay?  

These are questions I always wondered and hopefully any advice received will go on to help others too!

Nat, I wish you the best possible outcome from this unfortunate event. I would consult with your lawyer if you haven't already done so to see what, if anything, you are on the hook for.  Valuable lesson learned here. 

Nick, so out of total $1,800 monthly income, you expect $750 total?  That sounds pretty reasonable based on the 50% rule.  Does that include Maintenance & Repairs ( ~10% annually) Vacancy ~10% annually, Agent fees 1 month rent, if you list it with broker?

I'm a sucker for animals have have a huge soft spot in my heart for dogs, having 2 myself.  Is there a reason you won't allow dogs aside from the standard wear and tear? They offered $100, roughly $1200 annually, i dont think you'll see damage more than a few hundred at most.   Up here in NY, its about $50/month for pet fee, so $100 down in PA sounds like a lot.  But then again if they are high maintenance tenants, then better get them out anyway you can.

Thank you, Steve!