All Forum Posts by: Peter M.

Hang a picture over it until she moves out. This is a big complex so the management team has bigger problems to worry about than something like this which is why they are dragging their feet. Have her talk to the PM in person and explain that she understands she will have to pay for it but if they don't fix it she will hire a handyman to do it. 

Smartmove for credit/background.  Last 3 paystubs or 2 year tax return if self employed. Paper application after they view the unit. Don't like the idea of renting sight unseen. 

Meet them in person with a letter detailing your policies. Focus on rent payment because that is the most important thing. I would raise the rent gradually (whole boiling frog analogy). Maybe do 6m leases at first that way if you don't like them, theyre out after 6 months and if they don't like you they can leave sooner rather than just bailing in the middle of the night. Tell them you will be strict with your policies and follow through or they won't take you seriously. I'd also stagger the leases by at least 2 months so you don't have a mass exodus and thousands in repairs with no income. 

I'm with @Mary M. on this one. Just explain that he is causing the damage and he will have to pay for it. Use the move in checklist as evidence of everything being satisfactory. Also, be extra vigilant about the bathtub especially if it is on the a 2nd floor. Large people will crack fiberglass tubs. Steel/ceramic tubs won't break but they will crack the drain piping. 

I am assuming you are in Texas based on your heading. Read Property code 92 Chapter C Sec 92.101 Are you the tenant or landlord in this situation? 

The check must be postmarked before the 30th day so it could still be in the mail. There must be a full accounting of any deductions from the deposit if not returned in full.

Tenant must provide a forwarding address so the landlord has 30 days from the date they provided the forwarding address. This is a risky loophole for a landlord to try to exploit because a judge may consider it bad faith but it is the law. JP court however is not black and white so its a toss up. 

If tenant acts in bad faith by withholding last months rent because they think the "deposit will cover it", they are liable for 3 times the monthly rent plus attorney fees.

If the landlord acts in bad faith he is liable for $100 fine, 3x the amount wrongfully withheld, and attorney fees for the tenant if the tenant brings a suit. 

If you are the landlord, send the deposit and accounting of any deduction ASAP. If a tenant tries to bring suit that you were past due 1 day you can argue you were not acting in bad faith, just an error. Prove to the judge you corrected it as soon as you realized it and it would probably be dismissed, you may have to pay the teanants court fees but probably wouldn't get slammed with the 3x part.

If you are the tenant contact the landlord and ask why your haven't received the deposit back. Be civil but if you throw some property code references in there you should at the very least get them to pay attention to you and know you are not messing around. If you never gave a forwarding address send it ASAP then start counting 30 days again. If you gave an address and never got the deposit or an accounting of why they kept it you could have grounds for a lawsuit. You can represent yourself or hire a lawyer but just know the max you will get back is 3x the deposit. Is it worth it?

A good thorough cleaning and new paint will make a world of difference and is cheap if you don't want to update. The new paint smell makes prospective tenants feel it is newer than it is.

I am assuming you are talking about IRS rules regarding the tax deductions. If you just want to put the title on a business card, go wild. 

Yes but in addition to the hour requirement you also can't have another job unless it is less hours than your real estate activities. So if you have a full time W-2 job, no, you cannot be a real estate professional.

Send them a notice to cure or quit. Give them however long is required by state law and if the fire pit isn't gone by that date file for eviction. If you just went there and took it and they called the cops you might be in some hot water depending on state law and the mood the cop is in but most likely the cops will just tell them it is a civil matter and do nothing. That's what they have told me twice when I caught tenants stealing things from my units. 

Start contacting banks, credit unions, private investors now to check rates and conditions. An asset based lender could make you a loan as long as the numbers renting the other 3 units still check out but they are probably going to want at least 20% down. Private money may be the way to go on this if owner financing doesn't work out. Do you have a rich uncle? lol good luck