All Forum Posts by: Randy Taylor

I visited the property and it went pretty well.  It looks like they never changed the hvac filter (man it was gross), and the mold spots on the bathroom wall were very small.  The tenant seemed pretty open to the fact that the might have been the issue for the airborne mold and already knew that it was on them to be changing it.  The couple spots of mold in the bathroom were very small and likely just due to the bathroom being tiny and having a shower.  They were also blocking the hvac vent in the basement because it was cold, but that would raise the humidity - and they understood that as well.  I'm thinking a dehumidifier and air filters and maybe they'll be happy and it will be ok...  Either way I took pictures of everything (with a tape measure in the picture to show the mold was small).

Thanks for the input everyone.  I'm getting the feeling that the tenant was just more genuinely concerned and seemed very appreciative of my actions and assessment.   What a stressful thing, though.  I like the idea of a mold addendum for future leases... 

Thanks, John.  You're correct, it is my job to address it.  I do understand the importance of following the law by doing my part, or hiring professionals where it's legally required.  I'll find out soon the extent of the mold and the full expectations of the tenant.

Hi Kim,

Thanks for your input.  I'm using a standard realtor association lease. While there isn't a mold addendum (good idea, though!!), it has a clause that seems relevant - I'm glad you asked!  It says "if the premesis...are rendered wholly untenantable by...casualty not caused by..negligence of tenant, agreement shall terminate...".  It also says that landlord has option to terminate in the event that only part of the property is untenantable.  That might give me legal cause to terminate if it's bad.  I'm going to take pictures and assess later today.

Thanks!
Randy

Hi everyone,

I have a group house that brought in a couple new people to an existing group lease.  One of the new tenants saw some mold and did a bunch of testing on their own, finding dangerous mold in samples and in the air throughout the house; verifying through the company they work for that works in the field.  This is the first time I've been aware of a mold issue at this property.  I'm going to take pictures, respond as required per law, and get a licensed contractor out to test as a minimum.  Is there anything I'm missing here that I should consider?  I'm not convinced that this is malicious, just a bit over the top.  I don't think the tenant realizes that they've spooked me and put me on the defensive, but I am definitely spooked and on the defensive.  Other than following state procedure and addressing, is there anything else I should consider?

Thanks!

Thanks, Shaun! That's the product line I was looking at.  Hoping to stuff the few required parts in a secured electric style box.   I might do a little more research to see if there are any cheaper options, but this doesn't seem to be too mainstream yet.

That's a good suggestion - worth looking into.  I'm not optimistic about the chances that it would be nearly that cheap.  Another factor is that if the water bill doesn't get paid the house goes up for a tax lien sale pretty quick, so a lot of landlords in Baltimore keep the water in their name whether or not they pass the actual cost on to the tenant.  Since I'd be a middle man for the bill either way, the web-connected devices would actually be easier than city meters.

Hi gang,

I just posted about this but the post was deleted.  Maybe because I posted links to products and they thought I was advertising? 

Anyway, any advice on doing this?  I'm considering buying a few products that will add two sub meters connected to a reader connected to a web device connected to a mobile prepaid hotspot all for about $600-$700.  I really want to get sub meters in and monitor them monthly, but I don't want to have to drive to the units to check the meters every month or three.  If anyone has specific suggestions for products, maybe message me? 

Thanks!!

Randy

Thanks everyone! I'll follow up as I'm able.

Randy

Hi!

I'm looking to buy rental property in Baltimore soon, and I'm hoping to connect with a good agent who knows the area and can show me some good cash flowing options for sfh and small multifamily houses closer in to the center of the city. Has anyone had a good experience with an agent in Baltimore?

I'm also open to deals without an agent, but if an agent can find a nice cash-flowing 3-4plex (or any very good sfh rentals) I'd be glad to have the assistance.

Thanks!!

Randy

http://blog.nj.com/njv_barry_carter/2012/10/carter_notorious_newark_tenant.html

So they finally evicted him from where he was staying when the article was written. What a strange and troubled man to go through so much and ruin his name just to score $20-30k worth of free lodging in a busted up place. Hopefully the press and failure will keep him from being so successful in his future cons...

Thanks to everyone in this thread for sharing this and other stories - certainly sobering! I'm a relatively new landlord, but I did take pictures and get a signature on a move-in checklist (as well as do a full background check and check with the actual owner of the last place that was rented). I felt a little like I was being paranoid then, but now I feel like I did the bare minimum!

Randy