All Forum Posts by: Rick C.

@Sam T. 

Thank you for the very detailed advice! Sounds like I have made a few mistakes already. I let tenant move in on my lease (a slightly modified version of the Pittsburgh REIA "Jean's Lease"). I did collecet standard security deposit (1 month's rent), but tenant assured me that Section 8 paid 100% for her so I have not been collecting any rent. I did have tenant activate utilies in her name as agreed in the lease.

I will contact tenant this weekend to get name of her caseworker....and follow up with the contact you mentioned if I am unable to reach the caseworker next week.

I have heard of the Section 8 Bible, but havent read it...I'll check it out!

@Jeff Rabinowitz I see why these people have such a hard time trying to find a place! Before trying it I did discuss with several REIA members, so I expected a delay, but not 3 months and no communication or payment. I might have to go back to all paying tenants if this doesnt get better. I'm glad I only tried with 1 apartment to start!

@Jennifer Lee thank you....I'll try reaching out to @Jerry Kisasonak 

After receiving countless inquires whether Section 8 vouchers are accepted, I decided to give it a go on a 1 bedroom apartment. This is in Penn Hills, Allegheny County, a suburb of Pittsburgh.

I screened tenant like any other and signed a lease for her to move in Nov 1st. Per the tenant, there was a delay with her case because she was prevously managed by the Pittsburgh HUD office and had to transfer to county , but I did finally hear from the Allegheny County office end of November and inspection was passed early December. I received a letter from the office stating that the apartment and rent were approved, lease would begin day of inspection, and that I needed to call if there were any changed within 7 days (no changes after contract written). I called next day and left message asking to have start date changed to Nov 1st. I have heard nothing from them since. I did call again in mid-January asking for a call or email on status, but still no response.

Is this the normal process? Does anyone have a good contact with the Allegheny County (PA) office that they could share? Tenant has been there for 3 months already with no payment...

thank you for any advice!

I believe the law in PA requires you to either return their deposit or detail how it was applied within 30 days.  My lease states that i can apply deposit to unpaid rent if needed.  I would definately send letter detailing how security was applied and request payment if the security does not cover damages plus rent for required notice period.  Tenant can sue for either 2 or 3 times (i cant remember which it is, but easy enough to avoid) deposit if you do not.

I keep a cheap receipt book in the truck if someone gives me cash for something like a deposit.  I ask tenants to mail check or money orders to my po box for rent payments so usually don't need receipt....they can access endorsed check through their bank.

I dont want to run around picking up cash both for convenience and safety...congrats on your rental!

Unfortunately  i had to miss the meeting too, please let me know when the ext meeting will be held.  Always great to meet real estate people around pittsburgh.

If you want to help them, why not offer to just let them let them send person to you to apply and be approved by you.  If the person passes your screening you could terminate their lease and write a new lease at whatever term you need with the new person.  This way would you could do inspections in between and minimize headaches.

Don't be surprised if the summer student doesn't want to move out in the fall though.....that would be the chance your current tenants would be taking vs letting them secure your place at no cost at your risk.

i didn't catch that they were post dated checks....doesn't really leave you any choice but to move forward with eviction.   

if i had been taking checks from them all along i would cash the checks without delay.  If they are tight on cash the money might not be there if you wait. 

If the checks do bounce, follow through with the eviction, unless they give money orders for all due including nsf fees.

If you post a notice to quit they will probably leave, especially if they already have another place lined up.  I would try that first, even if your lease waives the notice.  You can still follow up through with the courts if you think you will be able to collect.