All Forum Posts by: James R.

I do the credit and background check in the order that the applicants applied.  If he/she does not qualify, I let them know and mail to them the credit score/report, so that they can use it for the next place that they apply (seems like the right and fair thing to do).  That way they are not hurting their credit with multiple checks.

Any applicant who has paid the fee and I do not get to them, because I have found a qualified applicant, I mail to them their application fee, since I did nothing to earn it.  Again, it seems like the right thing to do.  I have mailed many application fees back to applicants for this reason.  

In your case, since the applicant is asking for it back, if it were me, I would mail it to them, so that they can use it to find another place.  

Welcome to BP David! 

Squirrels that have been in your house are going to try to get back in because they know already that it's nice in there, plus they may have babies in there and need to get back in.  That is why they need to be trapped at the entry points and re-located.  

Once the entry points are sealed, no new squirrels will be able to get in and find out just how cozy it is inside your house.  

Joy, welcome to BP!

Your situation sounds great!  Nothing wrong with a simple existence and time to enjoy the things that you like to do, like painting and gardening!

Sounds like a very smart way to retire!

Be aware that installing low-flow toilets can lead to more clogged toilets.  

The comment about "running a laundromat" may be the answer.  I had a tenant doing this.  Sort of like stealing from me to pay his rent.  

I would contact the tenants and tell them that you have noticed a substantial increase in water usage and that you are going to do a walk-through of the units to check for leaks as well as check the water heaters for leaks.  

This is why I like to pay for water.  It tells me what is going on at my units.  For example, normal usage is 5 cubic feet per quarter per person.  Anything over that indicates to me that there is a leak, an extra person has moved in, or someone is running a laundromat out of my property.  I let my tenants know that this is how I measure usage and it is written in the lease that any water usage exceeding 5 cubic feet per person, will be billed to the tenant.  

One time a tenant didn't even have the smarts to put the futon away that the extra person was sleeping on when I came over to look for leaks.  When questioned about another person living there, sure enough, they had a long-term "guest" living with them.  

Aref, I'm sorry, but you waited way too long to address this, if it has been going on since 2013.  You should have handled this the first quarter that you noticed an increase.  The good thing though is that you are addressing it now.  Excess water usage = your tenants stealing from you, in my opinion.  

Wow!  Anya, these critters sound like the squirrels from he**!

Luckily, my problem was solved on the first try, by trimming nearby trees, TRAPPING the critters and re-locating them far, far away and blocking the points of entry.  

Your pest control professional should know that once these critters are trapped, they need to be taken at least 10 miles away!  

I told my tenants to take down the bird feeder in the yard, which was really just feeding the squirrels.  No problems since then.  Problem solved!  

These critters need to be re-located!!!

Thanks to everyone who responded!  You have been very helpful!  

I just received an email from a female tenant telling me that she and her boyfriend have split.  She moved out yesterday and wants to be removed from the lease.  I haven't had this happen in 10+ years of being a landlord.  How best to handle? 

Brandon, be sure to have the tenant walk through and inspect every area that he/she will have access to, including the basement, attic, garage, deck areas etc.  People often only think in terms of the apartment proper, but if they are going to access these other areas, they should be inspected as well.  

One time I didn't inspect the attic and found an unwelcome surprise left behind by the previous tenant.  Same goes when they check out.  Document everything.  It makes it so much easier.  I give tenants 3 days after they move in to report anything that they find that was missing on the Check-In Inspection Report.

Hope this helps and best wishes.

Hello Fellow BPers: 

I am interested in hearing from others who have bought properties off of websites like:  hudhomestore.com and auction.com

Thanks in advance for your responses.