All Forum Posts by: Jason Boulay

A very inspiring story! @Andrew Ashby  I'm looking forward to hearing of many more future successes!

@Jerilin Buzzetta The exact scenario is a bit unclear.  Are there tenants that are authorized to live in the premises that have a lease in place or is this a vacant unit that has destructive squatters?  I don't know the terms of your lease, but I'll assume you have some basic protections in place.

With the former scenario, there are a couple different routes to take.  If the authorized tenants have guests that are residing in the unit without permission, it may be a matter of noncompliance for breach of lease.  Asking for a utility bill in the unauthorized guest's name would typically resolve the issue if they are able to produce documentation of a primary residence elsewhere.  A safer bet may be to send a noncompliance for the condition of the apartment after completing an inspection or a noncompliance for both.

After sending a noncompliance letter, the authorized tenant has 20 days to rectify the non-compliant behavior.  If it is not resolved within the period, then you can file a formal compliant with the court for an eviction hearing. The tenant has an additional 20 days to respond to the compliant.  You would be looking at about 30+ days out before you would step foot in court after you file the formal compliant.  Obviously, a lot more destruction may take place during that period.

With the latter option, I personally haven't come across a scenario like that.  It may be something that could be resolved from a police standpoint.  That may get a bit tricky with a vacant unit as the police will likely want to be careful not to unlawfully remove someone from a dwelling that they may have rights to without court involvement.

I want to also state that I'm not an attorney and are simply giving my thoughts based on my experiences as a property manager.

What city/town or part of the state that the work is going to be done?  I may have a plumber and/or electrician depending on the location.

@Colleen F. You seem to be really hung up on the illegal comment by the prospective tenants.  Just to play devil's advocate here...  In RI a security deposit cannot exceed one month's rent.  The prospective tenants may have mistaken you asking for first, last, and a security deposit as first month and a security deposit equal to two month's rent.  In that case it would be illegal.

As far as I know, there aren't restrictions on the amount of "prepaid rent" you can ask for at move in.   I've only dealt with first month and security deposit, but have heard of other's requiring last month also as "prepaid rent."  I wouldn't move on from them solely because of their illegal comment.

If you've completed proper screenings (previous landlords references, verified income, credit check, etc.), you can offer them to move in on the 8th.  Charge them the monthly rent on a prorated basis and require the initial move in amount to be in the form of a money order or cashier's check (no personal checks).

As stated here by others, it may be a very good indication as to what's to come.  The loss in vacancy may be well worth finding a good, qualified tenant.

I'm not familiar with Wisconsin landlord-tenant laws.  I have a written policy that is signed with the application that assesses a fee for cancelling their application.

Earlier this year, I took my pre-license course and passed the Rhode Island salesperson exam back in May.  I have been dragging my feet since then to find a broker.  I don't know any real estate agents that could refer me to their broker.

I've worked in property management for nearly 7 years managing about 380 units and have always been interested in real estate.  My short term goal is to flip houses, so I would like to have my real estate license.  Longer term, I would like to have rental properties.  I would like to start the clock on the two year requirement to get my broker's license.  During those two years, I would be looking to sell real estate on more of a part time basis (for now).

Can anyone give me any advice on selecting a broker or refer me to one that would align with my goals?  Since I'm new, I wouldn't mind a broker that offers training classes or pairs you with an experienced agent as a mentor.

How long have they been in the unit?  If they have had some time to settle in and it is in the condition that you're describing definitely begin to address it. Start by calling them and letting them know you are concerned for their health and safety based on the condition.  As a result, you will be doing an inspection of the unit.  I would try to keep the tone friendly at the onset.  Send something in writing so you can reference it later, if needed. 

After doing the inspection if it still in a similar state, send them a letter describing somewhat specifically as to what you're looking for them to do.  For example, reduce the number of boxes and clutter in the living room and bedroom, etc. rather than using something more general like reduce the fire risk.  Also offer that you can provide some referrals for assistance upon request.  You can look up a couple storage facilitates in the area and also some professional organizers that may be of assistance to compete the process.  Schedule the follow up a couple weeks later in the letter.

If no attempt was made, you can give them another attempt or send a notice of noncompliance. 

@Marc Carlson @Stephen Torti Sorry for not getting back to you in time.  I'll be at the RI Real Estate Investors Group meeting for the first time tonight in Warwick.  Hope to see you guys there.

Thanks @Tim Davisfor the welcome and information.  @Marc Carlson & @Stephen Torti - thanks for the welcome.  I'm not entirely opposed to meeting up to get a bit more information and different viewpoints on things.

My name is Jason and I'm new to BiggerPockets.  I'm 28 years old from Warwick, RI and have been looking to get into real estate investing for some time now.  I've decided I'm now ready to take the plunge.  I've been working for a property management company for the last 7 years.  I am a property manager and manage 380 market rent units over 3 different apartment complexes.  I am also nearing the end of the process to get my real estate salesperson license.

Working in property management has encouraged my passion for real estate with a desire to flip houses and own investment properties further down the road.  This year my main goal is to flip a house.  I've stumbled across BiggerPockets while doing some research on flipping homes.  I hope to be active on BiggerPockets and use it as a resource during my journey.