All Forum Posts by: Robert Edwards

I don't know that you need to tell them of increases / changing in the lease right off the bat. I would wait until closer to the renewal date (2-3 months before if you want to be nice, but you don't have to...just so they can start looking if needed). But I would talk to them right away, and let them know that you aren't going to be kicking them out. Many tenants don't know that the lease follows the property, so they might be worried you will evict them, and not understand their lease is in fact still valid. Just give them the peace of mind that their housing is still stable.

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It seems like a pretty common practice to put a property that isn't your primary residence into an LLC, even if its the only investment property you own. So I wouldn't necessarily assume it's a big time investor. I would say run the numbers yourself, and see if it makes sense. If the numbers are good, it doesn't matter if its an investor.

I agree with Jennifer Williams. Adding lighting can be really helpful, especially motion activated. 

My opinion is no. You want to keep a paper trail, and you can't do that with cash. They should be able to cash whatever check you give them at Walmart, or a place similar.

You should be able to include the attorney fees in the settlement. So they would now owe $23,500. Most attorneys have a free consultation - so I would at least do that. A good attorney will tell you right away if they think you will win or not.

Also, I'm not sure the rules of your State. Here in Montana, if you are an LLC you cannot represent yourself. So if there's a business structure in place, look at your state laws.