All Forum Posts by: Robert Melcher

Don't take on other people's problems.  I have secured my place in hell for evicting cancer patients, unwed un-employed abandoned mothers of six and it doesn't get easier. Cut them off.

@Account Closed pretty much the same here in Texas: respond in 72 hours or less, repair in a "reasonable time" which of course varies on parts and season.  AC is not considered an emergency according to TX property code, and in any event, the landlord is only responsible for the daily value of the rent if you decide to be a nice guy.

@Thomas S. is right on. Any difference in treatment from tenant to tenant might be considered a fair housing violation. For Texas, late fees can't start until rent is one full day late after due date.

So, we do due on the 1st, quit notice (it must be an absolute demand for the property, not pay or quit) on the 2nd, and late fees start on the 3rd.

hamsters normal live in a terrarium or run around the house in an excercise ball.  Never had a problem with one.

I often do.  It shows prospects that we are committed to maintaining the property and they can see the effort underway.

Immediately on the 2nd. For me, managing other people's properties, it is my responsibility to minimize the time the property is occupied without rent.  Posting notice on the 2nd means we can file on the 5th or 6th and have court by the 20 th or so.

Lying on the application is immediate grounds for removal from consideration. If they haven't applied and something comes up on a web search, I will ask for an explanation before I go any further. Web searches have a lot of opportunity for inaccuracy.

I can't speak to Florida, but in Texas, the landlord is responsible for timely response and necessary repairs.  If the house is uninhabitable (not having a tub wouldn't qualify) the landlord's obligation is only for the daily value of the lease.

Items that would be considered necessary would be hot water (24 hours), gas leaks, wastewater backups/leaks. Kick rocks.....

Things to consider: separate plumbing/access/metering, or shared facilities in the home?

These are two very different prospects, and the idea of a "roommate" versus "tenant" raises many additional questions for the client.

Zoning will determine if separate self-contained dwellings can be placed, pr if an existing stand-alone garage can be converted to this use.. Many communities (especially with HOA) will have restrictions and require approvals.

Oh, sorry: we are in San Antonio (me) and Houston also.