All Forum Posts by: Susan H.

Hello friends!

Thought I'd check in and see what the landlords of the world like to offer in order for their tenants to pay rent? I only have one SFH rental right now, but want to get into more when the deal makes sense. We are super-old skool, and are accepting personal checks (I know!) from our current renter in the mail, which we then deposit with the ole take-a-pic-of-the-check method. I want to offer our tenant an electronic method that doesn't cost too terribly much or is free. Do folks use Dwolla or Paypal?

The new tenants moved in 2 months ago. Two weeks later they complained the microwave was not working, so we replaced a new one. Then by end of first month they said there were problems with clothes washer, refrigerator and garage door. In the meantime, the tenants sent us emails and messages requesting new replacements otherwise would withhold rent to escrow account. But we just got professionals to fix them. At the end of 2 months, they told us the clothes dryer is having noise and being too hot. We are going to hire a vent cleaning company to clean the vent because we think the dryer being too hot should be vent clogging.

My question is can we just leave the dryer as is since it is running and the only problem seems to be just the noise? The tenants told us the dryer sometimes would not dry but I highly doubt it because I think she just want to get a new dryer. FYI, all the appliances were working before they moved in, it is not very likely that so many would break after such a short time.

My question is if we do so, is there any risk for us? As far as I understand, the tenants can only open escrow account from court when landlords ignore the fixing issue for so long. And is a dryer considered as a critical appliance that has to be fixed? Having some noise is something that has to be fixed or not?

Thank you very much for any suggestions.

I'm stationed overseas and this tenant from hell stop paying her rent over 7 months ago. This rental is in California. Any advice?

i have a couple that is interested in renting, but there seems to be a lot of questions marks, both criminal background checks came listed as in review, he just started a new job 2 months ago, she does not work, and the landlord of the last place they rented sold his home and moved out of the country so he cannot be reached to ask him any questions. What should i do?

@Colleen F. I try not to take things personal. I am here to learn. I asked a few more questions and will try to figure out her situation a little bit better. If she is really trying to con me, then all the questions might scare her off. I am also considering other tenants so if there is someone else that I think will be better I will definitely go with them. 

I got there a bit after 12 today , about half the house was empty . grass is still tall . She wants me to do the walk thru with people moving her stuff out .  I tell her she is not ready the house is not empty or cleaned .  She gets upset and tells me she will have to do the cleaning next week when she is off . " No , your lease is up today , You will have to wait the legal 45 days for your deposit , AND i see you painted some walls , someones crayon art work is all over the door , all the screens are missing , the grass wasnt cut , you wont be getting the full deposit back "   She then tells me that she will get most of it back , 2 gallons of paint is $50 , cutting the grass is 30 . and the screens arent her problem . It wont take you that long . You are a contractor .

Well I have some news for you , I have to hire a painter to re paint , a lawn service to mow , and a handyman to replace the screens , and thats just what I see .  yes I am a contractor , and I am busy on jobs . So I will hire someone to do all this . And deduct from the security deposit . 

She is a bit hot now , her boyfriend tells me " we need 3 estimates " 

Sorry , all I have to do is give you is a copy of the invoice 

Why cant you do the work to save me money ?      Me   ,  " I am saving you money , I am more expensive than the guys I am hiring " 

I will be back at  6 pm to get you to sign the final form and to get the keys , If you are not here to hand me the keys and sign the form , I will have to file for eviction .  

Thanks for all the input: 

see the most recent revision below:

@Michael Noto : exploding head comment is on target.  I agree. too detailed. 

@Greg Cooksey: I was careful not to use the word deposit.  Fee does seem excessive on my current good tenant on a renewal however, I do get this in my property in Tennessee Thanks for the input

@Account Closed: I like it. I will use do some research and use the data when incorporating ideas for new leases.  Thanks. 

Here is the revision: Input, critique, and opinions welcome:

PETS

The current lease does not include pets however, if desired, the lease can be amended to include up to two (2) small pets

Pet/Animal policy:

• 1.There will be a $250 non-refundable fee for up to 2(two) small pets.
• 2.An additional monthly $35 charge for each pet (e.g., $35/month for 1 pet, $70/month for 2 pets).
• 3. Pet/Animal must be house broken prior to entering home.
• 4.No aggressive breeds, biters, or dogs with a biting history
• 5.Notification of Pets/Animals in home is required and if present without notification, the Fee and monthly charge are to pre-date back to lease start date.  

This was her response to some of my questions: "My son likes to have a home to come when on Army leave, vacation, family emergencies etc.; also he wants me to live in and take care of the property due to a work a injury that's recently placed me on temporary disability from the federal government.. However, I am financially capable and would pay the monthly rent due each month and utilities. I will be residing at the property. Currently, he's stationed in Colorado Springs, CO. He will only live here when on leave. The current landlord can provide an account of my tenant payment reference." 

From most of the messages I have received here, I will probably reject her offer. 

I just had a potential renter ask me if she could use her son in the application since she is retired. Is letting her son do the application a mistake? Thanks everyone!

Timely manner generally means as soon as possible. When I speak with the tenant I say, "We need to collect the rent and late fee now." and/or "If you don't pay, you can't stay." and/or "This isn't working. We need to talk about a move-out plan." 

I don't define "timely manner" in the document, because what I want to do can vary depending on the situation. For example, if a tenant stays in contact with me, is cooperative, has a good track record, and has a legitimate reason for being late, I may give him a little more time to get the rent and late fee to me before I would post a legal notice and proceed to file for eviction. If the tenant is a stinker, then I will act more swiftly and post the legal notice as soon as I'm legally able to do so. Once I post a legal notice which defines a time-line, I follow through with it. Evictions in my jurisdiction take less than a month if I stick to the legal time-line.