All Forum Posts by: Tiffany Tan

Hello everyone,I could use some advice regarding my situation. 

I have two tenants whose leases are set to end in two days. One of them has just expressed a desire to stay until November 1st and is willing to forfeit the security deposit.Option one is to trust them and allow them to stay the extra two weeks. However, there are potential risks. I don't know if they have any outstanding balances with the electricity and gas companies (as it's an owner-occupied duplex, I can't join the landlord program on either of those utility companies). Additionally, I'm uncertain about the unit's condition, and I might need the security deposit for any necessary repairs.

The second option is to renew the lease and extend it until November 1st, requesting payment for the two additional weeks. This would likely involve reapplying for Certificate of Occupancy. The risk here is that it might complicate the eviction process if needed since I would have accepted partial payment. Furthermore, my mortgage terms only allow for long-term rentals, and I don't want to breach those rules.I would greatly appreciate any insights you can provide on which option might be best. Thank you!

*I am in Philadelphia if that matters...

Thank you all for the helpful input! 

Hi everyone, please help!

I own a duplex, live in one unit, and rent out the unit above mine. My tenants were 12 days late (as of today) for the rent. They used to pay their rent after I reminded them in the past 4 months. This time, however, they told me that they would be late on payment after I reminded them.

In my second reminder, I asked them when exactly could they pay but didn't get an answer. Yesterday, I offered a cash for key (rent free till mid-May, and till mid-May to move out, with full security deposit refunded), but haven't heard back from them.

Another reason (probably the main reason) is because they have been using the washer dryer excessively. Sometimes doing laundry late night like past 11pm.I didn't ask them to reduce the load frequency because I know I have no right to control their lifestyle, and I wasn't experienced enough to add in my lease stating my right to remove the washer if it has been abused.

I don't know what my next step should be, according to the PA law, eviction can be initiated after 10days of late payment, with reminders being sent. But I don't want to go through that tedious steps, which also would ruin their credit. Meantime, I am lost and confused when I get no response even after I offer cash for key option.

Please help!

The amount tripled before the increased rate. This is why this bothers me now more than before

I checked both units and nothing is leaking :( 

**Correction: my water bill tripled actually 

I have a duplex, I live in one of the units and rent out the other one. Both units have washer/dryer, and the water bill is under my name.

My tenants (a couple) are good, they keep my unit nice and clean, not much noise, and they would pay rent after being reminded. But since they move in my water bill is doubled. And during the weekend when I am home, I know that the girl would do at least 6 loads per day, they guy normally does 2 loads on top of that. And I don't know how many loads they do during weekdays when I am not home.

I don't know how to prove if this is an excessive use of washer, but I wonder if it's acceptable to remove the washer or replace the washer to a coin-operated washer (uncommon in Philly) upon lease renewal?

Alternatively, I could share the water bill with them but I am not confident it would work since I need to remind them about the rent each month already

Please help! Thanks!