All Forum Posts by: Ted Trost

The alarm system should be on that tenant's unit only, and not on any common areas/entrances.

Hi. 

I've seen many landlords here state that they do not allow smoking in their buildings, and that they prohibit that in their leases.  If you are willing to evict for this type of lease violation (smoking in the apartment), what evidence of smoking can you take to court?

A used ashtray can be explained as "I smoke outside, but I bring the ashtray back in when not smoking so that there isn't a mess outside." And we all know how cigarette smoke clings to everything, including the smoker, so certainly the apartment's smell is not evidence of smoking.

I don't want my tenants smoking in my building, but I'm not sure that such a restriction is enforceable.

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There is some incorrect information above. Landlords can indeed restrict the installation of satellite dishes to areas that are controlled by the tenant (such as the balcony) and can prohibit installations in areas not under control of the tenant (roof, exterior walls), and can prohibit drilling holes in exterior walls.

From the FCC: "The rule applies to individuals who place antennas that meet size limitations on property that they own or rent and that is within their exclusive use or control, including condominium owners and cooperative owners, and tenants who have an area where they have exclusive use, such as a balcony or patio, in which to install the antenna."

Link to FCC Site

I would tell tenants to contact me prior to installing satellite dishes to determine if there is a low-impact way of getting them what they need and that unapproved modifications to the roof, exterior walls, etc will be considered damage for which they must pay.

 How, exactly, does one "manage the property in such a way as to insure you know they are being paid"?

I can't be in the business of checking each tenant's account at each utility.

Is there some other way?