- Hired a property management company in May 2011 to manage my rental property- Typical management agreement between me and the company, included clauses saying that 1) they would collect a deposit equal to one month's rent, and 2) repairs over $150 needed my approval- They found a tenant (someone who worked at the company, in hindsight this was a red flag)- Settled on a rent of $1300 with a deposit of $1300, this is reflected in a copy of a signed/executed lease agreement that I have in my possession- Tenant took possession July 1, 2011Over the next 5 years, there were a few bumps, but nothing completely egregious, e.g. they tried to make me pay for a carpet cleaning in the middle of the tenancy and I pushed back, they refunded.

If I get a judgment against them I could possibly get possession of that valuable poodle and auction it off at a poodle-lover auction!

If lightning strikes the house it's on you for the house and their renters insurance would replace their possessions.  

In Burlington city NJ a Cetificate of resgistration application needs to be turned in for every tenant turn over. there is a change of occupancy fee that is $100 or $75 if a criminal screening report is turned in.Unfortunately my prospective tenant that has some history. 2 Felonies (Fireworks and coke possession) from 13yrs ago that were dismissed but do not state that in the report. in the past they accepted the CoR application and just scheduled an inspection right away, i don't know if they dug into the tenants background.i know the prospective tenant personally, i know where he works and the people he works for.

In FL you have to give them the choice of taking a chance on you finding another renter right away, or paying a termination fee.If they chose to take a chance on you finding another tenant right away, and you took possession, by accepting the keys and listing the property - then, they don't have to pay July rent.  

To the tenant say, "As you are still in possession of the premises, I will begin eviction proceedings immediately."

App_...Actually, landlords in FL still have the option to sit on their hands and not take possession, and continue to hold the tenant liable.  

Some tenants will stonewall you because of fears they will be forced to leave when a new owner takes possession.

It is pretty hard to do if it's not in your possession.

Don't ask for additional rent, just ask for possession.