I HATE having a rental property- vent

[JessB320]

So I've had a rough couple days and need to blow off a little steam, and my DH has had to take the brunt of it lol. We own a house that we rent out. We never planned to own a rental but that's how it worked out. Until the housing market here improves we have a rental. We have had great renters and so-so renters. Well currently we have really really not good renters. It sucks. They are behind on rent, and own their own business. I found out several things yesterday 1) they are being evicted from their business location, the eviction has already been served by the sheriff. 2) the wife of the couple has been posting all kinds of pleas for help on craigslist posing as a single mom in some, a person with health disabilities in others, etc. 3) in addition to asking for money and a car in these different posts she is actively seeking other housing. 4) they have pets in the rental when its a no pet rental and an adult roommate who is not on the lease. It has become clear to me that we are just another scam to her/them (not sure how much the husband is involved or knows what she's posting) and she has no plans to catch up on the rent. The whole thing stinks. The eviction process looks likes it's going to be a pain and of course we have to pay all kinds of fees to the courts for the different filings required, or hire a lawyer. I'm just mad at myself for giving them a chance (their application turned up several red flags) and I'm mad they lied to my face. Also it's so close to Christmas I feel like such a grinch starting this process now, but if we don't it will cost us at least another months rent and that much more time to get them out. Ugh, has anyone else dealt with this? Anyway to make it the eviction process easier?

[sookie]

That's awful. anyway to sell it for a loss?

[JessB320]

Funny I told DH today I was at the point I'm willing to do that. I think we are going to have a friend who is a realtor do a market analysis and see how big of a hit we are likely to take.

[CaliBear]

I have a rental and it's very hard. However, I'm not interested in selling in this market. We had to file an unlawful detainer once. We hired a lawyer, let her handle it, and the tenants moved out on their own before it could go to court since they certainly would have lost. If you have a strong case for the laws in your area, a lawyer is really not that expensive compared to the loss of rent and the headache. and if they leave as a result, you can try again with the next tenant.

[FLLDYTRKR]

This is why you HAVE TO collect that first, last and secuirty money up front before they move in. Make it clear you will be there on the door step once they are late with the rent.

I would call her out on CL postings--at least flag her so others don't fall for her scam. Also speak to the husband maybe he does not know what is going on...what do you have to lose.

Document with a camera any damages they do to the home...

All else fails call Judge Judy...

[Albort]

Its honestly varies by luck... my dad rents out a few houses that i help manage. Helped my uncle manage his as well...

one of the property i oversee is close to 2 months late but he still pays... i think he is planning on moving out soon...
my uncles property, the tenant has been there for 15 years... never late... just recently moved... but wow, 15 years...

[dakcp2001]

Ok, been there done that. Ended up selling the house for a loss and washing my hands of the whole thing. You learned a valuable lesson. Pay attention to red flags. Start eviction immediately. Know that they will steal and damage as much as they can on the way out. You NEED to then file a suit in small çlaims and get a judgement against them. You will never see a dime, but the paper trail will help future people like yourself who will see it and know to run from these people. You may get something, you may not, but don't let these people walk all over you another step.



Did you get a security deposit? Let this be your one time getting duped. It s an expensive lesson. My deadbeat tenants stole the freaking stove on the way out. I had them arrested and I sued them.

[mnrose]

A year ago, we had three rental homes (all single family homes). One we sold in March this year...we had a horrid tenant, spent 11K fixing it up to sell, and somehow (we got it for a GREAT deal), sold it for about $40 K more than we bought it for (so it worked out, but what heartburn).

The second we also had horrid tenants who moved in November of 2011, and we had to spend a mere $3K to fix that one up (sigh). BUT, we turned that house over to a management company, and they found AMAZING tenants. Just wonderful. So far, they have paid on time, and in full, every single month. They even have the rent auto deducted. Sure, the management company costs me a small amount each month, but for quality tenants, it is completely worth it. The home looks even better than when they moved in!

The third one, we rent to my MIL...and she is no problem.

My best advice is to get a management company if you don't have one already. And, if you do, get a new one...these people did you no favors.

Good luck...I know your pain. It nearly brought DH and I to divorce...it was so stressful a year ago at this time.

[Tuffcookie]

OP, Your story is why, when my mom passed away and we couldn't sell right away, we allowed it to set empty. I am well aware of the headaches of renting.

I also work for a local police dept, on the civilian side. I do background checks for landlords on potential renters. Check with the police dept in your city and see if they can do that for you. It could save you (and the neighbors of your rental) alot of headaches. There is nothing worse than living next to a rental and the landlord doesn't take the time to check the background of who he/she is renting to.

TC

[kaytieeldr]

The eviction process looks likes it's going to be a pain and of course we have to pay all kinds of fees to the courts for the different filings required, or hire a lawyer. I'm just mad at myself for giving them a chance (their application turned up several red flags) and I'm mad they lied to my face. Also it's so close to Christmas I feel like such a grinch starting this process now, but if we don't it will cost us at least another months rent and that much more time to get them out. Ugh, has anyone else dealt with this? Anyway to make it the eviction process easier?

I'm a renter (aportent complex, not someone's house) and I bet my answer is going to surprise you.

Start the eviction process. Yes, it costs - but according to the rental manager here, it takes a long time. The sooner you start, the sooner they'll be out - if they don't just move on their own.

Forget that it's Christmas. They likely won't be out by then, anyway.

[Carl]

I don't know where you live, but in Houston I can get them out in about a month. First, the 3 day notice, then eviction court, and last, the actual eviction. Of course, if it is the typical situation they will do as much damage as possible to the house, because "You deserve it!"

[Janepod]

Originally Posted by kaytieeldr

I'm a renter (aportent complex, not someone's house) and I bet my answer is going to surprise you.

Start the eviction process. Yes, it costs - but according to the rental manager here, it takes a long time. The sooner you start, the sooner they'll be out - if they don't just move on their own.

Forget that it's Christmas. They likely won't be out by then, anyway.

I agree. The process will take a few months. This is the right thing to do.

These people are liars, deadbeats, frauds, con artists ... don't give them a shred of sympathy. Protect yourself and your family.

I am sorry you have to deal with this at this time of year.

[eliza61]

Originally Posted by JessB320

So I've had a rough couple days and need to blow off a little steam, and my DH has had to take the brunt of it lol. We own a house that we rent out. We never planned to own a rental but that's how it worked out. Until the housing market here improves we have a rental. We have had great renters and so-so renters. Well currently we have really really not good renters. It sucks. They are behind on rent, and own their own business. I found out several things yesterday 1) they are being evicted from their business location, the eviction has already been served by the sheriff. 2) the wife of the couple has been posting all kinds of pleas for help on craigslist posing as a single mom in some, a person with health disabilities in . Ugh, has anyone else dealt with this? Anyway to make it the eviction process easier?

Yes, Drinking!!

Sorry, being a landlord is very frustrating at times. You said it best, some times you get great renters (and I've done things that could be considered illegal in some bible states to keep them) some so-so renters and some down right pathetic renters (again I've done some questionable things to get rid of them. ).

Just keep telling yourself... "this too will pass"

Unfortunately you must look after your own financial well being. start the eviction process.

Also if you decide to keep the property as a rental, as Mnrose said, consider a management company. when I inherited some property out of state, the company was a godsend. well worth the fee.

[luvmarypoppins]

Been there and done that and we still have 2 rental houses which we cant get rid of in this economy.

Know the laws of your state. Our rentals are in the next state, we inherited dh dads and grandmas house. Our lawyer told us NJ is not a friend of out of state landlords.

Our lawyers advice was to actually pay the tenants to get out. It made us sick to do it but they are gone. They moved to FL and that didnt work out and the wife had the nerve to write us a letter asking if they could move back etc.

Our other tenant still does not pay the rent on time. We are putting up with him though. He also didnt pay the water bill and we got a letter that they put a lien on the house. Now I always check to make sure its paid with the company, not trusting him etc.

Its no fun being a landlord. Especially when you have your own life and problems to deal with etc. I know some people see it as an investment but there are other better ways to invest your money etc.

Wishing you all the best.

As another poster said, sometimes its better to leave it empty if you can cover the costs if there is no mortgage etc. You can write a lot of that off on your taxes etc. See what your insurance company rules are.

[BearcatsFan]

Originally Posted by Tuffcookie

OP, Your story is why, when my mom passed away and we couldn't sell right away, we allowed it to set empty. I am well aware of the headaches of renting.

I also work for a local police dept, on the civilian side. I do background checks for landlords on potential renters. Check with the police dept in your city and see if they can do that for you. It could save you (and the neighbors of your rental) alot of headaches. There is nothing worse than living next to a rental and the landlord doesn't take the time to check the background of who he/she is renting to.
TC

I completely agree. We are living next door to hoarders at the moment who rent. The homeowner comes every month on the first of the month to get their money, so they're well aware of the situation, but since they're getting paid they choose to do nothing about it.

So sorry you are going through this, OP. I probably would go ahead and start the eviction process as well. If they're already online looking for housing, perhaps that will speed up the process for them since they'll know you definitely want them out.