Posted by eric-fl on April 13, 2004 at 13:46:56:
This property is not suitable for lease/option. The typical demographic in the area is not capable of understanding the concept. I had a realtor tell me that, in less delicate language; I told him that was nonsense; experience ABUNDANTLY proved him to be correct. L/O is a great strategy, but not a silver bullet. Like any technique, it is not suitable for all situations.
showing rental - what are my rights? - Posted by eric-fl
Posted by eric-fl on April 13, 2004 at 12:19:40:
I have a rental where the tenants first said they WOULD renew, now they’re saying they WON’T. We were supposed to get together this weekend to sign the lease. Oh well, live & learn. They are pains in the arse anyway, so it’s sort of a good riddance kind of a thing. They paid on time, though.
I’d like to try to get this thing rented out immediately so that there is no vacancy. I’m tired of the “one month lag”; why should I pay that? So my question is this: What are my rights, as far as showing the property, while they are still in it? Do I have to give them notice? If so, how much? Is this by state, or statute? Our relationship is a bit “strained” at this point, so I don’t think the “work with them” answer is going to do; things seem to go better with these particular tenants when I tell them what is going to happen. I just need to make sure that whatever that is, is legal.
Re: showing rental - what are my rights? - Posted by RJB(MA)
Posted by RJB(MA) on April 13, 2004 at 13:39:26:
Most leases will give the landlord rights to show the spartment to prospective tenants during the last month of occupancy. Tell them on Friday that you have an ad in the Sunday paper and will be showing their unit between 12 and 4 and on Monday between 5 and 8. Go on to explain that if at all possible you will limit showing to these times for their convenience and that you will try to let them know in advance for other showing. Be confident…respect their right to privacy, but don’t give up your right to show the unit. I almost never have trouble with even the worst tenants using this approach. I rarely miss even one day of rent. Most tenants understand that you have to show the unit and appreciate the “heads up”.
If they play hardball and refuse to let you in, tell them that you’re running the ad anyway and they will be on the hook for any vacancy that occurs because of their refusal to let you in. Be firm…they either cooperate or pay for the unit even after they leave. Use the courts if you have to…you will win.
Good example of… - Posted by randyOH
Posted by randyOH on April 13, 2004 at 13:37:37:
…the kind of landlord problems that are eliminted (or at least minimized) by doing lease/options. Unless, of course, this is an apartment. If it is, that is the reason I don’t buy multifamily properties. Too many tenant problems.
Re: showing rental - what are my rights? - Posted by Barry (FL)
Posted by Barry (FL) on April 13, 2004 at 12:52:10:
Check the statutes:
I believe you need to give them 24 hours notice.
Hope This Helps,
Barry (FL)
Re: showing rental - what are my rights? - Posted by eric-fl
Posted by eric-fl on April 13, 2004 at 13:50:28:
Wow, that is very good advice, thanks. With these particular tenants, playing “hardball” will not be a problem for me, if it comes to that. We have been MORE than fair with them, going above & beyond our legal requirements on numerous occasions, and can document that. If it comes down to it, I won’t even hesistate to have my atty. send them a letter to the effect of them being responsible for the vacancy. I like that idea, it goes in the “toolbox” from now on, for whenever I may need it. Thanks again for the heads up.