Forum: Landlord
September 24, 2008
Tenant Lease (non-renewal)
Hi -- I have a three unit bldg and wish not to renew to one of my tenants (their lease is up in 90 days). In the 'New York Landlord Guide' I read this is well within my right as the building owner, however, I expect some drama from said tenant once I deliver the news.
Has anyone else been through a similar situation?
I plan on delivering a letter stating I'm electing not to renew their lease to them.
Thanks.
September 13, 2008
Tenant has a washing machine.
I just found out that my tenant who just moved in July has a washing machine in her apartment. I don't think I specified no washing machines on her lease. What should I do. I did not say anything to her and her lease there is 10mths left on her lease.
August 10, 2008
Extermination Advise
Hello all,
I am a new property owner that purchased a completely renovated building in the earlier part of this year. The renovation was completed over a year an a half ago and the building was vacant for 8 months (that we know of).
A few months after we moved in, we rented out the top floor to some roommates who had little to no furniture.
About two months ago, the roommates informed us casually (because we were tripping over the debris) that he had a friend that was moving out of state and sold them all of his furniture for a bargain basement price.
Two days ago, the tenant knocked on our door to inform us that he has rodents (mice & odd-looking bugs). He also inquired about the state of our apartment (i.e. weather or not we had noticed bugs). When we told him that this was the first time we were hearing about it, he proceeded to rationalize that the bugs might have come from the neighbors next door because their have a lower socio-econonomic status (yes, that was a direct quote).
My husband was so angered that the tenant used every possible explanation (including blaming the people next door) rather than look at his actions (trekking in used goods). We have already decided that we will pay for the exterminator to circumvent the spread of bugs/mice to the tenant on the second floor (who just moved in) and our apartment because the building is our investment and we cannot expect a tenant to assume responsibility for something they have no real interest.
My question is who is responsible for this? The building was completely new and there was no possible way that there were bugs prior to the tenant moving in. The tenants are the first occupants of their apartments. We do not have a “rodent clause” in our lease, but there is a “maintenance clause” that states that the tenant will maintain the apartment in good and sanitary condition. We do not want to end up in a situation where “we” pay for the exterminator and indirectly admit any fault as a result (I have seen some crazy things on court television shows). Any advice is welcomed.
July 16, 2008
HPD Self Certified Violations
HPD is offering a chance for me to self certify past vilations from previous owner at no cost ( how generous). one of the old violations claims that I must post a sign in the hallway ( foyer) with owner information and boiler info/access. I have seen these in other buildings. Does anyone know where I can obtain these blank forms?? ( I checked HPD and DOB website but found nothing). Thanks in advance.
July 2, 2008
Landlord Question: Heat / Hot Water Opinion
We are in the process of a gut renovation of a brownstone building. We are creating two or three apartments. We want to be responsible and efficient and are looking to install high efficiency boilers in each apartment. Therefor the tenant will be responsible for their own heat and hot water usage and bill.
Has anybody done this and felt it was really worth the investment to savings ratio? IE: We don't pay the heat and hot water but we have slightly more up front costs and better efficiency and control for our tenants.
Or do you suggest one centrally zoned unit and we continue to pay??
Thoughts?
June 30, 2008
Security Deposits
Hi,
I'm a landlord and my tenants are moving out tomorrow, new tenants moving in at the end of this week - here's my issue:
the current tenants(lived there about 4 years) really didn't take very good care of the place. Aside from the wood floors looking a mess - there are plenty of holes and scratches in the walls which we are patching up. We painted their living room last year, but after assessing the place this past weekend -we realized we have to paint the entire Apt again! we have to hire professional cleaners to clean the place because they left it in really bad shape and hire carpet cleaners as well (they had pets). Anyway - Can I use their security deposit for any of this damage?
June 28, 2008
Buyers for used refrigeration equip/shelves?
Looking to unload refrigeration equip & shelving left behind by former grocery store tenant ASAP. Anyone interested or know of people who are? Thanks
June 17, 2008
security deposit
Does anyone know if a landlord can charge a late fee six years later? Our old landlord (who we used to get along with quite well) has decided to only pay a small percentage of our security deposit citing late rent payments 6 years ago. is there a statue of limitations on that sort of thing?
June 12, 2008
Tenants Have a Cat!!!
When I advertised my apartment on Craig's list I was very clear that pets were not allow. I've discovered yesterday that one of my tenants has a cat. I was in my backyard and saw the cat on the window sill. I don't want to seem anal, but a rule is a rule. They signed the rider and agreed to it, so they're actually breeching a contract. How should I handle the situation without any animosity?
June 3, 2008
Can anyone recommend cleaners to clean out a rental unit?
SO, I tried looking back in the topics and couldn't find much. our tenants are leaving on June 30th and the prospective tenants are looking to move in the first week of July which is REALLY convenient - giving us a few days to really clean up the place and do some repairs.
Can anyone recommend a 2-3 person team who will totally clean from top to bottom? Am I looking to spend $400 for a service like this?
Thanks in advance!