Landlords * Should NOT get sucked into Tenant's "Moving Drama"
Having just sent out 40+ rental renewal/increase notices during the last week, I am reminded that with rental increases come resident move-outs which causes resident-move ins.....
Moving is VERY STRESSFUL and some new residents want to BLAME someone for all of the stress and hard work when stuff happens and it often comes back to the "nearest warm body" which is usually the landlord....certainly not their spouse, pet, parents or friends who helped them move.
Of my last 5 move-ins, 1 has gone PERFECTLY and I suspect it is because they have not fully moved into the home.
....One couple failed to return their property move in inspection report within the 5 days per the lease terms and 3 weeks after move in reported spiders in the garage and MOLD in the master bath shower....I explained in numerous e-mails NOT to leave their garage door open AND that there was no MOLD at the property (they signed a lease so stating this), and that the problem was mildew as the shower enclosure needed to have ventilation after use to evaporate the excess moisture. When this couple did return the move in inspection - 25 days late, I wrote them and acknowledged receipt; however, my condition report, photos and their lease would govern condition at their move-out.
....Another couple also failed to return their property move-in inspection report as stipulated and reported that the washer drain line was broken and the washer flooded the laundry area....since this was a newly purchased home with a home inspection less than 30 days old, I suspected that there was a "bubble" in the main drain line or that the incorrect washer setting was used. I advised the residents that I would send a drain service to clear the line; however, if the service found no "break" or obstruction, I would charge them per their lease....I did not hear from them again.
Unfortunately, this list will get longer as more and rental residents for single family homes are coming from the "homeowner" section of society and their only experience with landlords is in the distant past in a multi-unit building where the landlord/on-site manager does EVERYTHING....
Knowing HOW and WHEN to JUST SAY "no" ....is often easier SAID than DONE.
