I have some tenants that brought in bed bugs with a used box spring. I know that they brought them into the unit as there are no bed bugs in the other four units. I called my lawyer and he said to write a letter saying that they cannot bring used furniture unless it was cleaned. I wrote the letter to the tenants and put it on thier door. they called me and said they were going to move out. i told them they can but they will have to pay for the rest of the leases rent. what do I do?
Sorry for being so long!
2007-06-22 08:40:12 · 5 answers · asked by Hey Love...♥ 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You also need to charge them for fumigating the Unit, or have them pay for it to be done, before they move out.
I hope you don't have too many problems with them, as some people just love to give their landlords a really hard time before they move.
God Bless You
2007-06-22 08:48:57 · answer #1 · answered by Brilliant 1forHIM 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Credit reports have NOTHING to do with damages, only with how promptly the tenants paid their rent, so that's a big myth, that a lot of landlords think will solve the problems! Having been both a tenant and landlord...I will say there are good and bad people on BOTH sides of this fence! These tenants may not have even KNOWN they were bringing in bugs! Also, did you check w/your other tenants to see if they brought in cockroaches w/their kitchen stuff? That is MUCH more common!
The most you can do, if it wasn't specified before (in the lease or otherwise...IN WRITING) , is learn your lesson, evict them LEGALLY and in the future, put a clause in the lease making THEM responsible for repairs, fumigation and so on.
Make the security deposit substantial enough to cover this stuff AND insist that they give it to you BEFORE moving in...not piecemeal, as many tenants want to do.
Also...don't delay in refunding their deposit, unless you can PROVE they don't deserve to get it back..otherwise, in most states, you lose the deposit AND possibly (if they sue) THREE TIMES that amount in damages!
Yes, it stinks, but just be careful! CALL FORMER LANDLORDS...don't just rely on a credit check! You're not Mastercard, after all! You need much more information.
2007-06-22 10:21:44 · answer #2 · answered by Gwynneth Of Olwen 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You are correct about the lease. Not so sure your attorney is right about bringing in the furniture. There is a burden of proof needed even though you are sure. Getting rid of the bugs may or may not be covered by the security deposit (if any).
2007-06-22 08:47:40 · answer #3 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Let them go, you are better off with out them. You will most likly have trouble getting the money for the rest of the lease. But you can put that on their credit report.
If I was in your shoes I would get rid off them fast. Before they spread their bed bugs to the other units.
Maybe offer them a compromise. They move out right away and pay some of the money and you do not put it on their credit. I think that would work out best for both of you.
2007-06-22 08:51:22 · answer #4 · answered by spunky monkey 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
talk to the lawyer to see if it's worth taking them to court. use their deposit to pay the pest control man and keep the bill (for court).
2007-06-22 08:47:19 · answer #5 · answered by Psalm91 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋