My tenant was apparently supposed to be screened and approved for my condo but I did not know this! However on the day that she was moving in she was approached by the vice president of the association and his wife (who was alerted by one of the neighbors) with a very negative attitude with regards to this! I have had someone else rent the place and this was NEVER a problem. My current tenant is very upset about the whole situation especially the extensive screening (bank records, written references, interview etc.) that she has to do in order to remain in the unit. I have apologized but it doesn't seem sufficient. My tenant expressed to me that she feels very uncomfortable with the whole situation! Should I give her a discount on 1 month's rent or something else? What do you suggest?
2007-09-05 09:38:10 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Renting & Real Estate
First read over your by-laws for the HOA and see exactly what the process is - notification process and approval requirements. Did the association follow the order and notification process correctly. If not, call them on it. As the owner you need to be in the know on what your unit will require of a tenant in the future.
As for the current one, ASK her what she feels would make amends? I would certainly apologize for not informing her ahead of time. Also, it could be due to a change in policy or president (I have seen that happen before). Then offer a discount on a months rent etc.
2007-09-05 09:51:25 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I would contact a lawyer first hand and ask them if the association has the rights to do that. Since you own the property the association would be directed towards you as sole responsibility. I don't believe they have any other rights unless they were given a substantial reason and even at that, they would need you and the tenants permission to run any type of background check. I would contact the association and get a copy of your rules and regulations as well and see if it is stated that they are liable to do that. From my standpoint, being a landlord and owning a condo I don't think this is a common or legal practice!
*** As far as compensating, I would maybe have her carpets cleaned one extra time*** Or something small, send her a fruit basket but I wouldn't discount her rent, because she would have to go through the process if she was in an apartment complex***** Unless she has something terrible to hide there is no reason she should be that hell bent. She should have also contacted you prior to engaging and accepting the requests of the HOA president etc....you shouldn't be punished for her lack of common sense!
2007-09-05 09:44:44 · answer #2 · answered by pattiof 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You've backed yourself into a corner. Your tenant has NO obligation to the condo association, and should not give them anything. You are on the hook to the tenant for all of their losses including moving costs, excess rents, etc. Find out how much they want to buy out the lease and be prepared to pay whatever they ask for.
2007-09-05 10:22:22 · answer #3 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If the association is requiring it this time and did not in the past, look into whether there is, for example, racial discrimination happening, in which case there is a complicated legal problem.
Otherwise, consider that the tenant does not know if she will be able to stay at all (if the association does not approve her), so she is probably already looking for somewhere else.
2007-09-05 09:51:54 · answer #4 · answered by StephenWeinstein 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sounds like you owe her something...perhaps take some money off the first months rent...or maybe mame the president and his wife of the HOA...that would make me happy.
2007-09-05 09:42:29 · answer #5 · answered by Johnny A 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋