Selling vs. renting vs. rent-to-own

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by agzg

In some cities, landlords are required to give 24 hours notice. I know that as a tenant I always make sure that that's in writing, in the lease, because, frankly, I don't want my landlord showing up unannounced because it's a royal pain in the ass.

I have never denied a visit from the landlord if he or she gives 24 hours notice, however, and usually will work around 12 to 6 hours notice, as well. Notice is nice since we have a dog, and don't know what he'll do at any given time if a stranger comes into the house without us home. Usually notice gives us a chance to make other arrangements so that he's either not home or closed in a large enough room with enough water to get him through the day whenever someone comes in.

In cases of emergency, no notice required.

That is true of where I live. In my lease our landlord is only allowed to show up without notice if there is an emergency (a real one) unless we have 24 hours notice. The lease I have gives tenants basically no rights, so IrishLake, you should totally use it as a model. . Accordingly to the lease we can be evicted for very little...if I were a landlord I'd like that.

Among the things my father has drilled into my head, (read before signing, ask attorney's advice, cover your ass, seal every loophole) taking pictures is at the top of the list. When I (as a tenant) move in I take pictures with a high quality camera of every room before furniture, and when I move out I do the same to prevent any discrepancy about what I did or didn't do to the apartment. I've had landlords attempt to cheat me out of my deposit. Pictures seem to keep them from thinking I'll be easy prey. Maybe do the same with your place so that no one can try to weasel out of forfeiting a deposit or paying damages if they ARE at fault for something (and hopefully you'll find responsible tenants, but just in case).

Documentation is always a good thing if problems arise later.

[Alumiyum]

Originally Posted by DrPhil

Please, tell us more! Tell us more! Did they give you details regarding that or just tell you to watch your back at all times? LOL.

I'm doing this from memory since my copy of the lease is buried in my files somewhere but...

Let's see:
1. They can kick us out at any time for: loud parties, messy conditions, any illegal substances at all, not reporting maintenance problems, having an animal of any kind (except fish in a bowl, not an aquarium...but that's verbal...in the lease it's NOTHING), wasting water (he pays the water for the building). None of those things are defined, so a "loud party" or "messy conditions" could be dangerous ground.
2. If, say, the oven catches on fire and his insurance won't cover the damage, I have to pay it. Like, for the whole building.
3. Without 60 days written, signed notice, our lease is automatically renewed.
4. Subletting can get you kicked out (which I think is reasonable but...) and so can having a guest without permission.
5. Unless it is an actual health hazard, they don't HAVE to fix things in any reasonable amount of time. This is the only one that has ever been a problem for me...and it is constantly a problem, but I like the place so much I've learned basic maintenance on my own.

I remember there being at least 10 things my dad objected to (he had to co-sign since I had no income, and I probably still don't make enough to sign it on my own), but a) the landlord permitted written and notarized changes that made both parties happy and b) I've rented different properties from him before and he's used to college students, so he adores me solely because my rent is never ever late and my roommate and I refuse to have more than a handful of people over at a time. But they have definitely expelled people before for pretty flimsy reasons.

I will say I'm almost positive his old caretaker used to come into tenants' places when they weren't home. She basically admitted that to me before, and that IS in violation of the lease. But I don't think it's something he knew about or approved of.

ETA: Oh, and basically a shoe scuff on the floor forfeits your deposit. Their definition of normal wear and tear is ridiculous. I'll only get mine when I get out of here because I've rented from him for so long and never caused him trouble. The second you piss him off, you lose that deposit because it's just about impossible to keep a place pristine.