Advice Anyone?
I have a S8 tenant in a property I am selling. She is not very cooperative with the showings. She recently posted a sign on her door saying "chicken pox in house - GO AWAY". This might seem humorous, but she is really impacting my ability to sell this property. Another issue which I have received alot of negative feedback is relating to the condition in her unit. It has been referred to as unsafe, unsanitary, cluttered...etc. I have spoken to her about cleaning it up, but it goes in one ear and out the other. I have tried to contact her several times about the showing issue, but she is now not returning calls. Anyone have any suggestions? I would like to try and resolve this amicably, but I am starting to lose my patience. Thoughts????
-Pat
Thanks Guys - I think I needed a wake up call. I dont know for sure no one has had the chicken pox, but it seemed ironic that she posted the sign right after we gave her a courtesy call informing her of a showing. I use a standard lease agreement issued by the North Carolina Assoc of Realtors. I make no modifications on it and believe it to be a fair lease. The lease states that as long as I enter to show the place during reasonable hours to prospective purchasers she needs to comply...also as part of her obligations (also listed) she needs to keep the premises clean. The place is trashed and we had feedback from one agent stating that the place was unsanitary and unhealthy for a child (she has a young son). I have all of this documented. I just put together a notice of breach which I plan to send her. Hopefully, this will motivate her to correct the issues and cooperate. Otherwise, I may have to evict her, although I would really hate to have to do that. I havent ever had the need to do that in my few years of landlording......I appreciate the input. Thanks!!
Have you contacted the Housing Authority? They might rally to your side and persuade her to cooperate under the shadow of losing her sec 8 support.
Thanks finniganps - you have suggested that book before. I just need to move my butt and get it.....the safety inpections sound like a good idea. I need to do something to prevent these issues. I have called the Housing Authority more than once. I have cant stand them - they are horrible to deal with in this area. That has been my experience. I am pretty close to giving up on S8 - its just not worth the hassle for a little extra rent. These two units due to Housing Authority, and the S8 tenants take up more than double my time and effort than all my other units combined. Thanks again folks - have a great evening.