[guccimamma]

have an attorney, and do not be afraid to use him. this has been a hard lesson, but a few hundred dollars is well worth it.
if a tenant knows you are willing and able to pursue them legally at any time...they are much less likely to pull any sh&t.

never give your tenant your personal telephone number, we keep a seperate telephone for all landlord calls. we won't even call them from our home telephone #.

[qcescada]

oh wow. I bought a townhome now I have a new job and will be moving from the east to the west coast. Since selling it is not an option - my subdivision is about two years old and some new units are being built, plus the market is not great in general - I want to rent it out. There are about 4 universities within 20mins drive and two major aerospace companies in the area but I'm still concerned. I cannot manage it myself and have no clue how to find a property manager.

[soundjade]

Originally Posted by aine1313

I am surprised to hear this. Why could they sue you?

Much like the customer who raises her voice at the sales associate to get what she wants, tenants will do the same.

They will sue on anything if it means they could get a break in rent or something (of course they will have to have grands if they plan on winning but a lot of times, things happen - pipes break, heat doesn't always come on time, a tenant slips outside on the morning ice and hurts her hip, etc.)


I agree with everything below - my parents own the building we live in (16 units, not too big) and they manage it themselves, along with their own separate business. you need to be prepared to be spending a lot of time and energy on the building (continued maintenance and facelifts as well) and on tenants needs.

somebody's roof will always be leaking, con ed will always bug you, blah blah you get the deal.