10-09-2016, 01:45 AM
quote:
Originally posted by ericlp
quote:
Originally posted by DanielP
If the upstairs apartment has an exterior entry, it would be a shame if the door was stolen.[:0]
Would also be a shame when the power and water goes out as well!
Yeah but you can't do that too. It's illegal.
Yet, I have done both, once. You do though, have to know who you're playing with.
Another fellow, a really nice guy, seemly responsible, but as it turned out another crank head. He gave plenty nice excuses and promised the world. Yet his door did have a problem, but when you rent, it comes as is, it's your job as a tenant to inspect it, I warn tenants before letting to them it comes as is plus I've already insured all is up to code so, anything else is up to me to change. . And if there was a problem to give written notice and I'd proceed cordially. I should add that, not only did I conduct repairs in very short time, cordially, clean and responsible, I actually asked on a regular basis as with a 100 year old building things can happen.., murphy's law exists, and surprisingly many wont tell, and or use it against you when beer or pot is more important than rent. This guy began running in and out late at night and avoiding me.. Yet, I told him about the door problem when signing a contract. and at some time, at my election I'd solve it. and made him initial the point in my contract. One day I'd discovered he had some drug deal coming in and that I'd get my 2 months rent paid. by now I didn't G.A.S. I liked him well enough but pitied him too. Not all drug freaks are bad people they're just trapped and can't get out.. Regardless I waited for him and followed up to his apartment with my maintenance guy (witness).
Reminded him that I promised to repair that door. this was a 1906 elaborate luxury building back then. Also most important key point to mention was that it was an internal unit and had the original shuttered doors with screens behind them to let air flow and keep bugs out. But, no lock other than a simple catch. it allowed privacy but, not enough if you're a drug dealer [wink] So, it wasn't 'exactly completely illegal yet potentially good for a tort action. The main door had been cracked from some previous unknown break-in or whatever. splinters along the side of it but safe enough that should not cause harm. and to repair it, I salvaged hidden doors within walls for parts and restoration as, I'm an authentic restoration buff too. I restored so may things on that old building and unless you knew which, you'd never know it.
Every thing was unique or way too old to acquire. Whelp it meant that door required taking it apart and rebuilding with salvaged parts and that could take a day, or 'at my leisure', up too two weeks. .
AND ONLY because I knew what game I could play, we removed it.. it does work. lol. but doing such things are very dangerous for a landlord, so, you'd better know your players or you're screwed.
I also had very large Victorian units on the ground floor and electricity locked in the basement. A pair of friendly drunks who just would not stop partying loved to dance and invite folks. and, as the building was wood floored, completely internal, parties kept every body in the whole building up. I pulled the breaker. The next day we agreed I'd put it back in. {edit}, {wait no, I white lied. lol. I chose to offer that, it wasn't me but maybe a faulty breaker. yet we both knew what was going on, they knew as well that, I wasn't going to admit guilt. and that I'd look into it, perhaps repair but, agreed first} they'd be out in a few days. it too worked but ONLY because I knew these people very well. It served as a temporary warning which they'd ignored all previous.
Water is a whole different ball game I'd never do that, ever! Water is an essential survival element, don't even think on it. Even though I paid the water, gas, heat, cable and more. another no can do deal, gas and heat is essential too. Albeit, admittedly, cutting the water out is simply one of the many various deviant ideas I might have when dealing with freeloaders who are taking advantage of you. as it's a tough ball game when the cards are stacked against landlords. My moral and lawful mind set fortunately, is stronger than my deviant. [grin] [
or beware, if you play this game, you'd better have the cash in the bank, ready to lose. I had the trump card in my hands, not just single trump but doubled backed so, although it could have turned into a huge problem, I played the cards because I also had them in the corner. .
and add, I did the two other tricks once, it is against the law and there's plenty attorneys to call for every dime you've got who'll jump on that in a heart beat.. Don't do it! And if that's not enough warning, consider this, there are professionals who know the rules, they'll set you up and you're screwed. I've had a few too, but, they didn't know who they were dealing with, [smile] including, if I was a deviant, which I'm sure, proved well enough, I'm not. but, I know so much about the game, I could, not simply screw you over but tort enough to last a year or more, potentially steal your property right under your nose.. There's even a movie made about 25 years ago, I don't recall the name but, true story, young couple set up, jailed and lost it all, or dang close. That movie has enough info to teach the thieves. [wink]
Also no my building wasn't a drug house, lol, but with 33 apartments within and as drugs are a huge problem in our society, heck the whole world, with that many units they'll sneak in no matter how much you sort though availed clients. the rule at hand is, there's a very small percentage of responsible renters; up too 25% and you'll have flaws in that group too, while the greater majority, are not. You have to sift through, pick the best but expect the bad apples to surface too.
I had a few known drunks too but, they respected my business, not to leave out some pot smokers, but they understood my rule. It's your castle, your home, what you do behind closed doors is your business, but if what you do comes in my hallways then it's my problem because, I had plenty people too who did not like to smell it. pay rent on time ,keep your business in your castle and we get along just fine. I learned much later too, I had two crank/crackheads who lasted more than 2 years. a really nice 30 year old lady, and a single kid. I never expected or suspected the girl. she remained as a friend after I sold the building, and about 2 years later told me. I couldn't believe it!.
but had my suspicions of the kid who managed about 2+ years. they followed the rules, but the kid finally lost the game, I booted him, yet for some time kept trying to convince me to let to him again... Pleaded, begged, offered to repay past due rent plus penalties. I told him; after he quit the crank, call me 2 years later to consider. .
I should have though, these two, in all the year I owned it, were the only people who had also claimed that they'd seen a ghost in this so called 'haunted' building. [grin]
It was though, the reason she'd told us. Hell If I could have proved a dang ghost? I'd sold tickets! Hence, I brought the subject up for some time. lol.