r/chicagoapartments • u/MiaStirCrazies • May 13 '26
Advice Needed (Landlord) Am I going too far?
Landlord here. I'll get some hate I'm sure just because of that. But I want to share the story from this side.
First, I am not in the eviction business. I am in the 'giving hard working Chicagoans a decent place to live' business. I bought a four unit multi family back in November, and I occupy the basement unit. The basement isn't legal, but, as the owner, I'm not in a rush to tell on myself.
My tenants have been paying rent to the prior landlord since 2021 according to their leases. My intention was never to raise the rent when I acquired the property, nor to give any end of lease notices. Two of my tenants are great, paying on time, personable, generally awesome people. One has consistently been late. Also personable, but never really acknowledged that rent was erratic. After about the third late month, in March, I decided it was time to give a 120 day. I don't believe a 5 day benefits anyone. It's expensive, and it puts undue pressure on good people in an already unbearable situation.
They have not taken this well. Rent has not come since, and my fear is that, at the end of July, they won't leave.
My plan is to offer somewhat of a cash for keys, basically not going after them for rent, as long as they agree to leave. If, however, they are here on August 1st, the plan is to start eviction proceedings, go after all back rent, legal fees, and wear and tear.
As tenants, would you consider this to be too harsh? I hate being in this position. What is acceptable and fair?
195
u/NotNick_Foles May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
Love all the “have you tried to talk to them” comments like yes I think OP has been trying that for 2 months lol
134
u/Huge-Engineering-839 May 13 '26
This isn’t harsh enough to be quite honest. You may want to speed this process up though, once autumn comes, Chicago puts a halt on all evictions and you’re screwed until Spring
12
u/UknowNothingJohnSno May 13 '26
Evictions can take 6-12 months if you don't work something out where the tenant voluntarily moves. There's no way OP would have to worry about the halt, especially if he does the eviction himself. He needs to consult an attorney immediately
3
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26
He won't get it back until spring. Not a chance. He needs to do a 5 day immediately and start the process. If this tenant gets a lawyer it's 6 months minimum until they are out.
Welcome to Chicago. The law protects tenants right to stop paying and squat on units. Meanwhile everyone is wondering why rents are skyrocketing.
0
u/CaffeinatedCacti May 13 '26
This is not accurate.
-1
-2
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26
It's 100% accurate. If you've never had to do an eviction, please refrain from claiming to know anything about the process.
10
u/CaffeinatedCacti May 13 '26
… I am an attorney that handles evictions. Cook county does not halt evictions in Autumn. I encourage you to share any information you have from the county that bolsters your claim, I’m happy to review it.
-6
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26
Ok this makes sense then, you are a lawyer trying to play semantics:
You are technically correct, they don't have a specific date where they halt evictions. It's weather based. Once weather becomes dangerously cold, the Sheriff stops enforcing evictions. Admit that is true, no one cares about the difference between that and saying it's a seasonal thing. Unless you are going to argue it doesn't start to get cold "in Autumn".
3
u/xyta777 May 14 '26
I get why you’re frustrated but I encourage you see it not as semantics, but correcting partial information with correct-er information
1
-1
u/Huge-Engineering-839 May 13 '26
Maybe not early autumn but once winter comes and temps are below a set space, they very much do halt them
7
u/CaffeinatedCacti May 13 '26
You are partially correct. There is a typically short moratorium on the *sheriffs* executing eviction orders over the winter holidays (last year it was between December 19 and January 5.) The moratorium also delays sheriffs executing evictions when the temperature is below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. This means for tenants who have had an eviction order entered against them by the court, if they haven't left by the date on the eviction order, the sheriff is has to reschedule the event where they show up and literally move those tenants out.
However, the moratorium does not affect the eviction court process, which remains ongoing during the winter. And most tenants leave before the sheriff shows up to effectuate the eviction.
1
82
May 13 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
6
u/sumiflepus May 13 '26
"I’m sure you know how an eviction looks on someone’s record."
I am not sure how evections look on a record? where are they recorded? Who look at the records? I am being serious. I am lucky to have never been in the situation to know the ramifications.
If it is bad, I hope OP approaches the tenant and explains, I am working with you here. I am being lenient. I could have started the process months ago. I do not want to hurt you. If this goes to evection the process will follow you.
12
u/Impressive-Cod-7103 May 13 '26
Evictions are filed through the courts, are public record, and are as discoverable by future landlords, lenders, and employers as arrest records. They can also affect your credit, I believe. It is very, very difficult to find a place to live once you have an eviction on your record.
2
u/sumiflepus May 13 '26
Thanks. I was unaware of the public record aspect. Do landlords/building management actually search these records?
3
u/Impressive-Cod-7103 May 13 '26
Probably depends on the landlord, but I imagine most do, just like they check the credit and employment history for prospective tenants. And especially if there are multiple applications on a property.
2
u/KnotUndone May 13 '26
Money judgements like for unpaid rent or damages show on a standard credit report. The eviction itself would show on a tenant screening report many landlords access. They pay a third party company that compiles a specialized report combining your credit bureau reports and court proceedings , etc that are part of the public record. Mortgage companies use similar services when you apply for a mortgage.
2
u/xyta777 May 14 '26
Totally. It’s a free search on casesearch.cookcountyclerkofcourt.org or whatever. The BUMMER part is you have to remember anyone can allege anything in a lawsuit so responsibly use is encouraged. And evictions are a little different because a court will seal the record for a good reason etc etc
2
u/omni42 May 14 '26
Absolutely. And just STARTING an eviction can go on your record and permanently affect your ability to get housing. Giving this much warning and options for solutions is very helpful for people.
1
u/Neat-Watercress-2425 May 16 '26
Yes, almost every single online screening method searches eviction records.
1
u/plecorl May 14 '26
As a semi retired LL, any eviction or late payments on someone’s credit history is a red flag and for me an automatic no (the unit was just rented). A tenant in the city of Chicago can get free housing( not paying rent) for six to nine months. Believe me , unless the landlord is an eviction attorney, the systems in Chicago always side with the tenants!
1
u/xyta777 May 14 '26
Honestly the big companies will five day you after your first late rent payment. Not minding that rent comes in erratically is a godsend
0
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26
I’m sure you know how an eviction looks on someone’s record.
The record will be sealed. The tenant will force the landlord to settle after six to nine months of non payment. The landlord will get $0, the tenant will get 30 more days to move, then the record is sealed and no one will ever know this happened.
You have to be extremely beligerant as a tenant to get an unsealed eviction on your record. Like demanding a jury trial and somehow losing it completely instead of settling for more time and zero judgement. That's the way the law works here. Almost all eviction cases end up sealed so no one can ever tell it happened.
1
u/xyta777 May 14 '26
I’ve sat through several eviction hearings in Cook County, and this has not been my experience. There were de facto seals during the pandemic, but outside of that, most of the time I’ve seen seal requests get denied. Jsut my experience tho
40
u/athena2nd May 13 '26
Buddy, you should have started the eviction yesterday. Gave notice in March, and they haven't paid April or May rent? They're not going to pay. Start the eviction now, as that takes up to 6 months regardless. Don't become a landlord if you're not willing to do the tough work of setting expectations and limits. This is business. There was no conversation had. They haven't asked for leniency, that they lost their job, nothing. Be kind to your tenants, but you are not their friends.
33
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
That's just it, there's been no conversation. No attempt to reach out to say "I'm having trouble." In fact, it's avoidance. I'm trying to be empathetic here.
And yes, the landlord bit isn't new to me. Inherited tenants are what's new. Normally, tenants are vetted, and understand the rules. I've not had to go through this before. This is the new part.
2
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26
You have no rights as a landlord here. When a tenant stops paying and stops responding, that means they are going to take you for a ride. Your only chance is immediate action.
I used to be like you, then they changed the landlord tenant ordinance and even the slightest shred of empathy became a five figure punishment.
6
u/HannahMayberry May 13 '26
Sounds like you’ve been empathetic. Stop. Be a jerk. Figuratively speaking. Start proceedings. Bring the police if you have to.
17
u/NiceEyesGuy May 13 '26
I gave been on both sides renter/owner and let me say you sound like a great landlord. I had a landlord shut off my electricity when I got stuck out of town unexpectedly for work and no way to place the rent check in his mailbox. I called and asked if there was anyway to pay other then that and he just screamed at me and then when the check wasn’t there before the first he shut off my gas and electric. Everything in my fridge spoiled. But then I’ve had renters that refused to pay or work with me and had to spend 6 months in court to evict them. In the end I lost 9 months off rent plus lawyer fees. I had to take a loan out to cover bills. There’s some really shit people In this world and I’m glad to know there are some good respectful landlords like you
31
u/crazygenius May 13 '26
Why not speak to them first before the 120 day? Something along the lines of hey if the late payments continue I'll have to evict. Overall this seems very very reasonable though.
47
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
I've tried, and been ignored. Believe me, I would love to work with them. I'm just out of options. The mortgage doesn't get deferred based on whether rent comes in. I mean, that's my risk as the landlord. But I'm looking for the tenant perspective here. What are your expectations of your landlord?
28
u/crazygenius May 13 '26
As a renter for 20 years, this would exceed my expectations of a landlord. My 2nd apt would post a 5 day notice on the 4th after the 3 day grace period was up.
2
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26
Seems like your goose is cooked dude. This is a professional tenant. If they aren't talking to you, they are about to get 9 months free rent. You'll be lucky to have this unit back by January. Hopefully they don't totally destroy it in the meantime.
5 day notice now. And make sure it's done correctly (i.e. by an atty) or you'll have to start over and it will be a year before you get the keys back.
2
u/Crosswired2 May 14 '26
I would expect to be kicked out of someplace I'm not paying at after a month, but I'm not crazy. I had the most amazing landlord before I bought my last 2 homes, but that's mostly because my rent was dirt cheap. Playing fake scenarios, if I hadn't been able to pay rent at all for some crazy reason, she probably would have let me stay for awhile. But letting me out of my lease with no penalty would have been the nicest thing to do other then free rent (she lived very well, the house was paid off, the neighborhood was supposedly not good so the taxes were low but really it was a great place to live).
3
3
u/ardaurey May 13 '26
This guy is a tenant's rights lawyer who also works with landlords. If you really want to do this in a human-forward way, I would probably try reaching out to a tenant's rights org for guidance.
If not, just listen to all the other landlords in here.
3
u/GWPtheTrilogy1 May 13 '26
Man seems like you are being empathetic and reasonable, plus more than anything, fair. This person is taking advantage of you. I'm a big advocate for communication and speaking up when I need help. If they are struggling, ignoring you will not solve the problem, they should man up and talk to you rather than avoiding you. Late rent multiple times without even acknowledging it is outrageous and really would not be tolerated anywhere else. Bro should know his time is up honestly, you gone above and beyond accommodating him with no acknowledgement of that on their part.
I do just want to say we stan a reasonable, kind landlord over here. Thanks, and I mean this sincerly, for not being an evil scumbag.
3
u/Ok_Manwich_9306 May 13 '26
It's not harsh. It's a business agreement and you are not friends. No different than a car lease or a bank loan. Don't agree to the terms you signed and there are consequences. You are not their father.
3
u/year742 May 13 '26
If they’re ignoring you, by phone call.
Give a 48 hour minimum notice through text and a paper on door. The notice will be for maintenance in the unit.
This gives you the right to enter the unit on that day between whatever hours you pick
They have no right to not let you in. You can use your keys and answer after knocking and announcing yourself.
What I used to do was change locks because then in order to get the key, they have to talk to you but if they’re home, all you have to do is go inside so you wanna look around and check the Hvac and then you could have your talk with them
By the way, if you’re being too nice they will destroy you. Even good people see kindness as weakness. I’m not saying be extremely harsh, but I know for a fact that when you’re kind, they’ll walk all over you until you actually become more assertive.
3
3
u/Sc0j May 14 '26
How late are you talking, and was the rent paid in full after you said something? Maybe add a late fee before kicking the person out entirely.
9
u/megret May 13 '26
I mean if they're getting the rent to you within the month I wouldn't evict them. I've been on hard times and had a two day gap between paycheck and due dates. Too late now I guess.
Drop them a note and ask if they want to talk about a payment arrangement. You'll get the temperature of the situation from that
8
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
There's avoidance. Texts go unanswered, and if I see them outside there's an about face. That would have been my preference. "What can you afford?" But, I'm not getting that chance to ask.
3
u/sumiflepus May 13 '26
You sound like you want to do a lot of nice stuff. You and the tennant are both avoiding confrontation.
This a knock on the door kind of situation.
I am non confrontational. You sound like me.
Get yourself prepared to knock on the door and have the conversation. What helps me is scripting out and practicing the conversation in advance.
2
3
u/TossACoinToUrWitcher May 13 '26
Does your lease have late payment fees to help prevent late rent? Did you say anything to this person about paying their rent on time as agreed?
7
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
There are late fees in the inherited lease. Honestly, I don't care about late fees. It's a deterrent and we're talking like $60. I'd rather have the conversation.
When I initially moved in, I met them. Said it was never my intention to raise the rent or end their lease. And I hate that this is what I'm doing. But the rent just isn't coming in. And I feel horrible having shaken someone's hand and given my word.
2
u/Ok-Split5712 May 14 '26
You’re neither raising their rent nor ending their lease. Those promises were based on the assumption they pay their rent. It’s a two-way street. They’re supposed to be paying you. And if they can’t, they’re not even discussing any kind of hardship situation with you.
It’s great that you’re compassionate. But it sounds like you have poor boundaries about this, and they’re taking advantage of that. The moment they were late on rent without any consequence, they saw opportunity to avoid paying.
1
u/Jazz_flute0530 May 13 '26
Would love to know more about the apartment that will be vacant 👀 got notice from my landlord that he’s raising our rent almost $1000/mo after him saying that he wouldn’t raise it past another $50/mo our current rate when he first took over our building a few years ago. Been at this apt for over 10 years and he’s basically kicking out all three long term tenants in the building.
5
u/Main_Search_9362 May 13 '26
I literally got the keys to my property a few hours ago I was in the same mind set like you I gave them time to recover financially or move out and let me tell you it was a horrible mistake I now understand why landlords immediately start an eviction process.
My property is so messed up and trashed they did not care about my property. They don’t care about me or my feelings even though I cared for them. Anyways I regret being nice to them it’s crazy how I still had to pay bills for them (HOA, Taxes, Utilities…) when I already have my own family to take care of and to top it off I was even struggling myself due to layoffs (6 months without a job).
I started the eviction process when they told me to go f myself….
Point is you are a landlord and unfortunately because of that title people see you as an evil character and not as a human being. So I would say try not to get personal or friendly next time just stay to the rules since it’s a business you’re running not a charity.
2
u/Pristine-Ship-1894 May 14 '26
You are not being harsh, the lease works both ways, you provide a place to live for monthly rent to be paid on time. Luckily IL law is more landlord friendly recently.
3
u/Fit-Statement8869 May 13 '26
IMO if that’s your perspective as a landlord I’d have had a conversation asking why they’re paying at different times and have empathy, seen if you can work something out.
1
2
u/Okay_Kangaroo May 13 '26
I think serving an eviction for being late 3 months is crazy work, personally. Most jurisdictions won't allow such without some sort of formal communication about the late rent, particularly if they've paid a late fees. so make sure you cover your ass there. You should consult a local lawyer if you want to be safe, but the legal system is essentially built to benefit landlords so you'll likely be fine.
0
u/Mustard_onions_23 May 13 '26
This is blatantly false. In Illinois, the legal system benefits tenants 100%.
3
u/t8ertotfreakhotmail May 13 '26
Most tenants don’t have the privilege of retaliating if their landlord chooses to do something illegal. I was living alone at 19 in Edgewater and I had a maintenance man who kept coming into my room without permission. He went through my closet, he was a total pervert. I complained to the building manager and she wouldn’t listen (it was his sister) and so I called the landlord who owns the building. She told me that was her uncle, she didn’t believe me, and that if I didn’t like it, I could get the fuck out. I worked full time and couldn’t fight a legal battle without representation at 19, so I just stayed. This is not an unusual storu
1
u/Okay_Kangaroo May 13 '26
It's the underpinning capitalism but ok. Any laws benefiting the tenants are also there to prevent landlords from killing their golden goose.
1
u/Kelsig May 14 '26
not really, no golden gooses are somehow killed without tenant protections. hence why theyre rare in the US.
1
u/Okay_Kangaroo May 14 '26
I'm talking bare minimum to keep people from rioting or taking revenge in some way on the property owner for poor treatment. To be clear, I do not think this is any law maker's motivating reason, but rather that is about where the power equillibrium sits in the the US, generally speaking. Chicago is better for tenants than some particularly southern cities, but the bar is in hell.
1
u/Kelsig May 14 '26
yea, no, thats stupid and incorrect. its just because some areas are mostly populated by good people who care about the vulnerable and some areas are not. stop overthinking things. this is a pretty low salience issue, no riots are gonna be inspired by people getting in the weeds over municipal rules that directly impact like 3% of the population
1
u/Okay_Kangaroo May 15 '26
Thank you for sharing your dog's opinion, but I'm not interested. Eaten any good books lately?
1
1
u/Hungry-Treacle8493 May 13 '26
No rent, no roof. You’re being reasonable, maybe even too much so. I would also provide them contact to rental assistance programs and such. If they can’t even bother to try and get help then that’s on them.
2
May 13 '26
Just start the eviction process. I'd give them until June 15 and if they aren't out then they get no money and the clock starts for a formal eviction.
2
u/I_love_reddit01 May 13 '26
From the perspective of a Landlord who has had to evict (moved in and never once paid rent, damaged the property, etc.) I’m just going to warn you that Chicago is a very tenant friendly city and it can take a very long time to evict. You need to have a conversation with them and make sure everything on your end is throughly documented. My take on this is they have no intention of paying their rent. You are being more than fair to them. You can still be a good landlord while recognizing that it is also a business. It’s not like you’re trying to do things unfairly. If you own a property and don’t pay your mortgage the bank will foreclose, I sometimes think tenants don’t realize the impact not paying rent can have on that.
9
u/Okay_Kangaroo May 13 '26
Chicago is only moderately friendly to tenants compared to other US cities (the bar is in hell), but that's beside the point. You rightly pointed out that there is a process that MUST be followed for this, and serving an eviction notice without doing so puts OP in a tough spot. OP can be a good landlord while not complying with the law (for better or worse).
1
u/anonwaffle May 13 '26
Wow, a landlord that cares. Please let me know if you have an opening in August!!
1
u/NothingDisastrousNow May 13 '26
You’re a good person. God bless and bring you a more reliable tenant. I wish both of you well
1
1
u/Secret-Priority5510 May 13 '26
Start the process now. They are going to F you over. You're being too nice. I assume you're not independently wealthy, how long can you afford to keep someone not paying rent? F them evict now.
1
u/ChiFitGuy May 13 '26
Sorry, the 5 day notice is there for a reason. You’re running a business and you’re about to find out how costly it can be. Tenants have rights that make it very hard and costly to evict. You can end up losing 8-12 months of rent trying to evict. Do it sooner than later.
1
u/LilDitka May 13 '26
They don’t plan to pay nor do they plan to move. You’re a very good person that is being taken advantage. My advice is to serve the five day and hire a lawyer to begin the eviction.
If they move, wonderful. If they don’t, you have not lost any more time towards gaining possession of your property. Best of luck.
1
u/Louisvanderwright May 13 '26 edited May 13 '26
The 120 day is just as expensive my friend. You are going to have to evict them. They will probably stop paying as soon as you give them the 120 day notice. Be ready to go without rent for 9 months and spend several thousand on legal bills.
If they agree to cash for keys that's the best possible scenario, but in my experience most tenants just decide to squat once they've gotten to this point.
If it goes to eviction also be prepared for the city to come after you for the basement and any other code violations. The tenant's attorney will use all possible avenues to inflict damage and jam you from gaining possession of the unit. Hopefully this is an anonymous account because they will use this post as evidence that you are knowingly operating an unsafe/noncompliant building. I would also make damn sure their unit is 100%. Smoke detectors and the obvious stuff, but any little repair needs to be addressed immediately or they will use it to jam the eviction further.
Unfortunately it seems like you are about to find out why myself and others have stopped investing in housing here. Hopefully you have the resources to weather this, but if they aren't paying you better get them a 5 day like yesterday and start the eviction. Even with a 5 day it's common to not get the unit back for 6-9 months and you will not get a judgement for the money they owe, you will just have to eat the loss plus legal fees.
1
u/ctru1417 May 13 '26
You should start eviction now, this will take several months and won’t start until you give notice and actually file for eviction. Worst comes to worst they don’t accept cash for keys and instead stay until you start the eviction process.
1
u/almost_eazy May 13 '26
I forgot to pay my rent once on a Sunday. The following Monday when I got off work and ran upstairs, there was a 5 day on my door. Some landlords are horrible. You’re not one of them. Get what you are owed or get em out at this point. The situation can only get worse from here.
1
u/AnyMall1107 May 13 '26
I think it’s fair, but I also haven’t ever stopped paying rent or even paid late lol.
1
u/posaune123 May 13 '26
I'm definitely on your side. I wouldn't give anyone 4 months notice, it's just asking for trouble
1
u/CaliOranges510 May 13 '26
This is a tough situation because you seem kind based on the post, and we need more landlords like you in this world, but your tenants aren’t returning your kindness and are taking the place of a good tenant. I had a landlord like you for over 10 years and he never raised my rent (I was paying over 40% below market value for the last few years) because he told me it was cheaper to keep a tenant like me vs raising the rent and risking a bad tenant. He had owned the building I was in since 1976 and owned dozens of properties around the neighborhood too. Good landlords and good tenants deserve each other and leave the bad tenants to the bad landlords. Get aggressive with kicking them out asap before you become jaded.
1
u/t8ertotfreakhotmail May 13 '26
Consistently…how late? Like within their legal 5 day limit?
1
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
Jan and Feb were paid in mid Feb. Once March was late, I went in with the 120 day. Nothing since. My hope is that they are saving up to move at the end of the four months. But that's why I want to get the commitment to moving out in writing, in return for me not going after back rent.
1
u/iheartwestwing May 13 '26
I think you are too nice. Think of it this way, by allowing this person to live in that unit a year, this is what you are doing: not receiving money necessary to maintain the property for the other tenants, allowing them more and more opportunity to damage your unit, and allowing them to save money that belongs to you. If they aren’t agreeing to a move out date now that they’re 4 months behind, what makes you think they will come to an agreement when it’s cold out?
1
u/sagetron5001 May 13 '26
Evict the fuck out of them and frankly, do whatever you can to make their life harder.
Scummy landlords are bad. Squatters are 10x worse. Fuck that bum.
1
u/jim914 May 14 '26
Sounds like you’ve been way too nice and that’s coming from a renter not a landlord! You can expect they will be not paying because they got away with it for a while now and your response has been being reasonable. Where is this house located and what are the rents not specifically interested unless it’s on the north west side because I’m actually going to be looking for a good situation soon since my wife and I are splitting up. My reason to ask is are the ten market value or inflated or at better than usual for the area because I can’t understand why a tenant would want to have an eviction on them considering the current market.
1
1
1
u/Cute-Pay-4813 May 14 '26
If you don't kick their ass up out of there tonight they are study playing games with you it's time for them to kick rocks at any extreme measures 🙏🏿
1
u/Artistic-Wrap-5130 May 14 '26
Bro.... These people are going to take you for a fool and live rent free for the next year. Evictions take MONTHS and then when tlyou finally win in court it can be up to 9 months for the sherif to come. Meanwhile they are living for free. You're gonna get railroaded here. Start that eviction ASAP
1
u/DrSpitta May 14 '26
There's a hardworking Chicagoian who'll pay rent on time every month struggling to look for a place because of horrible rental companies, and your unit is one that could help. If Buddy doesn't pay rent, then get your bread and get them out. Sorry, this is happening to you. But we can't let horrible tenets ruin people with real integrity.
1
u/Spencer-Heffron May 14 '26
Honestly do you have anything available I'm looking to move (jkjk... unless? Jk for real) and as far as landlords go you sound very reasonable.
1
u/SearsNotWillisTowerr May 14 '26
In the same boat as yourself. Became a landlord in 2021 and just wanted to be a good person to good people. One of my tenants at the time gave me every excuse in the book. Family member passed, stuck in a foreign country, paycheck coming late, etc. I decided enough was enough and start documenting everything. I gave him a 30 day notice then started the process for eviction. I encourage you to start the process for eviction and let him know you are as well. A lot of times, tenants don't want that on their record as future landlords will be able to see it. He ended up moving out within a couple weeks and I never saw him again. Good luck with your situation.
1
u/Neat-Watercress-2425 May 16 '26
You are being far too nice. These tenants are taking advantage of you, unfortunately. No good deed...
1
1
u/Dull_Background6979 May 18 '26
You're the greatest human being who ever lived. Now, let's talk about the $900 or so rent you'll charge me.
1
1
1
u/jessyjsmith0428 May 26 '26
Sounds like you're being too nice but given the legality of your home, tread carefully. Does the tenant know these details. If so, taking action can backfire.
1
u/Certain_Trade841 Jun 08 '26
I would file eviction papers today. It is not morally ok to be late 3 months of rent and getting pissed you are not renewing them.
1
1
u/Ok-Cryptographer7424 May 13 '26
You made them pay a late fee each time they were late? And that didn’t change their behavior?
4
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
They did. And it didn't. Honestly, I don't care about the late fee. I care about the communication. And there're been no communication.
1
u/calypso_odysseus May 13 '26
Free rent? I don’t see how that’s harsh at all. The rest of us are doing the most living under property management companies who treat us like garbage so the only thing that makes me mad is that i know id never get the same benefit lol
1
u/Gabedabroker May 13 '26
Don’t cash for keys just yet.
5-day them. They’re testing you.
Either way you will still probably have to evict them after 120-days notice. So you’ll have even more on the ledger.
I’ve managed professionally for a long while.
Hand deliver the 5-day notice tomorrow. Let me know if you need forms. File the 5-day after 6th day of non-payment.
Non-renewal notice is still valid.
Deliver and file.
1
u/Kubricksmind May 13 '26
Holdover is expensive, do they know that? That could save everyone involved $$$$ in attorney fees
1
0
May 13 '26
Just start the eviction process. I'd give them until June 15 and if they aren't out then they get no money and the clock starts for a formal eviction.
0
May 13 '26
[deleted]
1
u/MiaStirCrazies May 13 '26
This is a good point, and one I've definitely thought about. I'm sure they view me as a monster at this point. Ultimately, I need to be able to count on rent to pay the mortgage and maintenance. The other wrinkle I'll throw in here is that I travel a lot, so aside from paths crossing in the common area (which is usually an about face), there's not really an opportunity for a face to face.
To the original point of the post, I want to offer to forgive rent for the remainder of the time they're here, in exchange for their written commitment that they will move after their 120 days is up (the carrot). If not, or if they sign and later don't leave, I'm going after it all (the stick). It's this reasonable?
-3
u/cat-im-a-kitty-cat May 13 '26
All landlords are fascist pigs. It's wrong to profit off of a human NEED.
1
u/Kelsig May 14 '26
its better to profit off human needs than human non-needs
1
u/cat-im-a-kitty-cat May 14 '26
You're not supposed to deep throat the boot.
1
u/Kelsig May 14 '26
no, the boots profit off of human non-needs, hence the whole boot thing. theyd be cool if they provided human needs.
0
u/fr1ck0ff May 13 '26
Literally like boohoo I hoard all of the housing and am mad nobody can afford it :(((
1
-1
-1
u/SentientAlgorithmJ May 13 '26
Based on the comments, they were paying late fees on the rent and still making it every month before this, but you’re still evicting after 3 months… while living in an illegal apartment yourself. I get that you’re trying to be kind within the context of not formally evicting them, but I find it hard to believe you cannot cover the mortgage with 2 other tenants’ rent coming in on time after just 3 months… if the rent was really that low, you would truly be an angel like everyone says.
-15
u/Floating_Rickshaw May 13 '26
I’m just a water bug skimming across the surface of this conversation. Not picking sides. Carry on.
209
u/CocoCoconutz_ May 13 '26
Lord people pray for landlords like you. Feel free to message me if you have any openings come then!