So I have a rental property that I caught the tenants in a lie about them creating a water leak with a clogged toilet..... so they try to bullshit out of it, then hang up on me.? I cannot ever imagine hanging up on my landlord, seeing how I have some common sense.

Anyone ever dumb enough to do this?

Is this grounds for ending their month to month lease? They were already starting to piss me off, but I think this is the last straw.

Scot

 

Reminds me of the old adage, don't piss off the person who cuts your hair, your bartender or in your case, your landlord!

 

Yes it could be if you have proof that they created the leak maliciously. On a month to month lease you can terminate it at the end of the month than ask them to leave. I would explain to them in person that they would be liable for any damages to the premises. Make sure you take an instantmatic Poloroid Camera with you and take photos of everything. Explain to them that you are going to document the damage on there rental agreement. Once you've done this take it to a notary and have the document notarized. Especially, if you've deceided to serve an eviction notice. Good luck!

 

So you are saying they deliberately clogged up the toilet for some nefarious purpose? What would that purpose be?

Perhaps there is something I don't understand about the story (perhaps you could clue me in) but this sounds like typical slumlord behavior. First, try to find a reason to blame the tenant because the plumbing doesn't perform to reasonable standards. Then try to blame them for the collateral damage. Then try to get them to pay for repairs on your asset. Then kick them out because they didn't bow low enough.

Accept my apology in advance if I've jumped too fast but it is YOUR plumbing, not theirs. Details?

 

The toilet was clogged for 3 days without anyone call us... then some they decided to flush it again and...... it overflowed... duh! I have no idea what they put in it but a clogged toilet is usually the renters responsibility.. I cannot control people flushing tampon's, etc.... then not even bothering to call me or a plumber to fix it, then when it overflows make up a bunch of stories about the pipes leaking....then finally admit about the 3 days of toilet clogging..... - typical slumlord eh jim.?

I have accepted your apology in advance.

Scot

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jschmidt
[B]So you are saying they deliberately clogged up the toilet for some nefarious purpose? What would that purpose be?

 

Rental property is like owning a boat. Your two best days are the day of purchase and the day of sale. I had several houses about twenty years ago in a nice enough neighborhood, but the tenants were lousy.

It took me several months to get one deadbeat family out, and when they finally left (still owing), they took two closet doors(?) and a kitchen drawer (more convenient than unloading it, I guess). I was a happy man the day I sold those properties to another hopeful landlord.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Scot
[B]The toilet was clogged for 3 days without anyone call us... then some they decided to flush it again and...... it overflowed... duh!

 

Scot is not obligated to fix a clogged toilet unless the tenants pay a maintenance fee. I also own an apartment that I am renting out and in that case I charge a maintenance fee and fix everything. It has to be decided before they move in if it's feasible. Also, did you take a first and last month deposit when they moved in for damages? Be prepared for damages when they move out.

I had a family living in my rental for 3 years then all of a sudden they decided not to pay (maybe they couldn't) anymore. It took 5 more months to get them evicted through the courts. Money you can't recover by the way. So I was out 8 months of rent. Sucks!

 

If you have adversarial tennants and a month-to-month lease, I would absolutely move on to some new tenants. I also agree about reminding them about damage deposits, tenant liability, etc.

I assume the rental market in the area is strong enough that you can fill the vacancy quickly, however.

 

send them packing
i wouldn't put up with that shit...first and foremost it's childish and shows a complete lack of respect.
then tell them on their way out
don't let the door hit you where the good lord split you