Fine line between boundaries and being a hard *ss

Fine line between boundaries and being a hard *ss by Kristina (CA) on May 31, 2012 @18:24

I purchased a building last summer that had two long term tenants. I found out about three months ago, that one of the tenants old Caddillac leaks oil on the driveway. Not all the time, just occasionally. The driveway is made up of nice greyish/white pavers.

When this tenant was on vacation, I scrubbed the stains about 10 different times (you have to do several treatments). When he got back I mentioned this to him. I told him I don't want any more "leaks". His response "well, I always put cat litter on it before, that seemed to work" and "the stain looks ok to me" (it was still there), and "well they can't fix my car". I told him I came over 10 times, no apologies, no "I'll take care of it", no initiative or letting me know my wishes are heard.

He did agree, however, to put a canvas cloth underneath the car (that I purchased and left for him).

I realize I am still thinking about the &*^% oil stains ever week and feel I need to go over to check. I don't want to do this, it's a waste of time and I don't want to have to worry about it. So I decided to create some "rules". I send out a notice...that he is now responsible for all stains, that he must clean up ANY oil stains immediately and if that doesn't work, then pay me or anyone I hire to remove them. I also said "it is strongly suggested you get your car fixed and I can ask you at any time to move your car onto the street.

I give him his notice...don't hear a word. Nothing. The next day, what do I find? I go over there, he is parked, no canvas under the car.

Someone explain to me why some tenants are either so rude or so dense? This man has a high paying job working at home. It's not like he doesn't have a brain. He can't be bothered to say "I'll take care of it, you don't have to worry".

How would you have handled this passivity and rudeness? Was I too much?

Thanks for your thoughts.

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*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by Anonymous** on May 31, 2012 @18:37	[ Reply ]

I bet he has a ring around his tub and does not flush exactly every time too. Have you checked?

*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by Eloise** on May 31, 2012 @19:22	[ Reply ]

Do you think it would make him "get it" if you actually sent him a BILL, I'd send someone once a month to pressure wash the area or whatever it takes and send the bill to him. See what happens then?

*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by Anonymous** on May 31, 2012 @19:45	[ Reply ]

We have pavers on our driveway as well and my father is fanatical about oil stains. My car was dripping oil after an oil change due to the oil cap not being screwed on correctly. Literally only two or three of the bricks became stained before I caught on to it and placed a piece of cardboard underneath until I went back to the mechanic. My father replaced those pavers within a week and gave me the evil eye for a few days. Honestly, send a cure and correct letter to make it official because that oil dripping car is causing actual damage to the property. The tenant doesn't care because it's not his property. If it gets ugly he can complain that you are a neglectful landlord or move to a property that is newly cleaned. Once the minimum time has lapsed for him to correct the behavior, if not corrected then send him the next set of notices per your state. If the lease is almost up, and you really feel strongly about this tenant, do not renew the lease. BTW, you can deduct the damage from the SD. Have a paving company replace those tiles that were stained and deduct the cost from the SD. Obviously, getting the stain out completely will not happen at this point and be more costly with the repeat treatments.

*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by NY-LL** on May 31, 2012 @21:29	[ Reply ]

Tenant is in violation of the lease agreement. Landlord should enforce the lease agreement. Issue a bill statement for the damages and deduct the cleaning and damages from next month’s rent payment (if not paid and lease allows). Otherwise, sue tenant in small claims court, if landlord is so incline. Do not wait to deduct the item from the security deposit at lease expiration -- too late, too many other issues with a whole house rental. It is in the best interest of the property for the LL to perform all damage repairs to ensure the integrity of the premises. The tenant should be held accountable for all expenses due to their own neglect. LL should perform the necessary repairs and issue a bill statement to the tenant for payment within ten (10) days. If the tenant repeatedly damages the property issue a Notice of Violation and Warning. The tenant should not be responsible for maintenance work, unless it is a whole house rental and the matters are routine and mundane (like lawn care, bulb replacement). The LL will want to keep account of property maintenance to ensure the integrity of the work.

Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard *ss

*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by Anonymous** on May 31, 2012 @23:25	[ Reply ]

"When this tenant was on vacation, I scrubbed the stains" Did you give tenant proper notice that you were entering the property? "I give him his notice...don't hear a word. Nothing." So you have retaliated by giving the tenant notice? Seems you have violated the lease and the law by your actions!

Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard *ss

*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by A.T.SF (CA)** on June 1, 2012 @14:17	[ Reply ]

Kristina, Would you please,better define your property? I'm interested to know City and County, plus is this a multi-family dwelling in city proper or a House and Land? I know you purchased last summer; did the past owner/landlord give you the files or rental agreements for the tenants you inherited with the purchase? Was there a parking provision? along with privileges?

Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard *ss

*Re: Fine line between boundaries and being a hard ss by Kristina (CA)** on June 1, 2012 @14:53	[ Reply ]

Hi Everyone. I appreciate everyone's response. This forum is wonderful. I am feeling better today. I spoke to a guy in the business and he said "OMG oil stains on pavers are the worst! And they act like it's 'no big deal'". He totally understood. He knows rents in the area and he said this unit is at least $300 under!!! He said if he doesn't comply I can raise his rent more to pay for the cleaning. And I don't care if he moves...I'll be able to get a more respectful, better tenant in with even more money. So he can go. I am going to have a conversation with him today asking why he didn't put the matt out and to see if he takes this seriously and will respect my wishes. But I do want to find out about this "not being able to walk around the building"...yikes! Never heard of such a thing. That would be ridiculous! Landlords need to walk around whenever (just not in their dwelling)

Found out the laws of CA re: access to around prop by Kristina (CA) on June 1, 2012 @15:14	[ Reply ]

Hi...just called the Apartment Association of Southern Cities. There is no issue with a landlord walking around the property to do maintaince, check things out, water, collect rent, etc etc. That is not against the law. As long as it is the exterior of the building it's no problem. You have to maintain your building after all...it certainly would not serve anyone to make that hard on the landlord to do so! Imagine if the landlord had to write up all sorts of forms to just water! That would be horrible! Anyways just wanted to share my findings. Meeting with tenant at 2:00 to have a hopeful fruitful conversation.