Re: renting single rooms Pro&Cons - Landlord Forum thread 324623

Re: renting single rooms Pro&Cons by Kim (WV) on September 17, 2014 @20:44

I'm guessing since you said NC and military town, this investment property might be in Fayetteville near Fort Bragg and Pope Air Base? I know there are other large bases in NC (Camp LeJeune, Cherry Point, Seymour Johnson, and New River) but I think Fort Bragg/Pope might be the largest.

Anyway, if you are renting short term in a military town, it's likely you might get lots of young guys who want a place off base for a few nights or a week or so to get out of the barracks and let off a little steam. You know, spend private time with their girlfriend, party with their friends, etc. I'm sure not all will be like that, but the ones that are like that might drive your longer term tenants nuts. If the rental is in the Fayetteville area, you may be dealing with a lot of special forces type military. Some of those young guys are beyond arrogant and think they are bulletproof. Those are the ones who will give you the most trouble, probably.

However, if you want to proceed, do your screening by getting a copy of their military ID and take down the information on their unit and commanding officer (CO). Be sure to verify they give you the correct unit and CO and get the phone numbers. Have the after hours phone number for the command handy. Make them give you a copy of their current military orders, especially if they are coming to or leaving the area. The information on those orders will enable you to verify their unit, name, etc. If you have any trouble with them, a phone call to their commanding officer should get them out of your hair ASAP.

I would suspect (I spent 17 years in Navy and husband spent 26 in the Air Force so I'm not slamming the military, just speaking the truth as I know it) if young military guys are like they were when I was in, your rooms may sustain a fair amount of damage from time to time and the other tenants may complain.

But it might work out. You might get the older crowd who are well behaved and just looking to get away from the young punks. It depends on your price point and on how you market the place and how you screen. I wouldn't do anything less than a week. I'd get a damage deposit, like KatieKate said, equal to one rental period. Good luck! Please let us know how it works out. I'm always curious about how these things actually turn out!

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Re: renting single rooms Pro&Cons by Barb (NC) on September 18, 2014 @08:51	[ Reply ]

I really appreciate your details regarding this matter you are certainly on target. This place is located in Camp Lejeune USMC. My husband is a retired Marine. He definitely carefully screen all potential renters. We have in the past rented in the military all branches and have discovered most of them taking care of the property. However, to be honest their were a few commands station were non-compliant in reprimanding the military person. Nevertheless, thank you for you input.