Re: Move-in Mess - Landlord Forum thread 347786

Re: Move-in Mess by Patty (Florida) on August 31, 2016 @17:58

Thank you for your thoughtful reply. Good news is we had written permission to remove the stuff that was taken to the Salvation Army as well as the removal of empty boxes. She even paid the lawn service guy cash in advance for helping. I have several emails from her thanking us for our help while she was out of town. The question is what's left inside and out. I've given her written, friendly notice about the potential fire hazard inside and the remaining mess outside, all be it not a legal 7 day notice to cure yet. Thought I'd give her until Monday next week and see what progress she has made before I went all legal on her. I would NEVER access a rental without permission for any reason unless it was an emergency. I don't believe access will be an issue as she still needs help learning proper operation of equipment. It's a high end home and some equipment can be complicated. I'll keep an eye out to make sure she's not a hoarder. The outdoor space is easy from a legal standpoint. Both covered in house rules addendum and hurricane policies & procedures. Again, I would NEVER throw out anything without written permission. My concern is the interior and when it become a health and safety issue or my just being picky???? Boxes are not to the ceiling, but they are EVERYWHERE including on a ceramic cooktop and blocking doorways and passageways. I really can't find anything specific in the Florida or local building ordinance or code. All rather vague as to this issue. More about doors, windows and roofs.

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Re: Move-in Mess by Garry on August 31, 2016 @21:43	[ Reply ]

I think you need to slow up a little on your ideas about health and safety issues. I agree that flammable items should not be on the stove. And I also agree the yard should stay looking nice so neighbors don't complain. But if she just moved in , and has other problems in her life to deal with, 2-3 months of "boxes everywhere" inside, is, in my opinion, a reasonable time frame to get the place looking "normal". Heck, I've even seen a couple of tenants years ago, still living out of boxes 6-8 months after they moved in. Remember, nobody is going to live the way you think they ought to. Wait til after Halloween, and ask to do an inspection of the property then. Then, if need be, point out the fire and health hazards to her orally, not in a written notice to clean it up in a short time frame.

Re: Move-in Mess by Patty (Florida) on September 1, 2016 @20:32	[ Reply ]

Good advice. My gut was telling me to lay back for a while. Glad to have a second opinion. Worst case, she lives out of her boxes and lease will not be renewed. Hopefully she will exhibit some responsibility and get the outside cleaned up and get settled. She can do what she want with her stuff inside. It IS frustrating to get sloppy tenants in a lovely home, but hopefully things will change.