Called in the County

I had to call in the county police to get these tenants out.  On set out day, the county police, my maintenance man, and my self showed up at the house.  Tenants were nearly out.  The officer couldn't believe how this family had destroyed the house in only 3 months time.  My guy changed the locks on the house and all done except for cleaning up the mess.

Anybody want to trade jobs?

Go Sleep in the Van

Got the judgement against Cheri Bagwell for $1900.  Cheri got the money to move in  from Illinois Valley because she was homeless So they were in my  lovely home before Christmas.  Cheri never paid a dime after that.  They trashed the yard.  Moved the cutest little puppy in on my new carpet and have been tearing up the house ever since.  The judge gave her until March 28th at 10 a.m. to be out.  Cheri called me today and said that she couldn't be out until April 10th.  Now think about it:  she hasn't paid any rent, is tearing up my house, has a puppy, 4 kids and wants another half month of free rent.  I called the Sheriff and he will set her out on the 30th (because that is his next work day).  I called Cheri and told her that she would be out on the 30th as planned AND perhaps she and the kids could sleep in that new van that they bought instead of paying the rent.  The sad part is that she will do the next landlord just like she did me and not think a thing about it.

I hate this job!

Court House News

Tomorrow morning, I meet 2 separate households of tenants for their eviction.  This is never a pleasant experience.  Something I pay for by not doing a good job of screening before they moved in.  I tend to believe their stories, look at their pleasant faces, and go with my gut.  I can't tell you how many times this particular way of screening has not worked out.  They each owe me over $1,500.  This is definitely not fun.  The worse part is they will move on to the next kind-of-heart-landlord and do them the same way.

C'est la vie!

The Help

I thought that I would help out a couple of tenants by giving them a little work.  I gave them all the cleaning products and gas money to get o the job site.  They worked 5 hours did not complete the job, tracked me down in a store and demanded to be paid.  I didn't have my check book with me.  I told them  I do not pay until the job is completed and that they would have to wait until tomorrow and come to the ofice.  They owe me money and keep putting me off.

It felt good!

It Happens!

Got a call the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at 4:30 p.m. that her furnace does not work.  When did you notice it had stopped working?  She responded oh about 2 or 3 days ago?   "What, and you are calling me now before a 4 day holiday to get it fixed."  Can you believe it?  It happens every time.  Yes it does!

Grease Clog

The caller said that her sink was clogged.  I replied that I would send someone over by 5 p.m.  Then I got busy and forgot all about the call until I was getting ready to leave.  Great, I can't find anyone at this time of day to fix it.....I guess I will have to fix it myself.  And I did.  I even amazed myself.  I took pipes apart removed the gross clog, sprayed smelly water all over myself....and then put the pipes all back together and it didn't even leak.  I guess I am wonder woman of the day with smelly clothes!

The Lightbulb Came On

Many of my tenants get a government check monthly.  The government direct deposits the funds into their checking or saving account.  I now have the tenants sign up for the bill pay feature with their bank.  Bank automatically sends me a check on the due date.  If they don't want to sign up  for the proggram; they can go rent from someone else.

I am smiling again!