As a landlord, I’ve encountered some really terrible tenants.
When touring the properties and discussing the requirements, potential renters are always friendly, eager and polite. They say all of the right things. They assure me that they keep a neat and tidy home. They promise to mow the lawn, change HVAC filters and take proper care of all the appliances. Once they move in, they become a problem. They not only neglect maintenance but make constant demands for repairs and improvements. I had a tenant call and complain that there was excessive dust floating in the air. I discovered that she had never cleaned the ceiling fan. Every time she turned it on, it spread contaminants into the breathing air. I’ve been called to replace light bulbs, clean aerators and plunge toilets. There have been dryer fires because the tenant never cleaned the vent. I’ve also had tenants refuse access to HVAC technicians, electricians and plumbers who are there to provide necessary maintenance. If a property gets to the point where it is no longer salvageable for a reasonable investment of time and money, I sell to a cash home buyer. The advantage of this alternative to a conventional sale is that there is no need for a home inspection or repairs. Cash home buyers accept properties in as-is condition. They complete every step of the closing process in under two weeks. I could certainly get a higher sale price for the property if I was willing to clean, paint and fix everything, but I don’t want to take the time. I don’t want to deal with the stress of hiring contractors. I prefer to avoid home inspections, issues with insurance and buyers who are determined to haggle.