landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Apr 30, 2009 10:19 AM
landlord advice (by Mike in San Diego [CA]) Apr 30, 2009 11:16 AM
landlord advice (by Barbara [VA]) Apr 30, 2009 11:23 AM
landlord advice (by Emily [TX]) Apr 30, 2009 11:27 AM
landlord advice (by Martin [MO]) Apr 30, 2009 11:31 AM
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Apr 30, 2009 11:31 AM
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Apr 30, 2009 11:33 AM
landlord advice (by Dave [IN]) Apr 30, 2009 11:53 AM
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Apr 30, 2009 12:00 PM
landlord advice (by Wallace CPM [VA]) Apr 30, 2009 12:04 PM
landlord advice (by Bill [MN]) Apr 30, 2009 12:11 PM
landlord advice (by tx [TX]) Apr 30, 2009 12:20 PM
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Apr 30, 2009 12:21 PM
landlord advice (by Wallace CPM [VA]) Apr 30, 2009 12:25 PM
landlord advice (by Lori [NV]) Apr 30, 2009 12:38 PM
landlord advice (by Lori [NV]) Apr 30, 2009 12:46 PM
landlord advice (by Lisa - MA/NH Border [NH]) Apr 30, 2009 12:55 PM
landlord advice (by Lynda [TX]) Apr 30, 2009 1:00 PM
landlord advice (by John... [MI]) Apr 30, 2009 1:13 PM
landlord advice (by Anderson [IN]) Apr 30, 2009 1:24 PM
landlord advice (by June [PA]) Apr 30, 2009 1:31 PM
landlord advice (by Emily [TX]) Apr 30, 2009 1:56 PM
landlord advice (by tim [AR]) Apr 30, 2009 2:47 PM
landlord advice (by Robert,Ontario,Canada [ON]) Apr 30, 2009 3:15 PM
landlord advice (by K [MN]) Apr 30, 2009 3:31 PM
landlord advice (by GEO. [OK]) Apr 30, 2009 3:32 PM
landlord advice (by Echo [GA]) Apr 30, 2009 3:36 PM
landlord advice (by Kathi [OH]) Apr 30, 2009 3:52 PM
landlord advice (by Katherine [TX]) Apr 30, 2009 8:56 PM
landlord advice (by Echo [GA]) May 1, 2009 6:54 AM
landlord advice (by billy [MA]) May 1, 2009 7:27 AM
landlord advice (by mario [TX]) May 1, 2009 10:57 AM
landlord advice (by Lynda [TX]) May 1, 2009 1:35 PM
landlord advice (by Josh [CA]) May 1, 2009 2:55 PM
landlord advice (by Josh [CA]) May 1, 2009 2:57 PM
landlord advice (by Cat [WI]) May 1, 2009 6:44 PM
landlord advice (by Katherine [TX]) May 1, 2009 9:01 PM
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 10:19 AM Message:
State Specific Question About: IOWA (IA)
I have been an Iowan all my life and lived in the great state of Iowa all my life. I am looking for some advice. I live in Cedar Falls, IA, a great town, and I am in a bad living situation. I am in a very small apartment with my teenage son and I want to move very badly. I currently have section 8 assistance because I could never afford to pay rent as a single mom. I want to rent a duplex or house in Cedar Falls and can't seem to find any landlords that are simpithetic. I have a cat, so cats must be allowed. I have been looking for so long now and no one wants pets or section 8. Am I going about this all wrong? I have always paid rent on time and am a very clean person. Please give me some advice. --173.22.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Mike in San Diego [CA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:16 AM Message:
This should go well.
--67.52.xxx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Barbara [VA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:23 AM Message:
I am going to behave today. Good luck to you. --96.225.xxx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Emily [TX]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:27 AM Message:
I allow pets, but do not take Sec8, but I am not in IA so it's irrelevant. There are plenty of LLs for whom both are welcome.
Sympathy isn't really relevant, if someone wants one of my properties, is willing to pay the rent and abide by the lease terms, and their application is approved, then they are welcome to live there. It is business, same as buying groceries at Super Target. --198.134.xx.xx |
landlord advice (by Martin [MO]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:31 AM Message:
Some S8 offices maintain a list of properties that participate in that program. Try checking there. --68.93.xx.xx |
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:31 AM Message:
Thanks for your advice Emily. It is nice to get a landlords view. There are not many that allow pets here. It is very difficult. Just trying to fiqure out why they are agains't pets and section 8 so much. I understand it is business. --173.22.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:33 AM Message:
Thanks Martin,
I checked with my local office and they said they can't give out any names. "It is up to us to find the place." It just makes it that much harder. --173.22.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Dave [IN]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 11:53 AM Message:
I have two Section 8 units in Indianapolis. My experience with the tennants has been mixed. The good ones are good, the bad ones are beyond terrible.
One constant is the aggravation of dealing with the housing office. It normally takes the housing agency 30 days to shuffle their paper after I screen the applicants. I eat the cost of the additional 30 days vacancy.
It normally takes 15-20 minutes on the phone to reach a person in the office and then I am often treated with an attitude. I'm not sure if the attitude is because I'm a landlord or because I'm a European American.
The annual inspections normally result in a few nonsense write ups from the inspector. Some I argue, other times it is simply easier to appease the inspector.
One house is Section 8 because it is small and hard to rent, the other is the result of a good paying tennant receiving a voucher.
The positive is that the rent is a direct deposit once a month.
You need to show the potential new landlord that you aren't an entitled tennant and that you will take care of the place.
--199.20.x.x |
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:00 PM Message:
Thankyou Dave,
You gave some good advice. I will try to do that. --173.22.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Wallace CPM [VA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:04 PM Message:
Get a job and get rid of the cats! --64.12.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Bill [MN]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:11 PM Message:
Patrice, I love section 8 and actually *prefer* section 8 tenants. I don't allow pets, however, because I don't want the smell or damage. --129.42.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by tx [TX]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:20 PM Message:
you guy's must be getting soft. if no one is going to start the slamming then I just won't visist this site anymore. --161.226.xxx.x |
landlord advice (by Patrice [IA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:21 PM Message:
Wallace,
My cat is part of the family and would NEVER get rid of him. Also, I am disabled and unable to work because of my deteriorating health. I did not ask to be sick. It just happened.
Bill,
I can understand the smell, especially from dogs. But cats are so clean. Much cleaner than dogs. Being a extreme cat lover I guess I don't understand it. I would never get rid of my cat. He is a member of the family. I guess to me, it would be like getting rid of my child. That is why I am stuck in a small apartment because this is the only place that would allow pets. Maybe I will get lucky someday. --173.22.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Wallace CPM [VA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:25 PM Message:
OK...Now...the defensiveness appears....CATS cause DAMAGE and Suction8 will not pay for that damage...get rid of the CATS! or you will continue to have problems with locating landlords to assist you. --205.188.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Lori [NV]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:38 PM Message:
Barbara, its so hard to be good. You know as well as I that this could be a troll or this could be legite. Either way, why , oh why do tenants come to a site entitled Mr Landlord.com I don't visit sites entitled Mr tenant .com.
Patrice, you got some good advice ,so take heed of it. In the future, though, please be aware this is a landlord site and sympathy you will not find here. This is a tough business that few tenants ever acknowledge. We are small business owners just trying to survive like you and we don't have extra dollars to deal out social services. The government wants to do that for you so please use those agencies. I've seen people on this site get much harsher than Wallace. You have been very fortunate so far. Good luck to you and good day. --74.45.xx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Lori [NV]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:46 PM Message:
Oh and cats are not clean animals. I personally have 2 dogs and 2 cats. They are clean because they live outside where animals belong. My last tenant who moved out had 2 cats. They had decided to use the bedroom closet as a toilet. My tenant's response" They never did that before". Well They're doing it now. She had to pay for new carpet in the closet. Get it Patrice. You love your cat. Landlords don't. --74.45.xx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Lisa - MA/NH Border [NH]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 12:55 PM Message:
Cats suck. When they get old and senile and start pissing on the floors there's not getting rid of it. The entire floor, including the sub floor, needs to be removed and replaced. I had cats cost me $2,500 in damages and the tenant disappeared never to be seen again. That is why landlords hate cats.
Sorry you're sick but pets are a risk to a landlord. People who own their own homes and are willing to take the risk of their precious pets ruining stuff that their decision. But when that precious pet is destroying MY property I am willing to bet your sweet A$$ you aren't going to have $2,500.00 or more to completely replace the flooring now, right?
And many section 8 housing authorities are complete dinks to deal with. They're promise to help with this or that and once the tenant is in place it all becomes the landlord's problem.
Right now I am in the hole this year $12,000 and all my savings are GONE. We are small business owners that get screwed regularly by our customers and the governments. So we have to be extra picky about who we let in because once you're in if you decide to wreck the place, stop paying, etc. it takes us forever and a lot of $$$$$ to get you out. And in the meantime no one is paying us while we try and get a bad and/or destructive tenant out of OUR property.
Yeah, we're picky. This is gonna sound mean but here it goes. If you don't like our rules then buy your own place and make your own rules. I work two jobs plus I'm a landlord, wife and mother to a teenager. I have a couple of health issues that make my days even longer sometimes but I gotta do what I gotta do.
If you want a nice place then get rid of the cat. Having a pet and being section 8 is like two strikes against you to mos landlords. --75.144.xxx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Lynda [TX]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 1:00 PM Message:
Patrice, unlike the others, I am sympathetic. I love cats and mine are part of my family. I appreciate that in others. I take ats and dogs in all my rentals--but like Emily I will NOT take Sec-8 because of all the damage bad behavior I have had from Sec-8 tenants--AND bad service from the Hsg Ofc too.
As for the negative vibrations, most LLs here will tell you this is a site made for LLs only. There are many tenant websites out there that are pro-tenant. Sorry, Patrice, most LLs here have heard your story and loads of similar ones, and have gotten burned when the tenant turned out to be dirty, careless, and arrogant after they have been given a chance. From a LL's point of view, you situations looks like: a long term Sec-8-er who has learned to 'work the system' with a teenager, and a cat pee producer. Where if we take you, we will have to take lower rent than working tenants will pay, and deal with a lazy, unresponsive, obstructive, gov't agency that will screw up the payments and can't even follow tyheir own policies. If you were paying a mortgage on an expensive piece of property--who would YOU let into it? --140.140.xx.x |
landlord advice (by John... [MI]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 1:13 PM Message:
I'm a cat person -- I have 6 myself -- but, I do have a question for you...
Can you tell me about how much you pay for cable and cablemodem from Mediacom? I'm always a bit surprised by Sec8 people that "could never afford to pay rent", but then have more channels and faster internet than I can afford after I pay my taxes (that then go to support Sec8)...
- John...
--64.25.xxx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Anderson [IN]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 1:24 PM Message:
You would have more money for housing without a cat to feed.
For me it's not really the people who use SUCKtion 8, they get screened, and turned down on their poor choices in life like anyone else. It's the housing Office that I refuse to deal with.
Just like I have no problem with pets. It's irresponcible pet owners that are the issue. --72.86.xx.xxx |
landlord advice (by June [PA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 1:31 PM Message:
And....my late husband was extremely allergic to cats. If we'd allowed a cat in the apartment, husband could not enter to do the fixing.
--205.188.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Emily [TX]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 1:56 PM Message:
I agree that pets are a member of the family; we have 3 pets ourselves and they go where we go. When I was renting, which was a while ago, I confined my search to places that acceped pets.
I disagree however that cats are cleaner than dogs. I've never had to clean up dog poop from a rental but you don't want to know about all the cat poop I've shoveled. --198.134.xx.xx |
landlord advice (by tim [AR]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 2:47 PM Message:
I had cats when i was young and we had fleas and also you can't see all the hair until you start cleaning so if you're not seeing the hair you're not cleaning. The litter box smells. Many people have allergies that cats contribute to so the next tenant could have problems. I never understood why tenants would put themselves in a homeless situation over an animal.
As far as asking why nobody has sympathy....LL's are looking for good tenants. They are not looking for someone who can make them feel good about themself that they did something good for someone because as any experienced LL will tell you no good deed goes unpunished in this business and sympathy will get you in a mess every time. This reminds me of the time I was allowed to interview employees for an open position where I use to work. I asked the girl why I should hire her and off the top of my head a good answer would have been because I'm a self-starter who has no plans of leaving this area and hoping for a long-term career where I can contribute. She said, Because I have two kids. Next! --74.194.xxx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Robert,Ontario,Canada [ON]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 3:15 PM Message:
Pet vandalism can easily cost thousand of dollars in damage to rental unit. Replacing a carpet or hardwood floor can easily cost thousand of dollars. In the province of Ontario it is illegal to charge a cleaning and damage deposit so if the pet causes damage to the carpet and the carpet pad or hardwood flooring then the landlord has to absorb the cost. With the rent control rules the carpet is supposed to have a life expectancy of ten years not six months. Unfortunately tenants seem to forget they are renting a space yet tenants want the same rights as homeowners. In the ad it states no pets yet people call up then ask if pets are accepted. When one asks them why they want to move if the dog is happy where are living there never seems to be a answer. One has to understand that apartment living is apartment living where one does not have the same rights as a homeowner. If rents could be increased a whole lot more then one could change the carpet and carpet padding every six months or the hardwood flooring every six months. Tenants want a lower rent but don't want the trade off tbat goes with a lower rent. With vacancy decontrol most tenants don't want to pay a higher rent where pets are allowed. So if one was living on the socialist island of paradise one would have to wait thirty years for a apartment if one was not a member of the party. One is bumped up the comrade housing list when someone dies. They don't pay any rent but there is real shortage of housing. --206.172.xx.xx |
landlord advice (by K [MN]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 3:31 PM Message:
Hi Patrice,
You may be a very nice, clean, and responsible person. Unfortunately since you are on section 8 you are part of what some would consider an undesirable group and will have difficulty finding a place to rent. Landlords are generally not mean, but they have a business to run to pay their own mortgages and feed their own families so they are not in a position to take risks. The rental market in Iowa could be such that are enough non-section 8 tenants available that Landlords do not need to "scrape the bottom of the barrel" for tenants.
You can try Craig's List for available apartments or the local newspaper. Perhaps local churches will know of some section 8 friendly landlords.
Good Luck to you. --209.68.xxx.xxx |
landlord advice (by GEO. [OK]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 3:32 PM Message:
Do you know why God made Cats???
TARGET PRACTICE!
--98.162.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Echo [GA]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 3:36 PM Message:
I've never met a cat I didn't like. I have cats, indoors and outdoors. That said I own my own home. People that rent period, should really think about not having a pet. I want to scream everytime a applicant calls and says that they have 2 dogs. --74.243.xx.xx |
landlord advice (by Kathi [OH]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 3:52 PM Message:
I have three questions: Is your cat spayed or neutered? Is it declawed? Is it fully vetted including flea propholaxis?
There are three things that I would like you to consider:
1. As stated by others, the section 8 office is often difficult to deal with. Some of the inspectors are fine while others are totally unreasonable. There is a period of lost rent that is excessive because of the lag time involved in the inspection and paperwork shuffelling process. Some offices are better than others. Some are, quite frankly, a pain in the backside. Also, most Section 8 recipients are uncollectable. SSI, disabillity, and other government living aid is uncollectable. That means that if the damage to the apartment exceeds the deposit, the housing provider has no recourse and is out the $$$.
2. First, I would like to say that I have an elderly dog and two cats. I do rent to people with pets because I love animals and feel that they increase the quallity of life for most people. I screen the pets, preferably at their current residence on a day when I do not have a head cold. The applicant is aware that the visit will be unnanounced. I walk through the yard and look and smell for "land mines". I look at the present home or apartment. I pay particular attention to smells and pet damage. I LOVE my responsible pet owners. However, a pet that sprays or has accidents can easilly do thousands of dollars in damage. That means that we may easiy have LOST money after, or even befor expected expenses such as morgag, taxes and water, ets. Most of us do not wnt to be Nort-for-Profit Organizations. When the resident is on Section 8, there is nothing to garnishee to recoup the damages. I also interview the animal(s) to assess their temperment.
I insist that all cats and dogs be spayed or neutered for two reasons. It lessons the chances of territorial spraying and catterwalling. I refuse to in any way be responsible for the excess unwanted pet population. I have been to the pound and cat shelters. Most are not chearful places. I also insist that all pets be fully vetted including flea propholaxix.
I have a few suggestions to make. When contacting a prospective housing provider, invite them to your home so that they may view and smell your houskeeping and meet your pet. You may also wish to offer a double deposit because you are so certain that you are such a great resident that you will get it all back because you will leave it in immaculate condition.
You and your son should be on your best behavior when viewing the residence. Most of us mentally deduct points when people, smoke or bring beverages or food into the home. It shows disrespect.
I wish you the best on your search.
--69.221.xx.xxx |
landlord advice (by Katherine [TX]) Posted on: Apr 30, 2009 8:56 PM Message:
I won't take section 8 for all the reasons listed above.
1. Cats (especially old sick ones) pee and poop and throw up everywhere. That causes smelly nasty damage that costs thousands of dollars.
2. Many Section 8 tenants are lazy, entitled, and don't understand the value of cleanliness, quiet, and respect of people and property. This is because they are lazy and entitled.
3. Housing offices are filled in many places with beaureaucrats that think they are doing the poor a service by being difficult to deal with (They aren't). The housing office in my area was actually good. . .but now I don't know. We got someone new running it and he's from New Jersey. Boy am I glad I am not subject to a management change that I had not control over.
4. Section 8 requires a 1 year lease. No way I am allowing someone into a unit and not be able to get them out for a year. Uh-UH. If a tenant is a problem, I am going to give notice to move. And if that same tenant buys a house, they get to give me notice and move too. Maximum flexibility. Section 8 does not allow that.
5. You have a teenage son? You are disabled? Is he? Can't he mow yards or deliver papers or work at fast food after school? Why can't he help out so ya'll can have a better place not on section 8 since you can't part with the cat.
5. Disabled does NOT mean unable to work. Now. Maybe you are SO disabled that you REALLY can't work. I doubt it, but maybe you really are. One of my friends is both stone deaf (since birth), autitstic, and has emotional disturbances. She is disabled. No question. She will never be able to live on her own. But guess what. She has worked as a file clerk for the state of Texas for going on 20 years. She is proud as heck of it too. And I got a daughter who is visually impaired. Guess what. I'll expect her to work and support herself. She can learn music, she can do any number of things, and I will insist (like my friend's parents) that she do as much as she is able to do with the abilities she DOES have. So I have NO sympathy for anyone's situation, with very rare exceptions (usually for small children who can't escape their parents).
6. So realize and understand that YOU are the reason you are having trouble finding a place. You and your excuses.
The people on here are not rich for the most part. (Some are and GOD BLESS THEM AND THE JOBS THEY CREATE FOR OTHERS!) And we get shafted while the leisured poor get by off the hard work put out by us and the taxes we pay that takes money away from my blind daughter and food of my kid's table.
And you wonder why you aren't getting any sympathy? I think you should be able to see why.
Your son should work, you should work, and your cat should go if you don't like what you are finding out there. Otherwise buy yourself a duplex, rent out one side (to help support you) and become a landlord and contributing member of society. After all its easy, right?
Even with a disability your life and its quality is all about your choices. You can obviously type. That is a skill. Use it to find some work, find your kid some work, and teach him a work ethic. That's a much better lesson for his life than to settle for handouts, grouse about them, and be disappointed.
Landlords work very hard for what we have and everyone and their uncle tries to steal from us or ruin what we have worked so hard for. So excuse us if we're sick of it.
And our mortgage companies could care less if we are sick, disabled or DEAD. They expect to be paid or they take away the house. --68.93.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Echo [GA]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 6:54 AM Message:
ummm.. Katherine may have said it best. --74.243.xx.xx |
landlord advice (by billy [MA]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 7:27 AM Message:
get a job .get a credit card for 500 limit or so from a dept store. and charge a little bit on it from month to month and pay it n time every month.u said the cat was fixed right?list the credit card when u apply.keep trying.bring copies of money orders or cks showing u always pay on time.best wishes. --208.58.x.xx |
landlord advice (by mario [TX]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 10:57 AM Message:
I don't understand the bias against cats. I've lived with a cat throughout my life (im 33) and never noticed them being dirty. They are very clean animals. I've always had them spayed or neutered and my current cat of 13 yrs is an indoor only cat. He does tend to kick his litter out of the box though, my only complaint.
Sure he sheds but his hair isn't filling up the vaccuum bag like my 100lb German Shepherd or digs up the new sod I lay down in the yard he tore up! Then tries to bring his muddy paws into the house. --144.160.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Lynda [TX]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 1:35 PM Message:
I agree w/Mario(and DISAGREE with Emily and Geo and Katherine). CATS are not dirty--it is the OWNERS that are irresponsible. Cats will ALWAYS choose to go in a clean box if they have one! In fact they CRAVE a catbox with litter/sand whatever BECAUSE they have an instinct to COVER their make. They will only go where there is no chance to cover the poo--if they are FORCED to find a place CLEANER than the box provided. The box would have to be pretty dirty, for a cat to go elsewhere. And THAT is the fault of the owner. If the cat is too sick or just too old to control its behavior, it is the OWNER'S responsibility to handle that. In NO case is the poor cat at fault.
If Emily had to pick up catpoo it was the fault of the owner's lack of care. If there is a 'cat problem' it only means there is a human somewhere who is not doing their job!
I have had cats since I was 4 yrs old(I am 57). I have 3 cats now. I dare anyone to come in my house and smell. My one cat lived to 19.5 years! Another to 14.5 years. If you care for them and they get regular medical care, flea medication, they will live long and be clean to the bitter end! --140.140.xx.x |
landlord advice (by Josh [CA]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 2:55 PM Message:
Try searching up a site that advertises pet friendly units for rent. I forgot the name of the site. It does exist though. --66.214.x.xx |
landlord advice (by Josh [CA]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 2:57 PM Message:
Why wouldn't sec 8 give out a list of places that accept sec 8 tenants? Strange...
--66.214.x.xx |
landlord advice (by Cat [WI]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 6:44 PM Message:
I am a cat lover as many on here know. I do not understand the fact that people can be so hateful toward them. They are wonderful loving clean animals. I have 9 inside cats and 5 of them also go outside. They sleep inside as much as possible at night as it is safer for them.
I would NEVER give them up as they are my family. Those that do not understand that, have NEVER loved cats. I have to admit that I never particularly liked them, until I owned one and they are the most loving loyal animals ever.
That being said, as I landlord I do understand the reluctance to allow cats and dogs in a property. We as landlords just have no control over the damage they may do and no recourse if they do damage.
I also DO have some Section 8 tenants. I screen all my tenants the same...Section 8 or not. Our area Section 8 office is WONDERFUL. Unfortunately they are also out of funds and have a 2 year waiting list. I can say that my last 4 problem tenants have been 3 NON Section 8 (who were all working at one point) and only one long term Section 8 that was just too elderly to make sound decisions anymore. Could that have easily been a non Section 8 tenant? absolutely.
So in summary..Do I accept cats? yes....Do I accept Section 8? yes, but I do try to screen and tenants are responsible for the actions of their pets.
Also to point out...landlords have heard it ALL for the most part. I cannot count how many times prospective tenants have come to me with the entitlement attitude.....like we owe them something. I am NOT interested in those tenants. I have had to work my tail off for everything that I have.....even at a time when my heat was shut off for non payment and there was little food in the house. Back then no goverment agency helped you..You did it on your own or you lived in the street.
I agree that almost everyone can get a job, if they really want to, doing something, including your son. Responsibility when they are young teaches them the value of working for what you want. Most of them grow up feeling entitled like the parents. NO one owes them or their parents or relatives anything. They are responsible to make their own living..not live off me and other landlords and hard working people.
This is a landlord site so please take our remarks as being from people that have worked hard their entire lives, went without to pay for what they needed and what they now have and tired of watching others do nothing and still get a monthly check. If this is harse, I am sorry, but we are so tired of working for nothing.
Cat --207.190.xxx.xx |
landlord advice (by Katherine [TX]) Posted on: May 1, 2009 9:01 PM Message:
Just to clarify for all my LL friends, I have no problem with cats per se.
I've had a cat in the past, and I loved him plenty. But I was a tenant then and he ended up going to live (a very spoiled life) at my boyfriend's parent's ranch due to the sorts of issues Patrice mentions.
That cat was a riot and never met a stranger.
I agree that cat owners are more the problem - good cat owners are very responsible and good cat care is not cheap.
Proper pet care is also always subjective. Lynda's idea of meticulously clean and Cat's might be different. Its just easier to avoid all these various shades of gray to me.
And I fully understand being attached to a pet as a family member, and if that's important then the tenant should keep looking until they find a LL who will take the whole family, pet(s) and all. It just is going to be a longer wait.
Many tenants don't take care of things like they say they do, they can't put a cat door on an apt. or someone else's property like an owner could. . .and I'd rather not bet that a renter will look after their pet to the extent that my property is protected/prevented from being damaged for lots of money that can't be recovered from someone like Patrice.
I have seen cats get senile and lose bowel control and be sick and throw up etc. And I think that an animal that bad off and so obviously suffering should be euthanized. . .but some people are a little late arriving at that conclusion.
So I agree its not really the cats, its the people. But if you don't take cats, you reduce your risk of damage. This is particularly true in a multi-family building where if one tenant sees that another has a pet, soon you will have a bunch of people with pets although you may not have approved all the pets.
So my policy has evolved to exclude pets in order to better protect my investments.
I'm not a cat hater. I'm a realist. --68.93.xxx.xx |
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