My mother just went into her rental (6 years of rental) that she went in only once during the 6 years. The tenant had a kid with cancer so my mom's germs were too much for his immune system. Well, long story short, the house was so dirty. An inch of food in the stove. Carpet was so stained and smelly of dog. Practically every light bulb was out. Every - every smoke detector in the bedrooms were taken off and gone (I'm assuming battery chirped and better to throw the detector away than replace battery). The yard was so overgrown and used as a trash can.

I know this is a rant ----but why or why are tenants so dirty? I've only had one rental turn over where I didn't have to do anything but could rerent it. Usually I have to do thousands of repairs. Which makes me realize that the rental business is now a financially-losing business.

It has soemthing to do with the fact that most people will tolerate their own mess much more than someone else's. When we show a vacancy it has to be spic and span clean but 3 months later there are Chef Boy Ardee noodles food hanging from the kitchen ceiling.

I have noticed that my low income properties are on an average not kept very clean. I think it has to do with the fact that they are 1 bedroom 1 bath and under 600 square feet.

My more expensive larger in square feet and 2 to 3 bedroom rentals are usually kept up. Always clean no matter when I am invited in.

"Which makes me realize that the rental business is now a financially-losing business."

I don't agree. Add up how much rent has been paid over 6 years. If that doesn't make you/your Mom feel better then you need to make some changes in your bottom line/cash flow.

Hire out the lawn upkeep and raise the rent to cover it.

Carpet in a rental is a money pit. Change out carpet for a pocket friendly tough flooring.

Your Mom needs to get inside her rentals more often. AT LEAST 2 times a year.

Side note. I have rarely seen a Landlords home that is a pig pen. Me I'm nicky picky clean with my own home. I don't function well when my home base isn't clean and organized.

AND I have 15 year old carpeting in my living room that looks brand new. I do OWN a vacuum and I know how to use it! I also have never had a problem with my garbage disposal.

AND My "Running around pup that just turned 3 years old" is clean and his poop is picked up everyday. Ain't that sumpthang!

I R a Landlord and it rents!

Chaw-Ching!

I just had a sheriff move-out on Friday. Father and 9 year old son where living in filth with no water for 2 weeks. In the house, I found exwife's name and contacted her and she is going to file for an immediate order to remove son from his custody.

Roy beat me to it. I've seen PLENTY of owner occupied homes that were incredibly filthy. Usually those folks don't invite people over so few see it.

Bought one home that took 2 of the largest roll off dumpsters.

Was in the home of one of my Boy Scouts where the stench almost made ME gag!

The good news: it only takes a little longer to clean 6 years worth of grime than to clean 1 year of grime. Hire it out and be a JOB CREATOR!

Roy - you need to write a rap to the tune of Pants on the Ground:

Noodles on the ceiling

Chef Boy every where

Lookin so crummy with yer

Noodles up there!