I rented an apartment in December to 2 tenants B and T. From what another tenant has told me, there are extra cars in the driveway. Within the last 2 weeks I have written to each of the 3 units stating that if visitors are staying more than 5 days per month, this person is no longer a visitor and must be screened and assuming this person passes the screen, a new lease is drawn up.

I visited the new tenant T last Thursday to pick up Feb rent and he stated that he does have a relative living with him. He agreed to send me name, SS# and date of birth so I can screen this person. I did send a followup email Friday and Saturday when I did not get this info. How much longer should I to get this info?

Unless you have this relative sign a rental application, you won't be able to properly screen them. Either Email or drop off an application for the extra person / people. I would give them a dead line or 1 week max to get the completed paperwork back to you.

Thanks Steve,

When I ask a tenant for something, I nicely give them a timeline. For example a tenant said, "I'm thinking about getting a dog! I told the tenant that before they can even think about getting a dog they must first provide me a valid renters insurance policy with coverage for the type of dog they wish to obtain. Then I also need vet records that the animal has up to date vaccine shots, etc. If the dog arrives before the latter, an eviction will follow within 24 hours.

That tenant is now living in their car with their dog -- a pit bull with no insurance, medical records or license.

Dave,

Good on ya! For keeping watch.

BAD on ya for collecting rent in person! Do you REALLY want to be shot?? Dude, read the paper! And come into the new Millenium- electronic banking or a deposit only account. Your family needs you. WE need you!

(Emd of tough love rant. :)

Give the new applicant a 24 hour deadline or face my lease's $50 per day penalty. Nothing will happen without a deadline and the thought of loss.

Could be

-simply procrastinating if no deadline was given

-waiting for you to pick it up

-sandbagging you while they wait for their new apt to open up

-they know their bad record will disqualify them so they are milking what time you allow

-have no intention of following your policy

Be aware that most people who couch surf cannot pass a screening. That's why they couch surf.

Stay on this. Stay strong. Can't complain about what you allow.

Dave,

Good on ya! For keeping watch.

BAD on ya for collecting rent in person! Do you REALLY want to be shot?? Dude, read the paper! And come into the new Millenium- electronic banking or a deposit only account. Your family needs you. WE need you!

(Emd of tough love rant. :)

Give the new applicant a 24 hour deadline or face my lease's $50 per day penalty. Nothing will happen without a deadline and the thought of loss.

Could be

-simply procrastinating if no deadline was given

-waiting for you to pick it up

-sandbagging you while they wait for their new apt to open up

-they know their bad record will disqualify them so they are milking what time you allow

-have no intention of following your policy

Be aware that most people who couch surf cannot pass a screening. That's why they couch surf.

Stay on this. Stay strong. Can't complain about what you allow.

PS For non-responsive people I always recommend calling 911 and starting CPR. :)