One of my rooming house tenants claims he lost his paycard. His employer pays by loading funds on a debit card. Sounds suspect to me. Rent was due on Saturday and he claimed his card would be replaced by Monday, so I gave him until Tuesday. My rental agreement provides for a late charge of $ 10 a day which I waived until Tuesday but on Wednesday, I start to assess it. I probably should have assessed it from the Sunday, but thought I'd give a little leeway since the guy had paid on time before.

Do you think he's faking it with me here?

As to the rooming house itself, I've been totally full and with about half of the folks coming up on 8 months of residency with the rest being mostly 3 to 6 months. My newest tenant rented the small 6x9 room I formerly used as an office. He's been there a little over a month. It doesn't appear that anyone is moving soon although there's one of them who's a slob who I may terminate. I think I'll fill his room quickly. It seems that the slow season for rooming houses is the opposite of that for regular rentals. I had more vacancies in the summer than I do in winter. I'm thinking that those who are insecure in their living situations want to ensure they've secured housing during winter. I've not calculated the vacancy rate, but I guess it's less than 3%- 4% and the bulk of that would have been driven by the first month or so trying to get it rented. Once I got rolling, demand has been steady.

Everyone continues to get along for the most part however once they get settled, they tend to be protective of their spaces. Also, there's a bit of anxiety that occurs whenever someone new arrives until everyone is settled in and accustomed to each other. This coming April will be a year running this. From a management standpoint, it's not been bad at all and the time spent is minimal. This past week, I spent about an hour collecting rent and dealing with a washer malfunction.

I've been very fortunate with regard to tenants also as there have been no crazies; just one slob who I may fire.

GKARL,

Congrats on making this work! I love hearing the updates in real time!

Compile these into a booklet!

6x9 WOw! My son's dorm room at Purdue (Cary Quad) was 8x10, originally designed for one student but doubled up due to need, so he shared this room with a roommate and roomie's frequent girlfriend!

I could live in a 6x9! Better than a car or tent!

Too quick...

Round here the paycards are a debit card on a checking account. They can withdraw money either way. Have him talk to the bank about pulling from the checking account.

Yes, I too am suspicious. His buddies would know how to get to their money adn he's not the first person to lose a card.

GKARL,

I'm in Cummins town just east of IU.

Studied with Dr William Adam (world renown) on trumpet at IU part time '71-77. If you ever went by the old music building and heard LOUD trumpets, that was us!

When were you there?