Shitbag renter withholding rent over a step height code violation

[Droptoplt1ta]

So this tenant that has been living in my house for 2 1/2 months has decided not to pay me rent this month over some stupid issues. I had the township inspector go over the house with him and I, and all his stupid issues were not issues to the inspector, but I did not popped on a step height violation.

I have already started the eviction process. Waiting on a court date. Does anyone have any advice for me on the court proceeding or ideas how to correct this step issue. In the picture its the front step to the porch.

Thanks

 

[wikdsvt]

it is not a reason to withhold rent.
he CAN withhold rent if there is some type of violation that is tantamount to constructive eviction, i.e. no hot water, no electricity, etc... Here, he could simply use another entrance to the house if he wanted.

Make sure when you sue, you ask for not only possession of the property, but also a monetary judgment, including all interest and late fees, and court filing fees and costs.

 

[nitrousrick]

Is it a height issue? IIRC Lowes or HD sells steps in varies heights. I'd imagine it should be easy to correct if that's all it is.

 

[sofa king]

This is why I'm afraid of renting my house...

 

[1BADAIR]

Put a piece of plywood there. Wheel chair accessible..

 

[DetroitStyle]

Get in the house ASAP for a thorough photo inventory.... deadbeat renters in the eviction process are likely to be vengeful and potentially damaging.

Might be worth it to leave your number with the neighbors and explain what's going on... ie "I don't want them doing damage to the house or property, I want it kept nice and I'm sure you do as well. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call me."

 

[The Man]

Not legally allowed in the house.

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Driven2slow]

This is why I'm afraid of renting my house...

Dont do it. Trust me.

 

[mustangmike6996]

Not legally allowed in the house.

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Unless there is a clause in the renters/lease agreement stating the landlord/owner can conduct a walkthrough.

 

[Billydroveit]

So this tenant that has been living in my house for 2 1/2 months has decided not to pay me rent this month over some stupid issues. I had the township inspector go over the house with him and I, and all his stupid issues were not issues to the inspector, but I did not popped on a step height violation.

I have already started the eviction process. Waiting on a court date. Does anyone have any advice for me on the court proceeding or ideas how to correct this step issue. In the picture its the front step to the porch.

Thanks

View attachment 76580

Lowes, Home Depot, any Block or Mason place will have new steps of varying heights, go get one. Removing the old one will be easy as picking it up, and as hard as hittin it with a sledge. Set the new one in place. Guy sounds like a douche who is looking for any excuse to be a dead beat. Those steps really are simple to change out, go do it so he has absolutely no leg to stand on.

I hate people!

 

[Detroit Gearbox]

This is why I'm afraid of renting my house...

But with all of the resources today that allow you to do research on people you would think it would be fairly easy to weed through the "shitbags" as Drop calls them.

 

[Fryguy302]

But with all of the resources today that allow you to do research on people you would think it would be fairly easy to weed through the "shitbags" as Drop calls them.

You have no idea how easy it can be to get screwed over, even if you complete the necessary due diligence. People amaze me. I have some stories about tenants!

 

[1BADAIR]

You have no idea how easy it can be to get screwed over, even if you complete the necessary due diligence. People amaze me. I have some stories about tenants!

Hey. I did not poop on your carpet. Must have been a squatter

 

[Atrus]

Lowes, Home Depot, any Block or Mason place will have new steps of varying heights, go get one. Removing the old one will be easy as picking it up, and as hard as hittin it with a sledge. Set the new one in place. Guy sounds like a douche who is looking for any excuse to be a dead beat. Those steps really are simple to change out, go do it so he has absolutely no leg to stand on.

I hate people!

At 6am. On a Saturday. Use a sledgehammer whether it needs it or not. Consider renting a jackhammer.

 

[Wizeguy]

Get in the house ASAP for a thorough photo inventory.... deadbeat renters in the eviction process are likely to be vengeful and potentially damaging.

Might be worth it to leave your number with the neighbors and explain what's going on... ie "I don't want them doing damage to the house or property, I want it kept nice and I'm sure you do as well. If you see or hear anything suspicious, please call me."

THIS ASAP!

Dont do it. Trust me.

Do it! trust meee :lol: ... My rental pays both of my house notes and I use the rental as a write off.

At 6am. On a Saturday. Use a sledgehammer whether it needs it or not. Consider renting a jackhammer.

Steps are about 250 lbs. each... 2 guys can lift them and toss it in back of a pickup... measure the height of from the sidewalk to top of porch and width of side walk... Go to a block company like http://www.beldenbricksales.com or http://bestblock.net tell them the sizes and they'll hook you up with 2 steps and 2 risers.... couple hours of work if that...

 

[beertestr]

Unless there is a clause in the renters/lease agreement stating the landlord/owner can conduct a walkthrough.

This. Most general lease agreements have some sort of clause, and usually involve a reasonable notice is given before entrance. Inspecting the hot water heater is a reasonable need to enter the house.

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[mustangmike6996]

This. Most general lease agreements have some sort of clause, and usually involve a reasonable notice is given before entrance. Inspecting the hot water heater is a reasonable need to enter the house.

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When I was a renter in Norht Carolina (yea, differnt state, I know) I had an annual property manager walk thru to inspect for property upkeep (things like looking for mold or mildew, stains on carpet,holes in the walls, operational plumbing, new batteries in smoke detectors, operational light fixtures, operation GFCIs, proper listed amount of people in the rental unit etc)

I was fine with it because it was well documented and I got to walk thru with the inspector. They had to give me a 48 hour notice IIRC, and I could do a "key release" which was a verbal "ok" to allow contractors or landlord/property manager to enter the property when I was not home.

 

[Beigg]

Set up an appointment with a free quote for doors and windows from a contractor... just to obtain estimates

 

[mustangmike6996]

^sneaky sneaky

 

[TWOBEERS]

I go through a complete background check on any of my prospective tenants. That also includes calling past landlords, paycheck stubs, credit report, etc. I will wait months if need be just to get the right tenant. I have had similar issues like this with tenants before. Nitpicking it to death, but I always try to do what it takes to make them happy. Even if its total bullshit that they are requesting. Its always a lot easier than what your going through right now. It may be easier, and will get you back to making money, if you talk to him and fix the bullshit stuff he's crying about then to deal with trying to get him out. This will also look better for you in the eviction process if it ends up going that way, if your bending over backwards trying to make them happy. By law you can enter with a 24 hour notice.