Real Estate Tenants...and Their Friends

Today's topic is how rentals can truly be a pain - part one of 1000 (or so...)

At a small complex I own - lower income, great people - the usually calm environment has been met with vandalism. In the whole area of town - there has been vandalism, so I didn't think that it could be coming from anyone at the complex. I was half right...

Within the last 2 weeks, a tenant had her car windows smashed (there was a good $2.00 in change inside), her TV stolen (her window was unlocked) and $10.00 taken from her counter. Her neighbor that lives above her called me with her concern for her safety, for she has 3 little boys living with her. I stated to keep her eyes open and call the police if she sees ANYTHING suspicious. Well, I received a call today, but not from this tenant.

Another tenant called to say that a vacant unit was broken into - nothing taken but damage done. And he CAUGHT the kid. A 17 year old punk...who confessed to everything - including the car windows, money stealing, etc. He has been coming over to help babysit the woman with the 3 children. While the woman was at work, the punk was plotting and planning what to do - and then did it when he knew he could get away with it.

So just when you think you've got it figured out - you don't. Sometimes rental properties can be a great investment...but not on days like today. But it will get better...