More stress-cory

The renters stressed. The wife was upset that we are missing the early move in date they wanted to do their painting and remodeling. She threatened to pull out of the deal. My property manager told me she was a handful and would not make a good tenant, very high maintenance and needy. That has never been a good combination with Tom and me. We are not nit picky perfectionist.

I asked for 48 hours to see if my realtor could make something happen. The renter didn't want to go for it. She said she wanted her deposit money back. She felt we were in breach of contract even though August 1 is the date on the contract. She also felt move in ready is more than just having the house clean. She felt it meant to be painted to her liking. I told her that move in ready meant clean. I said it very politely.

OK. I told her she could have her deposit back on Wednesday. I think we could have kept it as August 1 is move in date and she was the one canceling, but as my property manager said she was not worth the work and stress. I put the house up for rent again and within an hour she was calling. I didn't pick up. She left a message wanting a guarantee of August 1. I just didn't want to discuss it further so I ignored the call. I had told her I needed 48 hours. I had no news or guarantees to offer at this time. I had offered to give them a free month rent for the inconvenience of not getting in early, and that wasn't enough.

My poor property manager got the next call and an ear full. I can understand the renter's stress. I am living the same problem. They gave notice at where the are and want to get our house done before they move in. I had tried to be nice and as accommodating as I could, but she was very threatening and demanding. They wanted to re carpet and repaint the whole house. It would have been lovely, but they are renters. I like laminate not carpet. I probably will come down and take out the carpet in Trevor's room and lay the rest of the laminate once we are moved out. With no furniture it will be easy to paint that green room and put in the laminate. No more dealing with carpet. I would even consider the living room carpet being changed to something low maintenance.

Having to hire a professional carpet cleaner and show a receipt is just a way for landlords to keep the deposits. I want to just have the carpet gone for my tenants.

She seemed to think that we should be paying them for all this stuff that she wanted done. Our feeling was this is a rental. So Wednesday I will see if I have any better news. See if we can salvage the contract or let her walk. She seemed to think she could find better. I wish her luck. I didn't see anything at that price that would work for her. She needed a 4 bedroom. There was a house in the country but it was $1900, $200 more a month than what I was giving them.

I also raised our price when I re listed. I got an e mail this morning from a woman in California interested in renting our house. I will not set up any expectations this time. Lets see how it all plays out. If we are out in time for August 1, I might give our old renter a call, but I am not sure she is worth the trouble in dealing with her. She was not interested in a longer contract or buying the house at a steal. The people in the e mail might be more interested. Tom said it is all like poker, which I don't play and I am a lousy bluffer.