Renter issues

Property manager called. Renter's mid month check bounced. We had already been paid by the property manager for September before she found the check had bounced. We had agreed to let the renter pay in two installments for September. Installment number two bounced.

The lawn has also not been mowed since the renters moved in. She had told me she was a gardener. The grass is very tall now. I had the lawn mower tuned up and in working order the week after I was down there to do the green bedroom floor. There are no excuses. We mowed the week before she moved in. I didn't even have to provide a lawn mower for her. There is also the push mower, but when you wait this long, well...

Rent is due October 1 and is late October 6. If the renter is not on time, the property manager wants to give eviction notice. She says she can have them out in 30 days from time of notice. When they went to check on the property she found the renter now has a dog. $500 security deposit for each pet. Now the renter has to come up with another $500 on top of the bounced $1000 on top of October rent. I told the property manager she could split the pet deposit over two months.

Steep learning curve on this rental business. Our litmus test was if they could come up with the deposit and first month's rent I felt they could afford the house. Should have followed my own rule. All the money up front or no keys.

I hold my breath waiting for next month now. To see if we will have to re list the house. I doubt the other interested party is still available but I do have her number. If the eviction happens I will call her and see. Such adventures. End of November, we'll see where we are with the rental. At least I have it all ready with the furnace newly cleaned and the lawn mower working. I might even raise the rent again. We are still under market for the size and location for a rental.