This is why landlords should inspect their properties. You cannot completely trust the screening process. Some people can look perfectly normal on the outside and in public, but their home life is a complete mess as the linked article demonstrates.
Just because you never hear anything from a particular tenant does not mean that all is perfectly well. Most times it is, but it is best to verify. Do you think the tenant in the story above would have ever called their landlord? It is highly doubtful. They are too embarrassed by their home life to let you in and will likely just vanish one night when no one is watching.
So don’t let this happen to you. Put a clause in your lease like the following that allows you to periodically inspect your property.
Tenant shall be entitled to quiet enjoyment of the use of the property so long as Tenant is not in default of the terms of the Lease. However, upon one day’s notice to Tenant, Manager shall be entitled to access to the Property for the purpose of inspection, repairs or marketing the Property.
Remember, your properties are a huge asset to you, don’t let someone trash them.
This is great advice. I would not want to learn this one the hard way. Thanks so much for sharing.
Also keep an eye out for tell-tale signs that your rental is being used as a cannabis farm. A home used as a cannabis farm can cause devastating damage to a property and can lead to a voided insurance policy. Think I’m being paranoid?
There have been cases where ceilings and walls have been knocked through, as well as houses ruined by water damage and fires.
On top of financial costs, you could face legal action if it can be proven that you were aware of criminal activities or received money, including rent, as a result of illegal drug activity.
George Lambert
Author, What You Must Know BEFORE Becoming a Greedy Landlord. How to build a portfolio of investment properties for an income that lasts a lifetime.
Thanks for the insight George!