I have too many units.

It's fall heading into winter. I had an open unit, took a while got it rented with no loss of rent (yay.) Now two more for January 1st. Plus a new one coming online right this second.

Not enough interest, not enough qualified inquiries. See NE's 166 to 1...

BUT I know in my heart of hearts that this too will change and after the holidays I will wish I had MORE units.

yep. I have two students graduating in December, so those two units opening up for January 1 move in. Getting questions, but so far, no takers. Not unusual this time of year. Still - I want it settled and rented.

WMH I have done a lot of winter leasing up here in Canada where we know winter well. Yes, it can be tough at times but the reality is people have to move at all times of the year. Job transfers happen year round and let's not forget ths infamous post Christmas divorce market. A number of my better tenants have come from divorce situations. Some just stay a short while, others have been with us for years. Through all of this I reassure myself with the mantra that all you need is one. Ultimately you just need one well qualified, stable and sane tenant who is willing to sign your lease and who has move in monies at the ready and then you are set. That person will come, it is just a matter of time.

But I have also learned it is infinitely preferable not to rush this process, not to weaken your standards so as to sign a lease a week or two earlier. You want a tenant who meets your standards and is well qualified. Find that tenant and your searching days are done. Another note, if any signs of tenant craziness pop up once you have signed the lease and I would look to give the money back and rescind. I had that with a bad tenant recently and lo and behold they are lease breaking, three months in. My first such case in six years or so. There were signs early on and I should have heeded them and sought an exit route. Instead I get to see the circus. It would have been better to head for the exits when the signs were there.

Stephen,

W,

Just to ask...

Do you think the multiple hurricanes shooed away your current residents or new applicants?

Yes, Brad, at least one is moving because of the storms. They lost two cars in Hurricane Michael. The HOUSE didn't flood but the land and street did. In and out very very fast, but same results as a slow one. Two totaled cars and now she freaks every time it rains...they had not been there very long to say, "Well it's the first time ever..."

Plus it's just winter...lots of empty rental machines available until May, which seems a long way away sometimes. All utilities, fully furnished. Easy to move into (Hard to get out come spring though...no inventory at all then!)