Motion sensor lights

I had a tenant demand that I install 2 motion sensor lights on the side of my three decker along the driveway because so one was observed tampering with her car. I offered to install one solar powered light if she purchased it but she wants me to buy them. So I said no and I’m not going to light up my house like a gas station. She said it was for her safety. We already have full time non-motion sensor lights at the front and rear entrances that stay on at night operated by a time clock. There is also a light on the porch that’s controlled by the tenant. I’m not going to start a precedent of motion sensor lights all around the house. There is no law to my knowledge that requires them and it’s hard enough keeping up with the lights I already have outside and in the stairwells. Additionally there is a 125 watt led cobra head light on the telephone pole at the end of the driveway. What are your thoughts? --66.30.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 6:51 PM
Message:

I agree with you. I dont do well with demands.

She could move to a building with a security guard if she wants to feel more safe. She knew there was not a light there when she moved in. So her fault.

Just give her a price for it if she wants one. And no more discussion.

For a good tenant that ask. I might consider adding one that was on the same timer. If I thought other tenants would also feel more secure.

--73.40.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 8:27 PM
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I've purchased may motion sensor solar lights for the exterior. On sale from $29 each up to around $35. Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Ebay and on line.

It only takes 20 minutes to install. But you have to charge the battery first for 2 days....before you install them.

If your tenant gets hurt, robbed, trips or falls and it's all because there wasn't enough light -- how do you fell paying their medical bills, attorney fee's and lost wages?

One light $30. One injury, $3,000 to $30,000.....Not such a tough choice... I'd rather have too many lights then not enough. --47.155.xx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Nicole [PA]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 8:46 PM
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I also wouldn't comply with this request; however, my places (including my personal residence) are lit up like gas stations. There have been a lot of car break ins and peeping toms in my areas this spring/summer ... in a very nice suburban upper middle class area. None down at my end of the development with me partially attributing that to my lighting (which I've had for years). when I purchase new properties, one of the first things I do is light up the outside. --72.70.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 8:52 PM
Message:

I would be inclined to do like Robert.

Is this the same property with the nutty neighbor who thought they could do as they pleased with your property? If so I would definitely put up a solar power light with a motion sensor.

--71.174.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 9:05 PM
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Buy her a flashlight. ? We recently installed one solar light and tenants were much appreciated --99.203.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Shark [MI]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 9:34 PM
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Absolutely agree with Robert. As soon as a tenant makes a request pertaining to safety I act quickly to comply, even if it costs me some money. So much cheaper in the long run, and probably will be appreciated by all. --68.37.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by LisaFL [FL]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 10:12 PM
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I don’t tolerate demands. If there is already sufficient lighting then I would say no. If there is not sufficient lighting then I would make sure there was. Personally I would tell the tenant if they don’t feel safe they can feel free to move without penalty to a place they feel safer. And I would pray they took me up on the offer. --216.186.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Jerry [NC]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 11:10 PM
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A $30 solar motion light would be the perfect anniversary gift before raising the rent an additional $50 per month. --173.30.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Jul 10, 2020 11:26 PM
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I'd ask you to clarify demand, was the tenant really bt chy or just frustrated, been cooped up too many months and cranky? It sucks when they rub you the wrong way.

RR, really her fault she didn't think to observe if the driveway was lit up at night before she signed a lease?

My response would have been yes I will look into it and show concern that their car was tampered with. They should file a police report. There is a lot of opportunity crime where I am. Car doors that are unlocked are easy targets. If she reports it the police may already have a suspect and this will help their case.

In my 4 family the parking is in the rear and 2 tenants have to walk the driveway to the front. I have one motion light on the rear corner that lights up the parking area and the other half way down lights up the side. I have one by the rear door but the tenants always turn off the switch in the hall, go figure.

As for motion lights the box store ones are junk. I have installed/ returned and installed different models and they are hit or miss on the sensor activation and the amount of time they last before you are up on a ladder replacing them. At my house the motion sensor light stays on all the time, after working for a few months. I decided I like it that way.

I'd also say women can feel vulnerable, so why would you not want her to feel safer? As for precedent, it's not like all your buildings communicate w/ each other and now everyone is going to demand them, no? And as Jeffrey points out LL is a service business. There's also profit in signaling that you are responsive to safety issues. What will go around is her telling the other tenants that you don't care, and they already don't care about your property more than you, so why give them resentment to focus on? --24.194.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 12:11 AM
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What exactly does tampering with her car mean? Walked by checking handles for easy target or whole car was keyed because she angered someone? Someone was observed means it can’t be completely dark. Are there windows or doors along the side. She could invest in a ring doorbell or game camera to give police video. Motion sensor lights will not solve everything. We have them and furniture has been disappearing at night and during the day from the back of the building. First they claimed it was the boyfriend not the female with the no trespass order. Then the police suggested I give them the furniture. Now I am awaiting a quote from a security company for 5 cameras to have eyes on all sides of the building. --73.17.xx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 6:09 AM
Message:

Thank you for your responses. The tenant has been living there for almost 4 years. I think what’s enough light is subjective. She wants to be able to identify people on camera from 25 feet away at night. The tenant whose driveway is on the other side installed his own solar light. I don’t care how many lights you have if you hav3 someone wearing a mask and hoodie, the won’t be identifiable. The motion lights will help them see better. I may add one and increase the rent by $100 in December when the lease renews. --66.30.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Natasha [MD]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 6:29 AM
Message:

I agree with Lisa(FL). No means No if there is sufficient lighting. Safety is subjective and everyone has their own comfort zone. So if she truly feels unsafe in a sufficiently lighted area, she would move and you would move on too. --5.62.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by mark [NY]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 7:33 AM
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Is it difficult to run a power line to that side? If so there are battery operated lights you can get on Amazon etc that work surprisingly well. I have one on the side of my garage for me to unlock the side door and I haven't replaced the 2 D cell alkaline batteries for almost 2 years now,..cheap enough to get 2 or more of them.

BTW in my cellar I have BULBS that are motion sensors in them, Work great as I walk thru the big cellar and they turn on (I have 2 of them using a "Y" adapter,putting 2 in of LED equiv 100 W ones,..I like a lot of light in my area so I also have a few reg 150 eq LEDs that are switched and stay on IF I'm going to be down there for a while as the motion ones go off after a minute or so,.I wouldn't use them outside unless they were isolated from the weather,.as LEDs you probably would have to change them for quite a few years,. --185.217.xx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 7:36 AM
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Her cell phone have a flashlight? --99.203.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by LisaFL [FL]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 10:04 AM
Message:

Small potatoes is right about them being mostly junk. I used to install motion lights. Lesson learned. They fail prematurely, or at a minimum the sensor fails.

And I can’t tell you I’ve ever had anyone bother to replace the bulbs when they burn out. I’ve been asked to remove them due to malfunctioning. I’ve received calls about them “not working” only to find they didn’t bother to check the bulbs. When they do change the bulbs they often don’t want to be bothered to get the right kind of bulbs so they use regular indoor bulbs which provide no flood effect and I suspect are dangerous in wet conditions.

So I’ve come to see them as just another needless maintenance item. So I’ve stopped installing motion or dawn to dusk lights and stick with simple sconce lights at door entrances and otherwise where needed.

I had a super tiny 1950s house with a five year tenant. I was over once and realized she didn’t have grounded outlets. So I wanted to correct the issue. We were talking about something and she casually remarked how she did something because it was so black in the backyard at night. It was then that I realized she had no rear outside light. Not even next to the exit door leaning into a screened porch. Told her that was ridiculous, I would have it rectified and I’d just never noticed. Also while there I noticed she had no bathroom outlet because her blow dryer was plugged into an outlet outside the bathroom door. Geeze! Had she said something I would have corrected that as well. I believe the bathroom used to have one of those old style light fixtures with a plug in them which had been replaced leaving no outlet at all.

Some tenants complain about every little thing and others never complain or ask for a thing. --216.186.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by nhsailmaker [NH]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 10:19 AM
Message:

Nobody is going to attach anything to MY buildings unless I WANT to have it done

If they work she can put one inside her car and the car will be super safe --24.62.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 1:48 PM
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Attach the car to a car alarm... --76.188.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Robert,OntarioCanada [ON]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 2:51 PM
Message:

Suppose it costs around $200 to upgrade outside lighting then the is cost is amortized in the next rent increase where over a period of time the capital upgrade is paid for. In a period of 4 years then the rent will cover. It is matter of getting the money back. A vacancy is going to cost more along with complete decorating. Look at a two year amortized cost payback. --147.194.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by JKJ [MA]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 3:31 PM
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For me it would depend on the tenant, and how much of a PITA getting power to that area would be. If this was someone that has been there 3 months and I have no idea if they will stay, or be a good tenant I’d stand my ground. If (as in this case) it was a multi year tenant that I have not had issues with m, and I could get power there myself, I’d install a LED motion sensor light, then up the rent at renewal to make up for it. I just installed a LED light from Home Depot at my own house because my wife was worried about the foxes and coyotes when she let the dogs out at night, (we’ve lost some chickens recently and she came out to a Fox killing 1 the other day), it was under $125, has LED lights that up the yard like daylight, and it has Bluetooth, so settings such as brightness, dusk to dawn, and timer can be changed from my smartphone. (Defiant, 270 Degree White LED Bluetooth Motion Outdoor Security Light) from Home Depot for $119.90. --72.93.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Landlord ofthe Flies [TX]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 3:33 PM
Message:

Just power a light off that timer circuit aimed at the driveway. It's a good idea and will go a long way towards goodwill. If you're going to bother installing lights, why wouldn't you bother to install one aimed at the parked cars anyway?

Meeting her legitimate needs now will give you an easier time raising rent. If she doesn't feel safe and you raise rents, she may move. --108.69.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Robert J [CA]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 5:14 PM
Message:

A tenant in an apartment property has had their bicycle stolen again and now is refusing to pay rent because I allowed this to happen. BS. After the first theft, I installed a metal bicycle rack bolted to the concrete pad. I also provided the tenant with a top notice bicycle lock. It can not be picked nor easily cut..

I did not have to have a security camera filming the bicycle every second of every day.

I only had to have a couple of pictures of the tenant parking their bicycle without locking it up...

Same with parking a car with the windows down or the doors open...The tenant has to take some measure to secure their property. Car alarm. Car Cover. Locking the car and keeping things stored in the car away from sight. --47.155.xx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Small potatoes [NY]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 6:45 PM
Message:

BTW no security camera is going to capture a face at night unless it's close enough for the perp to grab. Even in the day my 4k camera can't make out a face well enough to make an arrest.

I recently put this to the test when a young punk spray painted a stripe on my truck at night. It's all on camera, and other kids id'd him. What you do see on camera is him being startled when my neighbors motion light goes off. As a result the damage s not so great and was able to be removed. --99.203.xx.x

Motion sensor lights (by MJ [PA]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 6:47 PM
Message:

I know what the law says, but I do things sometimes just to make by tenants happy if it is within reason. I bought some battery operated motion sensing lights from Home Depot for under $6 and installed them in a common hallway I have in a building. You can install them anywhere and they take 4 AAs. Its minor stuff and I do not argue over small things. --76.125.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Allym [NJ]) Posted on: Jul 11, 2020 8:13 PM
Message:

I have lights wherever people get out of their cars at night. And they stay, the people, for 20 years. I try to make things safe and nice and no downtime is my reward. --71.104.xx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Jim [OH]) Posted on: Jul 12, 2020 10:50 AM
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I'll get back to you on your written request.Thank you for bringing this to my attention. --184.57.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Hollis [MA]) Posted on: Jul 12, 2020 11:24 AM
Message:

Gee I have not had the problems with the sensors of motion lights as some of you seem to have had, I have only had to replace one (of 21) at different properties, (They are mid priced ones,)

It hasn't been hard to wire them,..they stay one for 2-5 minutes as you can set the time, I think up to about a half hour if you wanted to,. and turn off if there is no more motion, Yes they sometimes go off under certain windy conditions when the weather temp is changing, but that costs pennies to run with the LED bulbs that also last for many years.

Yes those battery operated ones work well and are cheap (2 alk D's) Last for a few years, BTWI install them in closets too. Top of cellar stairs etc.Very bright,. (in that case tenants are responsible for changing out the batteries by contract,..or,.. they live w/o that feature. I use them as an addition over a door to see the use of a key,even if there is a porch etc light. BTW there are cheap bulbs for wired lights that have there own built in sensors,..but they have to be isolated from weather,..like a porch,..

I live in 2 houses, they both have motion lights on any area that you could try to approach them,..yeah once in a while a deer or a fox or racoon might set them off, but again, with the LED's on for a few minutes I doubt it cost more than a few bucks a year in operating costs,

To me its a cheap little safety amenity for a driveway or entrance to one of our rentals. --96.236.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by LindaJ [NY]) Posted on: Jul 13, 2020 11:16 AM
Message:

Motion sensor lights do not light up the house like a gas station. They work on motion, so only if someone / animal is moving will it light. It is a good deterrence to both. You can also notice when the light flicks on from inside to know something is up. I consider it basic security, and I live in the country.

LED lights, whether solar or hardwired is not a big deal. You could even do conduit up the corner of the house to hide the wire. It doesn't cost that much and of course you can raise the rent next renewal. I would also say, if a applicant does not come to the place at night, how would they know where the current lights shine. --108.4.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Deanna [TX]) Posted on: Jul 13, 2020 11:32 AM
Message:

Fwiw, I like the

BAXIA TECHNOLOGY BX-SL-101 Solar Lights Outdoor 28 LED Wireless Waterproof Security Solar Motion Sensor Lights, (400LM,4 Packs)

from Amazon. It's $40 for a 4-pack. I've bought 8 of them so far (2 4-packs), and one of them has been a dud, but the other seven have been going strong for the last two years.

I'm going to go buy a third 4-pack pretty soon. They're useful for lighting up parking without going through the hassle of actually running electricity.

--96.46.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 16, 2020 7:55 PM
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JKJ, you are in an area, for when one moves out,there is usually another ready to jump.at least that is the way down here in the Country.......charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 16, 2020 8:05 PM
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You wouldn’t catch me paying $119.00 for one of those contraptions,more like$ 8 to $11.00 even that is way too much..................charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2020 11:16 PM
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There’s no question,They are good I put one outside our own door,a cheap one.....................charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2020 11:25 PM
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Will have to check out our old mainstays Home Depot and Lowe’s and get the cheapest ones................charlie................................. --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 19, 2020 11:30 PM
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Lynn, what are you going to do with all that money that you’re accumulating Take it with you in the fancy box?..............................charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by JKJ [MA]) Posted on: Jul 20, 2020 12:07 AM
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Charlie I believe in the old saying “happy wife, happy life”, my wife’s home looking after the kids, the dogs, the chickens by herself while I’m at the station. If a $119 dollar light makes her job easier and she feels safer, I’m all for it. The reason I suggested it to Lynn MA is because of the LED lights, he wouldn’t have to worry about changing bulbs out. --72.93.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 22, 2020 11:09 PM
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JKJ,when you come down for a visit ,take everyone and the dogs too,ther’llbe room for all............charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 9:33 PM
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Lynn, as a foreigner and being a little on the cheap side,you might be ahead of the game by getting rid of those lights on the timer an getting a couple of

Motion sensors,then they’ll just go on when needed........................charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 9:51 PM
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MJ,at that price ,I’d grab them all and then likeMiss Ally. sell them on the Internet for double what you paid.................charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 9:52 PM
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I reluctantly installed one set of solar motion lights from Home Depot that cost $45. I don’t think they are necessary. I was there last week to reset a breaker at 930pm. The street light lights up almost the whole driveway. The light over the back door lights up the back of the driveway. After I installed them she handed me The August rent. I wouldn’t use motion lights over stairs, too much liability. --66.30.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 9:54 PM
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Charlie, I’ve had 5 vacancies so far this year and have another 3 taking advantage of the moratorium. The money is not accumulating as you think --66.30.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 10:28 PM
Message:

Lynn, is that where you were coming from when I saw you in your red truck this afternoon?

In my interior stairwells the I use LED lights that are on 24/7 that the tenants can't shut off. If the power goes out the emergency light come on automatically. For the exteriors & porches I have LEDs controlled by a photo electric eye. The laundry areas have LEDs controlled by wall switches. I'm thinking of changes these to motion switches. --71.174.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 10:29 PM
Message:

Lynn, is that where you were coming from when I saw you in your red truck this afternoon?

In my interior stairwells I use LED lights that are on 24/7 that the tenants can't shut off. If the power goes out the emergency light come on automatically. For the exteriors & porches I have LEDs controlled by a photo electric eyes. The laundry areas have LEDs controlled by wall switches. I'm thinking of changes these to motion switches. --71.174.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Sandy [CO]) Posted on: Jul 25, 2020 11:59 PM
Message:

I would rather have them complain about to much light rather than to little. But I also don’t like to give in to demanding tenants. It’s important to also manage your landlord-tenant relationship and show you’re in control. If you can do it on your own terms that may help.

I had a tenant who had his car broken into and asked for more lighting. He offered to pay for the install if I bought the lights. He asked nicely. And I was happy to comply.

Good luck! --45.131.xxx.xxx

Motion sensor lights (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Jul 26, 2020 3:19 PM
Message:

Steve, I put the lights up on Friday afternoon, I believe you passed by me yesterday. Its the house with the crazy neighbor but since I installed the 6' chain link fence against their house, they haven't been a problem.

I was reluctant to put the lights because I dont know how long they would last and when I went there last week, the light casted from the street light was sufficient and I brought my light meter and it met the IES guidlines. The twnant usually mails the rent 2 weeks early and I haven't received yet. The new tenan who's driveway is on the otherside complemented the solar light that was bought and installed by the tenant they replaced.

--66.30.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 27, 2020 8:56 PM
Message:

Lynn, I have a friend in Somerville,if you get in touch with him,he’ll talk your ear off,with a Dublin accent..................................... ..........charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 27, 2020 9:09 PM
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Lynn,sorry to hear you have so many places vacant,better get down to the local club and start talking some Blarney,the sooner ,the better.......charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 27, 2020 9:44 PM
Message:

Steve,you’re supposed to be working,not gallavanting all over Creation ..................charlie............................... --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Jul 27, 2020 10:20 PM
Message:

Lynn,When I have a vacancy,I cut up some scrap plywoodAbout 1’ x. 2’ pieces and paint them with a good grade of white paint then take them to a sign painter who paints ,if it is a one two or three bedroom unit , in big black numbers and my phone number ,then put whichever is appropriate at the units,it usually only takes a couple of days to get a response, and then it’s up to me.....................................Charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Lynn [MA]) Posted on: Jul 28, 2020 10:05 PM
Message:

Charlie,

They are all rented now but there is one making no payments another with small payment and another catching up. The number of good prospects are way down, Places aren’t renting as fast as they were a year ago.. Steve took the winter off and it looks like it’s extended to the summer too, so he’s been gallivanting. I wish I could too, maybe someday. --66.30.xx.xx

Motion sensor lights (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Aug 3, 2020 4:50 AM
Message:

LynnThe good times will be back and there will always be someone wanting to rent.....................charlie.........there always is.So don’t give up hope --32.214.xxx.xx

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Motion sensor lights

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