Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Bob [OH]) Sep 9, 2021 9:47 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by NE [PA]) Sep 9, 2021 9:56 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by plenty [MO]) Sep 9, 2021 10:01 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by S i d [MO]) Sep 9, 2021 10:06 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Bob [OH]) Sep 9, 2021 10:30 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Ken [NY]) Sep 9, 2021 10:49 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by S i d [MO]) Sep 9, 2021 10:54 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Jason [VA]) Sep 9, 2021 10:56 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by plenty [MO]) Sep 9, 2021 12:06 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Ed [CA]) Sep 9, 2021 12:21 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by dino [CA]) Sep 9, 2021 12:29 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Bob [OH]) Sep 9, 2021 12:40 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by RR78 [VA]) Sep 9, 2021 12:58 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Phillip Frazier [KY]) Sep 9, 2021 2:02 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by plenty [MO]) Sep 9, 2021 3:05 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by dino [CA]) Sep 9, 2021 3:08 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Ken [NY]) Sep 9, 2021 3:43 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Sisco [MO]) Sep 9, 2021 4:51 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Mick [CA]) Sep 9, 2021 5:05 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by mick [CA]) Sep 9, 2021 5:08 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Pmh [TX]) Sep 9, 2021 5:44 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Vee [OH]) Sep 9, 2021 6:07 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Sandy [CO]) Sep 11, 2021 8:29 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by RentsDue [MA]) Sep 11, 2021 10:49 AM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by melinda [MD]) Sep 11, 2021 7:01 PM
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Bob [OH]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 9:47 AM Message:
Tenant applied for rental assistance with local agency. Agency had me sign a form that I would not raise the rents or evict the tenant. Tenant takes four months to provide required info for agency. Tenant moves out after 4 months but leaves junk in the apartment and doesn’t turn over the keys. I learn that tenant has had COVID the last two months. I declare the apt abandoned and take possession after proper notice. Tenant finally provides info to agency, but agency refuses to pay me because tenant is no longer living there. They view the tenant as their client and not the landlord. I am now out 5 months of rent. What should I do?
--65.25.xx.x |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 9:56 AM Message:
How people still trust any of these “agencies” to bail them out is beyond me. One of the landlord 10 commandments should be “Good Luck, you’re on your own!” --24.152.xxx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 10:01 AM Message:
Oops. Sound like the tenant was given keys before you received payment. Well that's all behind you now. It should have been safe for you to trust this agency. It's a different world now. I'm not to hopefully you'll ever get paid. Remember your asset is a big investment don't risk that investment. I'm so sorry for your situation. I have not experience such. Hopefully someone will come along with some experience. --172.58.xxx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 10:06 AM Message:
File this under the heading "I'll never allow another agency or the Government into my business again."
Bob, I'm not sure how long you've been on this site, but the general consensus is working with agencies and Govt entities (Sec 8, etc) is generally a lot more hassle and losing long-term than positives. Sure, a few hardy souls who have ground thru the muck and mud have figured out ways to make it work, but you have to be 100% on top of your game. You're correct: they view their clients as the person they aim to please. You are an afterthought, if you get thought of at all. The same is true with HUD/Section 8 and every charitable rent organization I've met.
NEVER sign away your rights to evict EXCEPT for when the money is already in your account, and BE SURE to check the paperwork that you can still evict for other lease violations. That really is the only time you should ever consider accepting rent from someone other than your tenant. Do-gooder organizations view you as the evil rich guy who has deep pockets and can afford to take all the risks.
Here's another reason I don't take Section 8 or other agencies that provide the rent: it means your tenant is BROKE. How will you ever get them to pay for the damages caused by their 3 unauthorized pit bulls they move in without your approval, or when their ex-con "fiance" moves in without your approval and punches holes in the walls?
I've had several isntances where local charities will call me up and ask if I will let someone move-in who has no job but "will be getting one" if they pay the first months' rent and deposit. My answer is always this, "Will you be paying their rent or covering any damages if they don't get a job or tear up the place beyond what the security deposit will cover?" They never call back. There's your answer on how trustworthy their clients are when they won't personally back those people themselves. No, they expect you and me to take all the risk for a measly 1 month's rent, which is hardly worth the hassle.
My advice to you can be summed up best in this: only rent to people who can afford to pay their own way and have ample reason to WANT to pay their own way. Why? Because they will pay and not tear your place up.
--108.230.xxx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Bob [OH]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 10:30 AM Message:
I chose the agency because with the eviction moratorium she still could have stayed without paying the rent and I wouldn't be able to do anything. My real question is do I have any other recourse? Going to court with the tenant is not an option because I know I will never get paid. I am going to investigate if there is an appeal process at the local or state level. Any other ideas? Don't tell me what I should have done. Tell me what I should do now. --65.25.xx.x |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 10:49 AM Message:
fix it up and rerent to a good tenant,i doubt you will get anywhere with an appeal,they dont care about you --72.231.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by S i d [MO]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 10:54 AM Message:
It's hard to give good advice when we lack so much information.
What kind of local agency is this: private or Govt?
Do you have a signed contract that spells out what happens if a tenant moves out, or just "a form?" What does the form say about when payment is due and under what circumstances payment might not be made?
My guess is whatever the answers are, you'll have to sue them in court. If you have poor or no documentation mentioned above, I doubt you will prevail and will end up throwing good money after bad. In that case, Ken's advice is good. Chalk it up to lessons learned, re-rent, move forward. --108.230.xxx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Jason [VA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 10:56 AM Message:
What you should do now is accept the lesson the situation has taught you. If you must accept an agencies’ help, file on the tenants’ behalf (and never trust them to do it). All you can do now is sue for missed rent and damages. --73.177.xxx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 12:06 PM Message:
You may not get paid but I would follow thru with the court system. While waiting for that to happened. Take lots of pictures. Keep notes and records of the expenses and get it re rented. --172.58.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Ed [CA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 12:21 PM Message:
In the meantime, I would trash the organization every chance I get and in every venue possible (e.g. facebook, local property owners group, etc), by explaining what your experience has been in dealing with them.
It's too bad you haven't named them so that if any of us get a call from them, we can tell them about your story before telling them where to go. --108.201.xx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by dino [CA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 12:29 PM Message:
I would check more completely into the actual legislation that created the rental assistance. You might have rights that the clerk just didn't care to mention when they told you they will not pay. That might be what they were told to say and they hope you accept it and go away.
Decades ago I remember that in California, certain city officials told landlords that inquired about a new law how the politically left city government wanted the law to be interpreted rather than what it actually was. It took a lawsuit to slap them down and stop misleading landlords that asked city officials what rights the new law provided to landlords. It was called the Ellis Act if you care to research it. It gave landlords the right to go out of the rental business and use their property for some other purpose such as building condos for example. The city took the irrational position that landlords could go out of the rental business but never use there property for anything else. The city lost. Needless to say, the landlords had been given some leverage to use if the city decided to get too extreme in their local rent control.
If it is at all ambiguous, you can make a point of letting them know you will be widely publicizing why you believe their program cannot be trusted and that you were cheated. You might also file the lawsuit against the local agency since they might not care to set a precedent of needing to pay in your situation. They might want to settle.
Yes it would cost a few bucks to start the lawsuit but starting it might be all you need to do. If they have some liability in the actual program that they administer, they might just make it go away with a payment rather than spending legal fees and bad publicity with other landlords.
I suppose it really depends on what the legislation and documents say but even if you don't start the lawsuit, maybe your intent to warn other landlords of the actual truthful fact that they could lose out as you did might be enough to scare the agency into offering you money.
--76.171.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Bob [OH]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 12:40 PM Message:
I have signed leases, extensive pictures, text records from tenant and day to day logs of all phone calls and other activities, so I feel I would be well prepared to state my case to whomever I might appeal. I really don't want to go to court against the tenant, because I will win but won't be able to collect. I am hesitant to reveal the name of the agency. The more important lesson is don't trust any of them. --65.25.xx.x |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 12:58 PM Message:
I would not waste anymore time. Like with a appeal.
Most have solid written rules setup by the state. Like they can make a payment unless their is a current valid written lease.
And your lease has terminated. --73.40.xx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Phillip Frazier [KY]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 2:02 PM Message:
Can you send the former tenant an invoice for the back rent, late charges, damages, and cleaning fees? Than turn them over to collection agency. --165.138.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by plenty [MO]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 3:05 PM Message:
If you know where they moved and could serve them papers, I would. Just so it's on their record. Are your courts record public knowledge? If not don't bother. --172.58.xxx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by dino [CA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 3:08 PM Message:
Bob,
If you read post again you will see that I never said you should sue tenant. I said you might have a case against the local agency.
You might find some success merely by communicating your intent to publicize your issue. That would likely have the effect of reducing the number of landlords who participate and that would hit the agency where they care.
--76.171.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Ken [NY]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 3:43 PM Message:
Sue the tenant and use that as leverage,tell the tenant to cry to the agency,they will jump for the tenant --72.231.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 4:51 PM Message:
Your story confirms that I have no reason to believe that dealing with guv will end well for me. I am sorry for your aggravation.
I advise that you seek judgement in court and report to credit bureaus. Situations change, and you will be glad to collect later, with interest and collection fees.
Never rent to the Un garnishible. --149.76.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Mick [CA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 5:05 PM Message:
I had a dispute with (Community Resource Foundation) a community agency in San Diego. I had a master lease with the agency and they sublet to their client. The client left damage beyond the security deposit. The low level employee that was the point man said they would not pay. I wrote to the CEO and gave him the video of drug selling, property damage and the emails to the point man. I included a scathing, but diplomatic review of the agency and the employee I had worked with. Then about a month later I got a check from the company for every penny owed.
Now, I'm dealing with the YMCA who paid a deposit and 1st month for their client. She was a week late with August rent and the YMCA paid half of that. Then she went on a two-week Florida vacation with the September rent. She is a horrible person and I filed a restraining order -- stay tuned. --184.176.xx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by mick [CA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 5:08 PM Message:
Find out who is at the top of the food chain and board of directors at the agency and start a letter writing campaign. Write a Yelp review. --184.176.xx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Pmh [TX]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 5:44 PM Message:
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2021 6:07 PM Message:
File the claim for unpaid costs and damages in court - within 30 days as covered in OH5321 then move to the debtor exam where you can now keep the claim alive 7 years. --76.188.xxx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by Sandy [CO]) Posted on: Sep 11, 2021 8:29 AM Message:
One landlord and/or tenant DID get the back rent from the state.... they talked to the Govenor's office.
This was in California. But just think if everyone that was owed rent did this. It might create some change.
Anyway, if it's a government agency you could try this.
Other than the advice given here, you may have to take the loss on your tax return, tighten up your rental requirements, and move on with lessons learned.
I appreciate your telling your story. --75.70.xx.xxx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by RentsDue [MA]) Posted on: Sep 11, 2021 10:49 AM Message:
I would still file against the tenant for rent owed. You signed a form not to evict or raise rents. You aren’t doing either of those things- you kept your end of the deal. You have a right to collect that money. Judgements are good for a long time. Let the tenant know that if you “ forgive” that debt you will have to 1099 them personally for it. That counts as income and may screw up their precious government benefits and leave them owing taxes. They may work a little harder to make sure you get paid. --68.191.xx.xx |
Rent Assistance Fiasco (by melinda [MD]) Posted on: Sep 11, 2021 7:01 PM Message:
Today we received a flyer from our Housing Office regarding Rental Assistance for Tenants. Interesting reading. --24.233.xxx.xx |
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