I just gave applications to a husband wife pair who want one of my best units. They want a 6 month Lease because they just sold their house and need to move. They want to buy country acreage and build a retirement home. So far they have been unable to find anyone to sell them land. They are in early 60s and both have the income to rent. I require 4 times rent. Problem, they are obviously used to owning their own home and being in control. When I told them that move in monies were first months rent and deposit in cash. Wife said she would pay me in a debit card, I said cash with receipt, she said but the debit card is so easy. I said cash, and befoe she could argue her husband stopped her.

Then we got to washer and dryer, they are in basement. They don't like that so husband decided he could open the plumbing access door in 2nd bedroom closet that give access to the bathroom plumbing. I said no washer on my newly refinished wood floors and nobody messes with my plumbing. More politely than that but firmly. Wife again decides different. Wifa also askes me is we are going to clean house before move in, and I said it is cleaned up to my standardd. Although these people have the money and are responsible, I don't think they have the mindset to be renters.

Am I wrong?

Just a few observations:

1. If you're going to do a six month lease, you should charge a minimum 20% monthly premium along with a 150% deposit.

2. Make sure you have a solid early lease termination spelled out in your lease. They are going to move as soon as they close on a new house regardless of your lease term.

3. Make it as easy as possible to let them pay you the initial fees. Cashapp, venmo, zelle, etc.

4. Clearly spell out that no modifications are to be made.

But since six months will have the property vacant again in springtime, I wouldn't hesitate to move forward with them. Just establish control early.

No, you are not wrong at all.

Obviously, they won't buy country acreage, have a house built, and move in in the next 6 months. They need a rental for 2 years minimum. Their expectations are unrealistic and are apt to be difficult to deal with. I forecast many requests for 1 month extensions.

I also had a difficult pair wanting to do modifications to a rental that I previously upgraded. But the tenants were experienced home owners who did several flips. They needed the rental for 2 to 3 years, but wanted a 6 month renewable lease.

After learning that some people will just make the changes they want in violation of the rental agreement, I now always make a point of emphasizing "What you see is what you get, anyone have any problem with that??? If they raise an issue about something they want to alter on their own after they move in, that means I have again found someone who will make the changes they want after they move in, regardless of what is in the rental agreement. I don't want that so I don't want them.

Reason: Applicant refuses to adhere to terms of rental agreement.

In MD we have to give "independent contractors " a specific Maryland form.

"Maryland Independent Contractors: What you need to know

Whether a worker is an “employee” or an “independent contractor” is critical when it comes to such important issues as pension eligibility, workers' compensation coverage, wage and hour law, and many other matters. In some situations, federal law will govern, but the question is most often resolved by looking to state law, particularly in areas such as unemployment tax liability, workers' compensation, and state wage and hour requirements.

Workplace Fraud Act (WFA). The state of Maryland has enacted a WFA specifically designed to address issues of employee misclassification in the construction and landscaping industries. The WFA requires employers in the construction and landscaping industries to give an individual classified as an independent contractor or an exempt person with whom they contract notice of their classification and an explanation of what that classification means. A copy of the notice in both English and Spanish is available on Maryland’s Division of Labor and Industry’s website at www.dllr.state.md.us/workplace.

Employers in the landscaping and construction industries must also keep, for at least 3 years, records containing the following information:

1. The name, address, occupation, and classification of each employee or independent contractor;

2. The rate of pay for each employee or method of payment for each independent contractor;

3. The amount paid each pay period to each employee or independent contractor;

4. For each independent contractor or exempt person hired, the regulations further require that the employer keep at the worksite or place of business: a. A description of the employers’ business or a contract between the employer and the independent contractor ..."

I'm agreeing with Sisco that 6 months is laughably short time frame to buy land, draft the plans, get the materials, build the place, get inspections/occupancy permits (if required), and establish rural utilities.

Materials are at a premium right now. Some are flat out unobtainable, sitting in cargo ships off shore with no delivery date in sight. Workers are booked out far in advance.

They maybe built a house 10+ years ago and think everything is the same. Nope.

If you choose to do this, make it a happy happy deal: you're happy if they stay or you're happy if they don't. Most likely, the premium you will want for dealing with them will be too high and they'll move on to someone....less educated...on what reality is, and then they'll get to deal with the wife wanting to plant a sunflower garden in the living room, right under the skylight they cut in the roof. (*grins)

No way I would do a short term lease on my best unit. For security and 1st month I require certified funds. Money order or bank check. Although selling a car recently I was told by my bank that the bank check would take 7 days to clear.

No way I would do a short term lease on my best unit. For security and 1st month I require certified funds. Money order or bank check. Although selling a car recently I was told by my bank that the bank check would take 7 days to clear.

I have no problem with a short term lease that gets me into the start of the spring moving season.

I tend to reject applicants who want to renovate my property to suit themselves, but your applicant is not a typical homeowner who is renting between properties.

I love homeowners as tenants because they understand how to take care of a house. They don't mindlessly break things, they tend to be a lot cleaner because they have the mindset that a house should be taken care of and also, they want their deposit back. They know when to call me early for something that needs to be fixed before it gets worse.

If you do decide to accept them, make sure they know that you don't want winter vacancies so they must move out at the end of the six months or else sign a full year lease at that time.