opinion needed

kushie77 · January 2014

So we have been unable to sell our other house due to a crappy local market and we don't want to take a bath. So we have decided to rent the house out. It's a 4 bed 1 bath home. I just got off the phone with a potential tenant who told me that I am insane because we are asking first and last month's rent, $500 security and require references and employment verification. PA law allows 2 month's rent for the first year as a security. We are only asking for 1.5 months. And the security and rent will be held in an interest bearing account with the interest paid back to the tenent upon their moving out.

I don't think we are being unreasonable. Our rent is comparable to other single family homes in the area (actually slightly lower then some smaller homes) and we are including applicances, detached garage and off street parking and we pay the sewer bill.

would any of you ladies think that the potential landlord is being "insane" for asking what we are asking?

Edited for typo

Melissa51212 · January 2014

Tell him to move to philadelphia and see what they do to you! I had to pay that and didnt get anything back or interest in my security deposit! This was just for a baby one bedroom apt!!!

mancila60 · January 2014

We had to pay all of that for my apartment I had in college and give the reference's and employment verification. The only thing was we only had to pay security deposit and first month's rent. So I think it is comparable to what everyone is doing.

spalko · January 2014

I live in small town USA and that is pretty much the norm here. First and last months rent paid up front, security deposit and references were required and we were just renting a one bedroom house. Obviously, anyone that complains about any of those requirements wouldn't be a good renter so hold out until you can find someone better!

nighthawkswife · January 2014

were in a one bedroom apartment with no parking. we paid 1st months (680) and deposit (680) but i have been asked before to pay firsts last and deposit. never have i been offered the interest from them however! that's a good deal! plus a whole house for 500 a month is an excelent deal for pa. a steal

court115 · January 2014

I think that potential tenant is insane, not you!

adventureisoutthere · January 2014

That's about standard around here too, and I'm one of the crazy Canadians! I'm thinkin you wouldn't want to rent to them anyway.

kushie77 · January 2014

I was 99.9% sure this guy was a little out there, but then I doubted myself for a moment. Thanks ladies. Personally I think a 4bed single family home with a garage, appliances and a huge yard for $1000/ month is pretty good.

Mona8 · January 2014

amcourt09 said:

I think that potential tenant is insane, not you!

This!

leopardgurl831 · January 2014

Travis and I have to rental houses, so if you have any questions let me know. His house has been rented since April 2011. We asked for 1.5 months rent up front and the .5 they get back with no interest. Their rent is $1200 and they pay water sewer.

My house we asked for 2 months up front and 1 they get back. That house we rent for $725 a month.

We have contracts and charge a late fee if they are late. We have good communication with them and have been pretty happy so far.

mildlymailyn · January 2014

We live in NE Ohio but I work for a law firm and we specialize in evictions and collections. I think you are being smart by asking what you are and verifying EVERYTHING. If she thinks it is unreasonable, she likely has something to hid. Renting is a big risk. Good luck.

bpphoto785 · January 2014

We've only every paid first and last, but I definitely know of other places that request a security so it's not unheard of. You need to do best for you and if this person strikes you as off, I wouldn't rent to them!

toothpastechica · January 2014

Here the standard is 1st month plus damage deposit (half a month rent) up front. I have never heard of paying last month on top of that. But if that's normal in your area then the renter should be expected to be able to pay that. My thinking is its a lot of money to come up with up front for someone who can only afford to rent in the first place....

mildlymailyn · January 2014

We do have landlords here that charge first and last month and security deposit. I have only ever seen it when they are in your position and own one or a few single family homes and still have mortgages to pay.

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