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LEASE VIOLATION is SOMETIMES an OPPORTUNITY NOT to OVERREACT!

By
Property Manager with Gibson Management Group, Ltd.

I did a PRE-move-out property inspection in April to see what needed to be done to RErent the property and when I gave entry notice to my current residents, they advised me that 1) they would be on vacation; and that they 2) had a camera system in their rental home with the recording feed viewable by the next door neighbor.

WHEW! I've experienced cameras on the OUTSIDE of a rental home; however setting one up on the inside a la NANNY CAM is a first for me.

 

Now that these residents have vacated the home they rent from me, I asked them for a statement that there were no cameras at the property.  He sent me an e-mail which is fine for my request for a "statement" which I will keep with their lease documents.

I could have objected to the camera installation as an UNLAWFUL RESIDENT ALTERATION and a violation of their lease when I learned about it in April; however, they has bought a new house and were already moving....leasing AGAIN, may not be in their future so their e-mail statement will suffice and if something happens at the property in the FUTURE, I know where they ARE and how to FIND them.

...KNOWING when to REACT and the DEGREE of that REACTION is something newbie property managers and DIY landlords can ONLY learn through EXPERIENCE.....

Posted by

Wallace S. Gibson is a Certified Property Manager with over 50 years of property management experience and expertise.  She maintains a specialized property management business in Central Virginia serving Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna and Louisa counties  

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Comments(9)

Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

You also have to have good common sense as well as experience Wallace.

Jun 25, 2013 08:44 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

Conrad - sometimes, in the landlord-tenant relationship, there is a SHORTAGE of common sense and taking the LONG VIEW helps

Jun 25, 2013 08:50 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Wallace, the new age technology brings new challenges to the landlord-tenant relationship. Enjoy your day!

Jun 25, 2013 09:04 PM
Roger D. Mucci
Shaken...with a Twist 216.633.2092 - Euclid, OH
Lets shake things up at your home today!

At that point, the camera issue was moot.  You did the right thing, but you don't need me to tell you that Wallace.  Seems like when we think we've seen it all, something new pops up.

Jun 25, 2013 09:20 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I know of many faux property managers or DIY landlord who spend thousands of $$$ on needless issues....addressing the REAL ones correctly is the key

Jun 25, 2013 10:51 PM
Mark Delgado
houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove - Benicia, CA
Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h
What an interesting situation. Of course, you handled it very well. Yes, knowing when to use common sense vs when to use the hammer of the contract is a very valuable tool.
Jun 25, 2013 11:04 PM
John Mosier
Realty ONE Group Mountain Desert - Prescott, AZ
Prescott's Patriot Agent 928 533-8142

You did the right thing, Wallace.

I don't see any sense in making a problem where there isn't one.

I showed a cabin in a remote area a few months ago. There was no lockbox but the Agent or the owner had hidden a key. There was a camera there watching over the hidden key. This looks like a good way to make sure there are no shenanigans with lock-boxes.

Jun 26, 2013 01:49 PM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

I just want the acknowledgement that the cameras have been removed....I'm thinking about addressing this issue in my next resident handbook revision

Jun 26, 2013 08:56 PM
Tracy Lee Parker
RE/MAX DFW Associates - Royse City, TX
Buy*Sell*Rent

AMEN to your last statement! We learn something new each day in property management Wallace! I hope you danced for the cameras !!!

Jun 27, 2013 05:36 AM