“Of Course the Answer is Yes but How Would You Respond?”
Hello Joe, A while back my son and I came in to talk to you. You were very helpful and we want to seek your advice about a problem with one of our tenants, here is the question. A tenant moved in the house in January and in July she had two dogs living in the garage without written approval for one dog, can we evict her? These dogs are doing their business in the garage and the place is a mess and stinks.
All of us get asked questions that are not necessarily in the field that we do business, just like the one above. Even though I know the answer I have recommended that they speak to an attorney. I am a mortgage broker and I want to give advice in the field that I know like breathing.
What advice would you have given?
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Joe Petrowsky, NMLS #6869
Right Trac Financial Group, Inc. NMLS #2709
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Yes, I completely agree. I often get asked how I would handle this situation or that situation, and while part of me wants to respond, I have to be cautious and say, this is something they should seek legal advice on...
I would have told them they could most likely evict her, but this is best handled by an attorney, just as you did, Joe.
Oh yes, it's best not avoid giving advice in another field, esp legal advice.
Yes Joe. Many times we are asked questions that are out of our field, and usually recommend they speak with their attorney.
Legal questions require the advice of an attorney. Depending on what the contract says it may be a slam dunk, however I would still contact an attorney and start the eviction process
Good Morning Joe:
Very smart answer. There are questions that we know answers to due to our own personal experience but if it is outside of our expertise, it is better to refer them to the experts.
Seek the advice of an attorney. The eviction process can be tricky and not all judges see it the same!
HI Joe. I explain that the eviction process is difficult and they need an attorney.
That was a perfect answer, and the same one I would give.
This is one of the times that being a landlord can be a pain in the butt.
You gave good advice. I always suggest that they call an attorney when I receive such calls.
Good morning Joe,
You gave the right advice.
They were looking for a freebie!
Make yourself an astonishing day.
Good morning Joe Petrowsky ,
You handles that answer beautifully! Never try and be an expert in a field you don't know..calling an attorney is the best route to go to understand the eviction process.
Refer them to an attorney even though you know the answer.
So many people fall into this trap and start to advise when they shouldn't. Call their attorney
Good morning Joe. I think you gave the perfect advice. No need to go any further.
Joe, since I do not do property management, would definitely say contact an attorney.
Right answer. Then a customer says. I know you aren't an attorney but I just want to know what you would do in this situation. Since most people know I have a lot of rental property I usually tell a story from the past with a disclaimer. I always say to consult an attorney.
OK Joe Petrowsky Everybody else is seeing this as a legal issue, but I see it as a property management issue. The REAL question is "do you want to keep these tenants?"
Bill Roberts
As long as I give an answer that tells them I am not an expert in eviction law, I can certainly give them as much information as I am currently aware of their situation and how to handle it.
I would have suggested that they contact a local attorney to begin eviction proceedings. And if they didn't know a good attorney, I'd certainly have given them a few recommendations.
If it's not in the lease, best to consult with an attorney. There are local ordinances too that can protect a landlord. I once had an investor ask me what to do about a tenant keeping their rabbit in the house. It wasn't just a rabbit in the cage. It was a rabbit that had full access to the entire house and that tenant was gone often. The odor was horrible!
I am right there with you. We cannot offer legal advice as Realtors or we could lose our license. You are in the same boat.
Joe
I would also advise the landlord to get an attorney.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
This is very good advice. In our area, the requirements for evictions are very strict.