John Kitsco

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As a former Property Manager I have experienced first hand just about all the
nasty things from threat of personal injury to renters skipping out. Or at least
I thought I experienced it all. I told myself I better think again, after reading
about one particular incident....

I read about a Landlord, in this case a middle- aged business woman who
took a job posting in one end of the country, renting her home back in the
west. A respectable home in a respectable neighborhood. But little did she
know it would turn into a drug den during her some 15 years of being away.
During this time frame the home was initially leased out to a fine looking
gentleman and his wife and of course, the dog.  But it was obviously sub-let,
or something of this nature, and she could not be sure...as a property
management company supposedly took full charge.

Once beautiful, the home was now disgusting. The pitbulls ruled the 2nd
level, there were broken windows, doors missing, dried dog urine on the
carpets. Smashed drywall. Dog waste and smell throughout.

Obviously a lack of due diligence on the part of the Property Management
company. Someone was certainly not minding the store. Even when there
were wild and noisy parties. Drugs hidden behind mirrors. Guess you could
say a combination of trash and hash. Pigs will certainly be pigs. But not so
fast...

A word to the wise. Do you have a property manager looking after your
property? Are you totally convinced all is well?  Well, you need to do a good
background check. Visit the previous residence. Do a police check. Patrol
your own property. Yes, if you are going to be a landlord its imperative you
have a hands on approach. But if there is a serious breach, call in the big
guns to take care of things. Don't risk your health and well being. In other
words, don't expect someone else to look after your interests. Landlord is
a title that requires certain expertise - but then again, even those with
best intentions can be fooled. Hell is- as they say, filled with good intentions!