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Post by Script on May 10, 2010 15:30:41 GMT -5
As part of my work-work job today, I had to accompany a client to a rental property for a mechanical inspection. The property [four-plex, midtown] will be listed for sale in the near future. In attendance were:
*one owner [landlord]
*me [helper]
*another helper [my brother]
*real estate agent [professional, excellent]
*rental property manager [idiot]
*certified inspector [friendly]
*one furnace repair-guy [fast-working]
The helpers had to organize the keys: there was a locksmith down the street. We also had to be in attendance in the rental units when the tradespeople were there.
I have now come home and am hugely depressed. My clothes smell from 3 solid hours touring the smoky, dusty rooms overlayed with the extravagant use of scented candles. My mind is overwhelmed by seeing the huge clutter everywhere, and especially the ghastly BASEMENT squalor.
If I had stayed with my ex-husband, Mr. Tortured Genius, my home would have been exactly the same. Similar vintage, same neighbourhood, similar design. A very sobering situation for me.
Yes, I will get paid for my three hours ($120). So what? The home inspector said he wears a MASK because of the black mould: HE SHOWED IT TO US! I am now going to make a cup of tea: MY THROAT IS ABSOLUTELY RAW.
please: to all of our members who are renters and complain about the landlords: try for one little minute to think about things from the Landlords' points of view. I saw sooooo much garbage, pure trash, abandonned furniture, piles of piles of 'stuff'---and I know the owner will have to PAY to have this garbage removed.
The tenants' rent is city-controlled; there are all brand-new kitchens, bathrooms, furnace, and laundry facilities. My brother in fact lived in one of these units some years ago. He had no complaints.......
something to think about...........visiting squalor...........
ps: after my tea break, I think I will clean a cupboard or two....
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Post by messymimi on May 10, 2010 16:15:55 GMT -5
Dear Script,
Yes, it can go both ways. There needs to be consideration on both sides of the equation.
I hope your throat feels better.
messymimi
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Post by Meme on May 10, 2010 17:02:01 GMT -5
a good post- my friend- thinking of others is a good thing--I hope the tea was just your cup of tea today
--hugs Meme
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Post by notsomessyshell on May 10, 2010 18:55:45 GMT -5
Thank you dear Script for a view from "the other side". I hope you feel better.  I would wear a mask, too. You never know. Mold can be in a clean house, too. Water damage can be from reasons other than squalor. You make sure you stay safe no matter what the environment. We need you. |
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Post by lizzie on May 11, 2010 7:10:02 GMT -5
Hello Script, when you said "I have now come home and am hugely depressed. .......
If I had stayed with my ex-husband, Mr. Tortured Genius, my home would have been exactly the same. Similar vintage, same neighbourhood, similar design. A very sobering situation for me."
I immediately wanted to say DON'T FEEL DEPRESSED, feel filled with thanks that this IS NOT your life, that your life if far better now BECAUSE of the changes you made. Then I thought more and appreciated that this must have been a very unpleasant 'alternative reality' shock, and I don't want to be a pollyanna about it, but rather to say (more gently), I am glad that this isn't your reality, thanks to your doing and effort and determination, and I hope that you will soon be able to look at your own circumstances again and feel reassured that your life is so much better than it might have been. Best wishes to you, Lizzie
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Post by Script on May 11, 2010 8:02:40 GMT -5
I am glad that this isn't your reality, thanks to your doing and effort and determination, thanks to all for your kind words. When I left poor Mr Tortured Genius, I became very ill. My weight plummeted to 110 pounds (I am 5'8"). I had chest pains. The guilt tortured me. I was criticized by many family members: "you made your bed, now lie in it". Another person: 'I will do everything in my power to prevent you from buying a home outside your current marital dwelling' I married when I was 23 years old; very naive. I forget sometimes the courage and effort and determination I needed to extricate myself........ On a happier note, my beloved DearHubby was hugely sympathetic to my experience yesterday. I have to go to work soon, but I have spent some time this morning puttering around and appreciating my HOME IN MAINTENANCE. xxoo from Script |
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Post by Script on May 11, 2010 8:08:17 GMT -5
Yes, it can go both ways. There needs to be consideration on both sides of the equation. update: *the owner has already contacted the property management firm to 'read the riot act' about the abandonned furniture, piles of garbage, mould: the owner has paid MONTHLY for maintenance, which was not done. *the real estate agent has advised that the one vacant suite in the four-plex be professionally STAGED with furniture and accessories, as a model suite. This one suite only will be shown to prospect buyers. This way the tenants will not be unduly disturbed. However, this will cost several thousands of dollars. *my throat is better *this same professional team [owner, helpers, real estate] worked together last year and effected the sale of another 'problem property' so we are confident we can do it again. |
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Post by sparkle on May 11, 2010 9:11:08 GMT -5
Script, I appreciate your telling the other side of the story. It's a sobering reminder. I certainly hope you have escaped the health hazard of black mold. Must say I feel for the owner. I'm sure he paid a lot every month to the property manager and the property manager has not only NOT made the repairs that the owner expected he has not kept an eye on the property at all which is why owners hire property managers in the first place. It sounds like the property is still occupied but then the "abandoned" furniture may imply that the tenant has moved on and simply taken the best and left the rest. It's no wonder the owner want to sell the property. Being a landlord is sometimes a thankless undertaking. I have a condo that I bought as an investment for my retirement and with all the expenses (including a property manager) it operates as a loss but if it is maintained I will be able to make up the money when I sell it someday; I've decided I'm not cut out to be a landlord.  Thanks for the perspective from the other side. There's a reason landlords make those dreaded inspections; it's not always just to harass the renter. |
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Post by Script on May 11, 2010 9:51:00 GMT -5
Must say I feel for the owner. *actually, it's a SHE, not a HE this time  *I also helped the owner many years ago in another unit that was abandonned with goat-paths of magazines throughout *the owner(s), husband and wife, have also had tenants that defaulted BIG TIME on the rent *the fire marshall complained BIG TIME about the trash in another building, and the owners had to pay 1-800-Got-Junk for removal. *we had to move heaven-and-earth to satisfy an insurance inspection recently too. I am recovering today, and have a planned TREAT for self after work [visit to favourite east end craft store having big reno sale] |
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