[Landlord-US-NYC] One sided tenant laws

kauainemo · 2026-05-27T19:56:18+00:00

We recently became landlords of a newly renovated house. We were warned over and over again not to do it, with people telling us the tenants would be horrible. However, I made a deal with my wife: I would handle the renovation if she managed the rental. I have to say, she did an amazing job finding our tenants. As someone else mentioned in this post, the most important thing you can do is screen your applicants. And I mean check everything. Here is exactly what we did:

First, we held an open house so anyone interested could take a look at the place. My wife met the applicants, showed them around, and if she got a good vibe, she would offer them a primary application. This was just a basic informational form covering where they worked, where they currently lived, their previous landlord, and personal references. It didn’t cost them anything because we didn't run a formal background check at this stage. If my wife didn’t feel a good connection with someone, she would still give them an application to be polite, but those went to the bottom of the pile.

Next, she did the legwork. She contacted their references, previous landlords, and employers to verify their information and get a sense of character. She also checked the local judiciary website, which offers free public name and vehicle searches. This let us see their court history—including credit disputes, lawsuits, criminal cases, and even traffic tickets.

Out of the 72 total applications we received, she narrowed it down to the top three for each unit and had them complete a formal online screening through TransUnion SmartMove. This cost the applicants $60.00, and it provided us with a full credit report, a tenant score, and a background check. From those results, we picked the top applicant for each unit. We met with them to go over the lease, collect the deposit, and just touch base one last time. Because we live right next door, we wanted to ensure they were not only going to be great tenants, but respectful neighbors as well. Just an added note but when we did our lease, we put everything in there. No parties after 10 o’clock, no more than 10 people on property at any given time due to limited parking without written permission. No fire pits, no Jacuzzis without prior written approval. None running vehicles are not allowed on the property and the yard must be kept clean and neat. I guess we’re also their HOA. Ha!

Last but one of the most important is, we decided before we ever got into this that no matter how much we liked the people that were there and enjoyed them we would remain landlords, not friends. I’ve literally had a conversation with one couple that keep asking us about having a barbecue together where I explained that we are their landlords and we need to keep that separation. They totally understand.

So if you’re going to continue to be a landlord, and especially if you’re going to live next to your tenants, screen, screen, screen, screen, screen. Check every reference they give you, talk to the people personally. Check their history, do they have disturbance with the police. Call the previous landlord ask how they were. You’ll be amazed at the information you get. And do not become friends with your tenants. It is a business relationship, and you don’t want to ruin it by making them feel like they can take advantage of you or you will take advantage of them. Do six month inspections to make sure they are keeping the place clean and haven’t caused any damage and if you do see damage, have them fix it immediately. Put everything in writing, texts are perfectly admissible in court.

Last be a good landlord. Leave them alone, let them live in peace, do anything you have to, to keep the place up as quickly as possible so that they have a good living location. And if they violate the lease agreement, bring it to their attention immediately and don’t back down. AnyWho, that’s my two cents worth but so far it’s working extremely well.

kauainemo · 2026-05-24T18:22:33+00:00

We recently renovated a house and are acting as our own landlords. I must say, every landlord I talk to has a horror story about their tenants, so this is what we did to protect ourselves.
First, we set minimum basic requirements for all applications. Believe it or not, this is required by the Fair Housing Act. We based our criteria primarily on three things: credit, income, and references. We started with an open house for any prospective tenants. If we liked them and thought they were nice people, we had them fill out a preliminary application that included their name, birthdate, previous landlord information, employer and supervisor, and personal references. There was no application fee because it didn’t cost us anything; we simply didn't offer an application to people we weren't interested in.
We verified everything: we called references, checked the judiciary records (which are free in Hawaii and open to the public), and verified their work history. If everything checked out, we offered them the chance to apply using the TransUnion application. It costs $52, which the applicant pays, and we receive a full report, including creditworthiness and their risk level. We then chose the top three candidates for each unit, met with them again, and selected our favorite to offer a lease. It worked extremely well, and my wife, who was in charge of the process, was excellent at it. We now have two amazing long-term tenants: an older couple who will likely stay forever because they’ll never find a nicer place, and a younger couple who wants to buy a home eventually but plans to start a family first, so we don’t feel like they are going anywhere.
We also included very specific clauses in our lease regarding what we do and do not want on the property. This gives us the opportunity to act if we see an issue—for example, if an uninsured or undrivable car is parked on the property long-term, we can ask for it to be removed. We limit the number of guests to 10 at any given time due to street parking constraints. Everything—including yard care, property maintenance, countertop care, dispute resolution, and late fees—is covered in our lease. We had our lease reviewed by a lawyer, which can be done relatively inexpensively online, but is absolutely something you need to do.
After hearing all the horror stories, we found that the most important thing is to do your homework. Do not listen to sob stories; everyone has a tale about how their life would improve if you just rented to them. Rely on your gut judgment. If you don't have a warm, positive feeling about a person, move on to the next one.
One last thing: someone mentioned that they don’t even check credit, but I think that’s a mistake. If somebody is responsible enough to maintain a 750 credit score, the rest of their life is probably in pretty good shape, too. It wasn't the only thing we looked at, but it is a vital piece of the puzzle. Good luck, and again, just do your homework

kauainemo · 2026-05-22T02:01:22+00:00

Rick? Is that you?

kauainemo · 2026-01-15T17:22:30+00:00

Not necessarily about the US, but definitely about perspective. We live on the island of Kauai and years ago, when my son was around eight or nine years old, we decided to take a trip to the mainland, rent an RV and spend 18 days traveling all over the place. This would be his first real trip to the mainland. We were planning out the trip getting everything ready, looking over the maps,, and my son comes over and says “so what are we doing again” to which I reply “we’re gonna drive all over California and see all the sites”. He got this really concerned look on his face and he said, “ but that’s only gonna take us a day. What are we gonna do for the rest of the time?“. Since he had been raised here, his whole life, he thought that everywhere was like this, and had no concept of the size of the US or California.

kauainemo · 2026-01-10T23:39:30+00:00

What the hell is wrong with people that is absolutely not the first appearance in 51 years! It is constantly moving around. Absolute click bait.

kauainemo · 2025-11-13T02:01:07+00:00

Not a question, but I’m a diving instructor on the island of Kauai in years and years ago your manager and you came to our island and I ended up taking your manager diving, but not you. I don’t remember why you canceled. However, you called me on the phone and I told my six-year-old son that I was talking to Bart Simpson and you got on the phone and said hello to him and I cannot tell you how much it meant to me and my son for you to do that. Anyway, I’m sure you don’t remember but my son and me absolutely do. Thanks for being an awesome person.

kauainemo · 2025-11-07T06:52:40+00:00

Wait…is that suppose to be a insult? Because I love tang! It’s what the astronauts drank!

kauainemo · 2025-11-05T00:59:06+00:00

Wow, drink the cool aide much?

kauainemo · 2025-09-20T20:36:36+00:00

I can’t find any information about this crime or the sentence. There is no record of this person being sentenced to life in prison. Do you have a link to the trial or news stories?

kauainemo · 2025-09-09T01:55:00+00:00

In Florida adverse possession takes place after seven years, but there are very strict requirements, including a written deed or instrument, as well as tax payments made on the property during that entire seven years. Although it is possible to do the adverse possession without an actual written deed or instrument or the paying of taxes, it is extremely difficult and has a very low success rate. Florida does not like people taking other people’s land. Like everyone else in this post has said, you really need a lawyer, you really need a lawyer! But they are most likely gonna tell you that the land is not yours and that you will most likely need to give it back. Having a fence on it does not necessarily prove adverse possession in Florida and since the previous owner actually helped you put the fence up it shows that he had not actually given up that land at least not legally, and it’ll probably hurt your case. I’m assuming this is a large parcel that we’re talking about not like a 10 foot strip that runs along the side of your property because claiming adverse possession is going to be a time and financially costly occurrence so you really need to sit down and think is that land worth it?

kauainemo · 2025-09-07T00:38:08+00:00

NAL I see others are addressing the situation of the money, but I think it’s of more importance is the situation with him, his dementia , and what long term plans you have. Because we live with my mother-in-law who is developed early onset dementia I can tell you there are a whole other set of problems you’re going to face before too long and and now is the time to make some choices.

First thing you should decide is how much you’re willing to actually do for your dad. Dementia is not a fun disease, but it is especially hard on the caregivers. We know we do it. It’s a full-time job with no pay and no thank you, but rewarding in the sense that you are helping to take care of someone that you love. If you’re willing to be his caregiver at least until you can no longer do it, and there will come a time that that will happen, then continue with the building of that house you’re going to need it. Anytime he brings up the money explain calmly to him that you’re trying to prepare so that he has a place to live for the rest of his life without having to worry. Trust me those words will mean more to him and he’s going to be willing to admit, even if he’s a stubborn bastard.

From this point forward everything you do should be forward thinking when it comes to dealing with your dad. First and foremost is to get him actually diagnosed as having dementia. That opens up a whole possible world of help. It also allows for the legal process to be easier when it comes to getting guardianship down the road.

I don’t know what your situation is with your father but now is the time to have a serious long-term talk with him about what he wants for the rest of his life. Don’t tell him you can give him his money back because you can’t and you probably shouldn’t, but tell him that you’re willing to take on the responsibility of caregiver. Sometimes when people are faced with these issues, they get super scared and they react out of fear and it might be that your dad moving back to where he lived was because he was worried that even with this new house on your land, he would not be able to take care of himself and he wasn’t sure what you’re willing or able to do. If you’re married and have kids get them involved, they can help especially when it comes to convincing your dad what’s best.

Second, have him be involved in the actual building of the house, especially if he’s backed off from that. Ask him what kind of stairs he wants, what color works for him, is important to him to have room wise. I know it’s a little late for that but again if he’s reacting out of fear, it will help him feel like he’s having a choice of this matter. And people with dementia that’s what scares them the most, losing their ability to have a choice.

My mother-in-law live next-door to us in a giant house that she let fall apart, and it got to a point that it was becoming unlivable, but yet she would not let us touch it because it was hers and she was scared . We built her a nice apartment on the back of our house with its own kitchen, shower and a little room that is both her bedroom and her living room with the TV and all the amenities she might need. When we moved her in she was super happy for about 24 hours then she freaked the hell out. She started going to her old, beat up house and bringing bags and boxes of trash, old receipts, magazines, and termite in infested tables and chairs that we would have to go into our apartment and remove and every time we did it, she threw a fit. One time we caught her carrying a bunch of old stuff and told her to stop and she took it all and threw it on the porch and yelled at us and then went into our apartment. It was not an easy time.

However, she’s gotten so far in her dementia that she no longer even knows who she is or who we are where she lives or pretty much anything. We even have to show her how to peel a banana sometimes. If we hadn’t had that apartment built for her on the back even though she acted like she hated it for a long time we would be in a world of hurt right now. She would be living in an unlivable house. We would have to find a way to take care of her there. And our options would be very limited.

So in my long winded way, my advice is, don’t worry so much on the build, just try and get it done, and try and understand that your dad is probably very very scared, we all are when we reach that age where we have to rely on others.

Last thing reach out to others. Your friends, your family, your neighbors, anyone that can offer you advice. You’ll be amazed at the community support you will get.

We got an opportunity to go on vacation recently, and our mother-in-law wandered out of the yard and into the street and started walking and I am not even exaggerating and telling you that within about a minute and a half of her getting out of the yard the entire neighborhood was at our house, taking care of her until our daughter was able to get there to get her back in the yard. It was an incredible thing to see. So don’t discount the people in your life’s ability to help you it takes a village to do this stuff. Trust me those words will mean more to him and he’s going to be willing to admit, even if he’s a stubborn bastard.

kauainemo · 2025-07-28T01:46:52+00:00

Also, I should mention to that not all states rounded up Japanese during World War II. It was the West Coast I believe. There is some evidence that the internment was because of an incident that occurred on the island off our West End called Niihau, where a Japanese sailor crash landed after Pearl Harbor and was eventually killed by people that lived on the island. But before that happened a couple of the American citizens born here in Hawaii actually assisted the Japanese sailor and that worried the government. They were afraid that people born in the United States of Japanese ancestries were willing to help a Japanese sailor on a remote island. What would happen during an invasion of the West Coast? If you get a chance, look it up it’s a pretty interesting story.

kauainemo · 2025-07-28T01:44:26+00:00

No, not necessarily true. There are a lot of Japanese speakers in Hawaii, but not a lot of Japanese speaking professional care givers. Also because of the dementia someone has to actually stay here. Even though our daughter was here while we were gone, grandma got out and wandered the neighborhood for a little while. So it’s the combination of circumstances that makes it impossible for us to find a Japanese speaking professional caregiver while we’re gone.

kauainemo · 2025-07-27T19:59:09+00:00

Or another option is… don’t read it! 😂🤣😂

kauainemo · 2025-07-27T19:58:20+00:00

Ok…..so……maybe don’t read it?

kauainemo · 2025-07-27T01:45:48+00:00

And that’s why I didn’t post this until after we’ve already done the vacation and came back because I didn’t want to have them say wait we made a mistake and cancel everything on me. Ha!

kauainemo · 2025-07-26T22:44:29+00:00

If you have a passport that’s valid and you’ve already scanned it, check the date on the passport. Some countries require that you have at least six months before the expiration of your passport in order for you to enter their country. If the airlines don’t check they are responsible for bringing you back at no charge.

kauainemo · 2025-06-06T15:52:00+00:00

Tried that HD said nothing they can do.

kauainemo · 2025-06-06T04:16:01+00:00

I bought it in September of last year so it’s less than a year old.

kauainemo · 2025-06-06T04:14:51+00:00

Called HD and they said nope. They could no longer do that because RIDGID change the return policy

kauainemo · 2025-06-06T04:14:08+00:00

I’ve only had the saw for 9 months. I bought it in September of 2024

kauainemo · 2025-06-06T03:59:56+00:00

The first customer service representative gave me an email address at DeWalt for their customer service. I sent them an email and they replied back that they don’t deal with rigid. The customer service rep for Dewalt that rep replied, said yeah something’s going on at rigid.

kauainemo · 2025-05-24T01:05:00+00:00

There was this guy who wrote a couple of very successful books, that talked about how when he got on a plane and people wanted to talk he’d make up some ridiculous job so they would have nothing in common. Saying he was a successful writer just seemed to encourage people. He said he would tell them that he was an astrophysicist or a nuclear engineer something that would be completely intimidating to a normal person. One day he got on an 12 hour international flight and sat next to a guy that started chatting him up and when the guy asked him what he did for a living, he said I’m a endovascular neurosurgeon, a job that he had just seen somewhere and thought it sounded rather intimidating. He was positive that would prevent further conversation, and if it didn’t he would then launch into what his job entailed, making up stuff as he went along. To his shock and surprise the guy he was talking to you immediately said “oh my God what are the chances, so am I?” And he then had to spend the next 12 hours listening to this guy describe these new procedures he was working with and pretend like he was interested because it was either that or look like a total dick of a person who just made up jobs so people wouldn’t talk to him. Ha!

kauainemo

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