Landlord in quandary over delinquent tenants
Originally published in 2014
Dear Annie: I have tenants who are behind in their rent. I’ve let it slide because I’ve been preoccupied with some personal problems. But my problems have been resolved, and now I’d like the back rent. Under the terms of the lease, I could evict right away, and I am tempted. But I worry that if this family is evicted, they will be living in the cold.
The biggest issue for me is that these tenants have been smoking, leaving cigarette butts all over the yard. They have been told that their child has a reduced lung capacity, and no one should be smoking anywhere near the boy. Presumably, they only smoke outside, but that includes the covered porch area by the front door, which means the child is exposed to secondand third-hand smoke all the time. (Indoor smoking would be a violation of the lease.)
I’ve already asked the tenants to clean up the cigarette butts and the clutter around the front of the apartment and garage. They’ve done a little, but not much. I am tempted to call Child Protective Services about the exposure to cigarette smoke.
I realize I can simply wait for the rent, I could evict them and probably never get what is owed, I could use the threat of calling CPS as a lever to get payment, or I could do all of the above. What do you think?
— Never Should Have Been a Landlord
Dear Never: The child is a separate issue. If you believe he is at risk, you should make a report to the authorities and let them investigate. In most places, even though you have the right to evict, you need to have the police, local sheriff or other enforcement agency physically remove the family from the premises. This takes time. Notify the family in writing how much they owe in back rent, and that you will begin eviction proceedings if they do not start making payments.
Dear Annie: My sweetheart and I just rekindled a long-ago attraction. It’s a long-distance relationship, so our visits are fun, but they are increasingly intense as we ponder our future. I’m 63, he’s 68, and we are both youthful despite the years.
“Bob” and I have been single and celibate for more than 12 years. He has not had a significant long-term relationship since his divorce 12 years ago. Bob has erectile dysfunction issues. I try not to pressure him, but our make-out sessions arouse me — and then they don’t go any further.
Bob feels we should let nature takes its course, meaning sex will happen when it happens, but at our age, I know things can be more complicated.
I love him, and I know he loves me, but it makes me sad to envision a sexless future. Advice?
— Post-menopausal and Still Frisky Dear Frisky: If Bob has ED issues, nature might never take the course you want. Please ask him to discuss this with his doctor. There are various treatments for ED, and Bob may be willing to try one. Ultimately, you must decide how important an active sex life is to your future happiness, because the situation may not improve.
Dear Annie: I read the letter from “Indy,” the lonely retired teacher who was scraping together part-time jobs and had no social life. You recommended some places where she could volunteer: hospitals, libraries, veterans associations, etc. May I suggest volunteering at the local community theatre? It is social, and you get to see the shows for free. We always need folks who have stagecraft experience, but we also need ushers, audition monitors, kid wranglers and all types of helping hands.
— S.S. in Indianapolis
Annie’s Mailbox is written by Kathy Mitchell and Marcy Sugar, longtime editors of the Ann Landers column.