Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Alaska Heads up to those renting properties

In light of recent political discussions and news, I was reminded of something my wife found out about a few weeks ago which lead me to do a little digging. You'd think given the state's fiscal shape they would concern themselves with leaning down. Apparantly the Alaska Legal Service Corporation doesn't think that applies to them and I'm sure it's also related to this:

http://projects.360north.org/alaska-legal-services-corp-receives-hud-fair-housing-grant/

What I heard is they are hiring people to pose as renters so that they can file suits against anyone who is discriminating against renters. So if you have any perspective renters that seem to prefer the company of their own gender and you decide not to rent to them, don't be shocked if you find yourself in a descrimination suit.

Yep, and you can no longer refuse HUD. They are supposed to have to meet your written criteria though and they can't if you have income requirements. I have a trashed duplex right now because my wife felt sorry for a single mom. Cops have been there 31 times in the last six months. With very few exceptions, I have found most renters lie and damage property.

Great news. Your property and you can't do as you see fit.

Another nail in the lid.

When Mom is gone, we'll have to rent her house out rather than let it fall apart and its a nice big house.

Guess I"ll have to get with an attorney as to how to write the lease...

Damn shame.

Thanks for that info.


We don't discriminate, my wife loves all people, me I hate em all!


jk, but serious about the thanks, forewarned is forearmed

Thinking any lessor/lessee might ought to read their state statutes closely. Both sides have been known to be loose about scruples at times.

There are plenty of reasons you can refuse a HUD applicant. Time to closure is a real consideration, for one. If your place is vacant, you want to get it rented as soon as possible. Not wait around for HUD to lollygag through their red tape system. A job is another. Past history of evictions. Non payment of utilities. Credit issues. It's a long and valid list.

rost, you want to start with a tight lease. You also want to get at least 3 mos. up front. That way, the tenants have a stake in keeping the place maintained and paying on time. BTW, it's not 1st, last, and security. It's 1st and security, with security being at least 2 mos. rent. If they have any record of past evictions or credit problems, police records, whatever, you can use them as leverage to collect additional security. ALWAYS collect a non-refundable deposit for each dog or cat, or both. Any withheld information relating to any of the above represents a breach of contract. Another oh by the way, make sure your lease states that all security deposits are automatically forfeited for any eviction, regardless of cause. If you have a pool or hot tub, or fire pit on the property, make them sign a release from liability and hold harmless agreement.

I'm just gettin' started. Protect yourself. It's a business. Do your social work elsewhere.

Thanks. This aint' gonna be a business, wish we didn't even have to face this in the future, I don't want anyone else here on our place but with a big house on a slab there really is no other choice.

Selling it and a parcel is even a worse choice.

Will be getting with an attorney to get all this done when the time comes.

There are 3 kinds of renters.
1) Those starting out.
2) Those starting over
3) Scum of the earth.

#1 is risky because they have no history
#2 is risky because they have too much history.
#3 Is a catch all for all the rest.

#1 and #2 can easily turn into #3. There are no other kinds.

That lid has been nailed ever since some scumbag(s) came up with the idea of property taxes and zoning.

Yes there are. At least two.

And I'm keeping them.

But I've had yours...... One of them died on us in the house. AIDS. But it ain't catching thataway...

In this state that would be very bad advice. Check to find out what you can do AND what you can't do. Before you do anything. Each state allows different things and doesn't allow other things.

Agreed. Luckily there is no such thing as zoning where we live. Where I work there is. Folks choose to live there. Ok by me.