Raise the Hammer

What if the front of the house has to have a sign with the number for the owner / management group so neighbors can complain about these tennants/condition of property, etc? It would show that these owners want to be a positive, contributing member of their communities. Nothing wrong with wanting to make money, but remember that there are 5 families next to and directly across from your 'business', that are immediately affected by what goes on at your 'money-making' venture. I actually wouldn't mind a sign that states that this house is a 5 unit home, or something to that affect. Shouldn't home-owners know or potential home-owners, what makes up these neighborhoods?

As a tenant, I refused to even look at properties that I knew were managed by third-party rental companies. A lot of them aren't very good (and are used to treating tenants with suspicion) and I don't want visitors to see a sign on the property instead of a normal front entrance, even though there's obviously multiple units on my side of the building. I understand the need for some kind of way to find out (perhaps a map online) but to me as soon as I see that kind of sign I go "potential problems here!"

Funny thing though - my landlord only rents to employed people, because although it takes longer and is more frustrating, everyone keeps the units in better shape.

However, my family in St. Catharines used to rent - now they own, and inherited a rental property after my grandfather passed away. One of their tenants is on assistance and has been there for almost twenty years, keeping the place in good shape. Finding a consistent tenant for the other side has been the problem - and they've tried renting to a lot of different people. (I keep telling them to get credit checks and references and the parents' information if they try renting to students... it would help weed out potential problems earlier.)

Accountability based on safety, and making taxes more realistic, would make a lot more sense. I don't have a problem with the idea of a multi-unit conversion - I live in one and it's excellent. All units are 850-1300 sq. ft and spacious, and I have a landlord whose son lives on the property and attends to any issues promptly. Some other ones on my street are pretty good, but the next street over many aren't.

Especially along the major one-way streets just east of downtown like Main, Wellington, Victoria, etc. No one is going to fix up the 3000 sq. ft. homes for a single family and then have their kids living right on a highway. But, convert it into 4+ 750 sq. ft. units... then you've got something.

Comment edited by Meredith on 2011-04-26 12:49:42