Tenants & my rental property

[jackie f taylor]

I've cherished, maintained and improved my quaint two (2) family home in north western Lakewood for over 35 years. Every time a tenant moves out, I redo everything, all fresh & clean, now, by law, I must lease it to any qualified parties, it's the law, if they pass the background check. If they meet the criteria, then your obligated to rent to them. Their young, have good jobs, nice rides, cars. seemingly, decent people.

well,

The downstairs tenant called, she just got back, from a one week trip to Boston, she has been with me for 23 years, unbelievable occupant. 76 years old, lovely lady. she is like having your mother rent from you, only wants the best for all. She called

Jack, I hear water running from upstairs, I don't think anyone's home. I went over, called, rang the doorbells, no answer, sure enough, the 3rd floor toilet was running, the flapper didn't close. I was pissed of about that, but they will pay.....

Naturally, I thought about looking around, but I did not, I only saw what I could see from where I was standing. Food, pizza boxes, with food, beer cans, trash, clothes, everywhere. I thought, this isn't right. The toilet water was BLACK, The place had more booze than a liquid store. Cans, bottles everywhere, air mattresses in the rooms? Who's else is staying here? the PLACE was filthy. I was hurt, how can someone live, and have people over to visit, and have a toilet, like a pot of black beans?? 3 guys, 25, 26, 27, with girlfriends, which at my age, are worthless, especially if the gals don't clean,

As the landlord, can I dictate how clean people must be? In my lease, I have, " you must maintain, clean and keep the fixtures in a safe and sanitary condition. Where is that line, that I don't want to cross? What is wrong with todays "what ever" ?