Author Topic: My mistake - seeking advice  (Read 3216 times)

mustacheindc

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My mistake - seeking advice
« on: December 10, 2013, 05:35:02 PM »
Hi everyone.

I've made a dumb mistake as a renter and I am hoping to correct it. Just want to get some advice.

About 15 months ago, I moved into a group house in DC with two friends. One of my friends had been on the lease for some time, whereas me and the other friend both moved in 15 months ago, replacing two other guys. Within days of moving in, I had to leave the country for three months for work. As a result, we never got on the lease. When I came back, I kept saying to my housemates, "OK, we really need to get on the lease." But it was one of those things that we just never got around to doing, and then I left the country for several months again for work.

We're finally getting our shit together and applying to be on the lease. In the application, we have to include a letter from our former landlord recommending us. We both are able to get positive referrals, but of course there will be a gap. My one friend previously rented from a company, whereas I rented from a friend/coworker who owned his house. This current company is a family-owned real-estate business and seems pretty laid back. The owner was over the other day, and is aware that some of us are not on the lease and we talked about getting on it. He didn't seem too concerned and told us to drop by the office...although I don't think he knows how long we've been here. I think the lease does say "no subletters". We've always paid our rent on time, and have never caused any problems. I realize the following questions will be mainly conjecture, but as many of you are landlords, do you anticipate the company to be pissed off at us? As we've always paid our rent and never caused problems, do you think they would have any reason to reject us? If we explain that my initial work travel kept us from immediately applying, do you think they would be understanding? I'm really nervous and I regret this stupid/lazy mistake. I'm hoping that they won't mind since we've been reliable and they'll be happy to just formalize things. Do you have any advice?

Thanks.
« Last Edit: December 10, 2013, 05:46:50 PM by mustacheindc »

okashira

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Re: My mistake - seeking advice
« Reply #1 on: December 10, 2013, 05:45:21 PM »
Non issue. Don't mention how long you have been there

Also, you're not applying for a job. There is no problem with a "gap."

Another Reader

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Re: My mistake - seeking advice
« Reply #2 on: December 10, 2013, 05:53:16 PM »
As a landlord, my interest would be in getting you on the lease today.  It's obvious you have been there for awhile, the rent is paid on time and the place is in good condition.  The past is history.  I would want the situation to continue, but contractually controlled for the best interest of all the parties.

impaire

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Re: My mistake - seeking advice
« Reply #3 on: December 10, 2013, 08:03:41 PM »
Worst come to worst, mention that you were abroad during the "gaps"

Rust

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Re: My mistake - seeking advice
« Reply #4 on: December 12, 2013, 07:29:19 AM »
Don't lie.  Tell them the truth like you told us in this post.

Chiron

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Re: My mistake - seeking advice
« Reply #5 on: December 15, 2013, 05:29:42 PM »
"No subletters" is a standard clause in leases.  As long as you have paid your rent on time and otherwise been good tenants, I can't see the landlord having a problem with it.

SunshineGirl

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Re: My mistake - seeking advice
« Reply #6 on: December 15, 2013, 07:06:30 PM »
They'll care most about your income, and that the rent is paid on time. I wouldn't worry about it at all.