Need some devious advise....Electric related

[crazy charlie]

I have been fortunate enough to own a 2nd home that I rent out.I keep my boat stored there and have the shore power plugged in all winter.I have a fan on in the cabin 24/7 and one under the shrink-wrap to prevent any condensation that usually occurs when all sealed up.My tennants son has a bad habit of pulling the plug out of the wall socket.It is a regular orange extension cord that is plugged in behind some metal racks/shelving in the garage.It can't be pulled out by accident so Im sure he does this on purpose since he has to reach through the shelving to pull on the plug.I would love to rig up something to give him a shock when he grabs the cord but with my luck I would probably electrocute the punk.My other idea was to tape a few thumb tacks on the plug.I will be mentioning it to his dad when i collect the rent however if they deny it or take offense ,I will probably ask them to move.I am an extremely fair landlord and expect the same from my tenants..Any ideas would be appreciated.Charlie

 

[jbcurt00]

Simple, put a lockable exterior cover on the outlet and secure the cord/cover w a lock.

His son maybe a problem, but shocks and tacks are asking for trouble, IMO.

 

[crazy charlie]

Yes you are right.My first thought was to teach the punk a lesson but we all know that you can't teach a youth that wants to be mischievous.Unfortunately it is going to wind up costing his dad in the long run.Moving aint cheap.

 

[jbcurt00]

You cant raise someone elses kids.

I strongly suggest finding a reasonable means to get them to move. Forced to move doesnt agree w most people and tends to go badly.

 

[Boomyal]

If the tenant does not have a lease, then he is on a month to month basis and a tenant at your will. You do not have to have a reason to evict him. Just give him notice written within the terms of your State and or local laws. To give a reason for his eviction that cannot be proved is just asking for trouble. Send the notice Certified mail with a return receipt,

 

[Tim Frank]

Who pays the utility bill?

 

[crazy charlie]

I would rather then punk kid just stop being a punk and leave the plug alone.Gonna let dad know that I don't want to see the plug pulled and make it his responsibility to see that it is plugged in all the time.I will make the problem his problem.

 

[gm280]

crazy charlie. I have to say your name really says a lot in this situation. However, DON'T do anything to harm anybody, or they will be renting your place to you. Secondly, just how old is the "punk" and how many times has he unplugged the cord? If this happened once, I don't see a huge issue. However if he habitually is doing it, then have a calm peaceful talk with his parents and explain to them what is going on and that you would like it to stop. Simple talks sure do beat nasty costly court cases or worst. JMHO!

 

[Grub54891]

If I paid the electric bill,I'd be unplugging it also. But if not who cares? Give a nice break on the rent and I'd leave it in.

 

[poconojoe]

Simple, put a lockable exterior cover on the outlet and secure the cord/cover w a lock.

His son maybe a problem, but shocks and tacks are asking for trouble, IMO.

I was thinking to hardwire the cord, but a lockable cover is a better idea. You can get them most anywhere. Very easy to install.

 

[Boomyal]

Who pays the utility bill?

Very pertinent question TF. It may be a trifling issue but it would be enough to queer the deal unless it had been spelled out in the rental agreement.. That is more evidence why CC should not give any stated reason for eviction.

 

[roscoe]

Are you sure its the kid, and not the dad ?

 

[bigdee]

Look at the wattage of the fans and do the math (kw*utility rate) and deduct that amount from his rent. Show him your calculation so he understands why it is less than $10! I am assuming that these are small fans.

 

[MTboatguy]

Hurting someone on purpose would be considered assault, I would recommend having a talk before you decided to do something that could get you a night in the pokey.

 

[poconojoe]

WaIt a minute... I'm confused...who is paying the electric bill?

 

[Scott Danforth]

First off, I would get the thoughts of intentional harming someone out of your head and post on a public forum.

Second, unless your paying the utility bill, or have a cause in the lease for the tenants to pay the electricity for the boat, your in the wrong.

As the tuna commercial goes, sorry Charlie