If you are considering renting from Anna (realtor) and Nikola (Nik) Gjurashaj, you need to read this, At first they may seem friendly and somewhat carefree in presenting you with their rental property, but I assure you differently. The two words which come to mind are "despicable" and "deceitful". They only have two goals. 1) To take your money either via monthly rent or questionable charges against your security deposit. 2) To ensure they are not held accountable for anything which might be unfavorable.
The first thing you should do is read the voluminous restrictions written into the lease. It's actually more strict than the covenants of many Home Owners Associations, but in addition to outside restrictions, you are also burdened with inside restrictions. Basically the only thing you are allowed to do is breathe. I was so deterred by the mountain of restrictions that I knew I was only staying 12 months. I also decided to not hang any artwork as I was fearful of the charge which would be levied against my security deposit for poking holes in the walls.
You'll also notice that if you would like to make or suggest any changes to the house, you need to make the request to them and, if approved, use one of "their guys". Don't worry. You will never get approval from them.
During the first month I occupied the home, I offered/requested (at my expense) to have a larger ceiling fan installed in the master bedroom. There is a 44-inch fan which simply does not provide substantial air movement. I also offered/requested (again at my expense) to have exhaust fans installed in both bathrooms. I received a nonsensical response of "No. The fan works fine. The windows work fine." Obviously they weren't working "fine" if I was requesting an improvement.
I did actually meet one of "their guys", and based on my experience of feeling unsafe in his presence, I would urge you to avoid anyone that the owners recommend.
When it got toward the end of my lease and I gave 60 days notice, the owners immediately listed the property, which means you'll have people coming through while you're packing. MOST importantly, when the owners schedule a showing, DO NOT let them convince you to leave the house while it is being shown. I have some custom Charlie Brown Christmas lawn ornaments which I was in the midst of repainting in the garage. Two of the smaller items were awaiting their turns for paint and I had them propped up in the hallway leading to the bedroom. During a showing by a real estate agent, Anna had suggested I leave the house to make them more comfortable. I went outside in my car while the real estate agent showed the house. When I went back in the house, one of the ornaments in the hall had been STOLEN.
When I notified Anna of the theft, did she offer to contact the real estate agent and the potential tenants and confront them? NO.
Did Anna open any discussion as to a possible reimbursement? NO.
Did Anna express ANY concern whatsoever that someone stole from the house? NO.
Instead, Anna made every attempt not to accept any accountability for the theft and even tried to pin the responsibility on me.
It's very despicable if you ask me.
Their final deceitful and despicable act came when I moved out. It was August, so I was on a schedule of cutting the grass every 2 weeks. I had cut the grass the prior Sunday, and the movers were there 8 days later. Nik decided he wanted the lawn cut again, and I told him I already cut it that week, so NO. The following day they called and said they were doing an exit walkthrough. In 40 years of renting houses, I have never needed to be present and declined the offer to attend. Again the owner stressed how important it was to get the grass cut promptly and that he was going to charge $30 against the security deposit. I interrupted his blathering, pointed him to Florida Statute 83.49 dealing with security deposits, and abruptly ended the conversation. I obviously bruised Nik's sensitive ego.
When my security deposit refund arrived, there was absolutely ZERO charges against the home structure, but they incurred a $30 charge against my security deposit...for an unnecessary charge of “cutting the grass”. If it were so critical and so urgent, why was it delayed two weeks after my vacating the property? Obviously, it was not critical. It was not necessary as I had cut it the week prior.
Understand, I was never late with the rent. In fact, I regularly paid my rent early. I even paid using bank checks when requested.
Twice during my occupancy, I pressure washed both the private and public sidewalks, driveway and street gutters -- easily $200 worth of labor. And how much did I charge them? Zero.
I stained the post for the mailbox, installed a magnetic latch and affixed house numbers to both sides of the post. And how much did I charge them? Zero.
I added six bags of mulch to the front planting areas. And weeded the beds throughout the year. And how much did I charge them? Zero.
I maintained the house immaculately, as is exemplified by there being zero deductions against my security deposit for house issues.
That's how Anna and Nikola Gjurashaj show their appreciation.
Despicable and deceitful. Definitely not traits I would want in a Realtor or Landlord.
