Recently I rented out a room to a couple of recovering addicts I known in the rooms for some time, what I really mean is I know the guy, he's pretty involved and talks a good game, on the other hand his girl friend I just met resently, she told me and assured me she has 2 years clean, but thru the N/A grape vine and trusted friends I have found out that she relapsed resently and is refussing to pick up a white chip, they are allready living in an efficiency on the back of a larger house I also have for rent. Now I have another lady who's a proffessional and is also in the rooms ready to move into the larger house and I'm worried that she will sniff out something is not right with them and deceide to walk, what should I do to handle this situation in a calm and fairly manner....
Hey Hugo! Good to see you man! I have never rented out as a landlord but we are moving into a house for rent as we speak and I know we had to sign a lease and a contract on what was expected. For rooms Its probably pay as you go deal I will presume?Couple things that come to my mind ,first as the landlord you can call the shots,if you think their using then that may be grounds for them to vacate<may be tricky with the guy you know but using in your area definitely not good for your recovery ,Amen...Other thingI would think ,you say the lady is a "professional"but in the rooms also ,so as far as I see it, she is part of our crew,an addict working recovery.Some may ask ,does anyone else live here,and it could be stated a couple in the back etc,but maintaining their anonymity and letting the "pro" make her own calls.If I was to rent a room,find out people down hall.etc were using ,I would move out.If I had to sign a lease before moving in I would probably inquire deeper about the environment.I know there are lines drawn between renters and landlords and only you can weigh the options,go by what you hear?,make a statement(for example,any sniff of using here I will ask you to leave,on the other hand I would have to let the other lady(MOVE IN BIG HOUSE) work things out on her own,if she becomes aware if they are using(the girlfriend)it will reenforce your statement of them having to go.For me ,I would talk with the guy and the girl(REMINDING THEM ABOUT USING AND ANY CONSEQUENCES) and let the chips fall where they may with the "pro" and see what happens..Not advice ,only suggestions from this puppy.Good luck with that,I can and always will suggest keeping your recovery first in all this "strain'.Let us know how it goes okay..talk to you on the backside!!!! peace"
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Our purpose is to remain clean,just for today,and to carry the message of recovery.
The rooms of recovery are different for every individual. Rumours abound about someone's cleantime, If you want to know the truth you should go to the source. If you are worried about these people being in active addiction you should have a conversation with this couple. This should come out of love and concern and not accusations and rumour. If they haven't signed a lease yet then you should have one drawn up which states that any drug use on the premises is forbiden. Finally my last advice to you would be just try to be pro-active, the only thing you can control are your actions and how you re-act to other. God bless and be with you.
When all is fails, I tell the truth and let the bad thing happen. If I know athing that may affect soneone else, I tell them. If I suspect something or heard something, I let it pass.
I have had the same job for 19 years, it's the best job I've ever had. I got on the recomendation of a guy who's still clean today. I used to watch that guy recomend person after person just because they got a few weeks clean.
He got fired years ago from the job. He has his own (very successful) usiness now. He still hires recovering addicts, most don't work out. I know of two that have branched out and started their own business and they all colaborate.
I sold a house to an oldtimer years ago and he never made a payment on time and finally abandoned the whole deal and died last year never speaking to me again.
Renting an apartment is business and I would go with what Mike F suggested. Have a lease signed...even though they are already living there you could still put one into place. This will protect youand your property.
Part of my recovery has been learning to be responsible for myself. If I don't pay the rent...I don't have a place to live. lol Thanks to learning that lesson I now pay a mortgage. Who would have thunk????
You putting a lease into effect would be your way of setting the boundries that you want respected for your property. If they do not like the circumstances of the lease they can choose to leave.
Remember...it's business. One addict helping another be responsible and learning to commit by signing a lease and following it.
