Terrible tenants can make your job as a landlord tough. Some of them pay rent late, while others are careless and they damage your property. Most property owners face the hassle of dealing with difficult tenants at some point, and it is not easy. Applicant screening is excellent for weeding out many tenants that may become an issue down the road. However, it does not account for changes in a tenant’s financial circumstances, emotional state, or personal situations. As a landlord, review these common problem tenants so you can recognize them early and respond accordingly. Here are tips from our perspective:
-•A Bull in a China Shop
-•Day Late and Plenty of Short
-•Laws Are Merely Suggestions
-•Perpetual Complainers
-•Strangers Welcome
So, we have reviewed terrible tenant traits to look for and some preventative measures, but let’s face it, things still happen. Therefore, when problems do arise that need your intervention as the landlord, how you respond can make all the difference. Let me give you more suggestions on how to deal with difficult or even terrible tenants.
-•Be calm, objective, and rational
-•Keep written records of everything
-•Teach tenants how they should treat you
-•Try to get your tenants on your side
-•Ask the terrible tenants to leave
-•Begin the eviction process
-•Hire a property manager if you need too
- A Bull in a China Shop
Property damage is a huge problem for landlords, not to mention an expensive one. Some tenants do not care for the property as they should, while others decide to make unauthorized “improvements”. As a landlord, taking preventative steps to avoid these terrible tenants is critical.
You can start with a well-written ease, carefully spell out maintenance expectations before the tenants take possession of the home. You can over perform a detailed move-in inspection together. Take photos and carefully document the property condition, this will give you something to compare with once the tenant moves out, allowing you to charge for damages lawfully. Lastly, we suggest you conduct routine inspections. This is something you should put into practice for any rental property. At least twice per year, inspect the property for any potential maintenance concerns. If you see the tenant is not keeping up with the property, try to address it sooner rather than later. - Day Late and Plenty Naira Short
It should be no surprise that late or non-payers make the top of the list of problem tenants. Late payments, no payments, or partial payments can wreak havoc on a landlord’s financial well-being. No matter how hard you try, chances are, you may still come across late payments now and again. However, to limit those occurrences you can create rigid Policies. Leases need to spell out precisely what the procedure for rent payments are and what happens if a tenant pays late. Advise the tenant that this is a firm policy you intend to enforce.
Know that everyone is the same, regardless of situations, all tenants must be held to the same standard and guidelines. So, make this clear from the start and, in turn, avoid some of the pleadings or negotiating attempts by tenants. You can even go as far creating reminders. If your lease has a built-in grace period, consider an automated rent reminder for those tenants that miss the due date. Sometimes accidents indeed do occur, and a reminder may head off a potential problem. - Laws Are Merely Suggestions
Some individuals think they can get away with anything. Common ways that tenants break the law ranges from the illegal selling or harboring of drugs to violent crimes and nuisance complaints. If a tenant in your property becomes criminally active, it is best to consult a law for advice. In many states, arrests do not change the tenant’s right to occupy the home. That said, a pre-screening of applicants will reveal prior criminal history. Evaluate this carefully in conjunction with other qualifications. Someone with a small blip 15 years ago may be an excellent tenant but watch for recent illegal activity or a pattern of behavior. If you see that, steer clear!. Maybe, regular inspections or periodic inspections of the home may reveal signs of illegal activities or potential problems, especially drug-related. Either way, be guided not to trample on the rights of your tenants. - Perpetual Complainers
Every landlord loves the tenant that does all the right things, and you only hear from them when there is a legitimate issue. That said, property owners also must deal with a fair share of perpetual complainers. They continuously call, at all hours, and for everything, including unreasonable requests. We advise you to know Your legal obligations. Landlords are required to make certain repairs that are essential to the habitability or safety of the home. However, that does not mean you have to jump at every little request from tenants, knowing the difference will save time, money, and aggravation. Another thing you should take note of is, your agreement should spell out who is responsible for what when it comes to maintenance. Light bulb out or a tile is broken, this is the tenant’s responsibility, and you may need to remind them of such. - Strangers Welcome
Tenants who try to sublet the property or have multiple extended guests coming in and out create problems and liability for a landlord. If someone is in your home that is not on the signed lease, that means the terms of the lease do not bound them. Getting them out can prove to be a lengthy and expensive court battle depending on the circumstances. Avoid this at all costs by spelling it out in your lease agreement, do not allow it. You do not want anyone in your home you have not personally vetted. If the tenant has circumstances that cause them to be away for an extended period, they need to be aware they cannot bring in someone else to take over. Inspections would also provide you with a wealth of information, If you discover any unauthorized occupants, address it immediately with the tenant. Don’t get this wrong, a tenant surely has the right to have guests come over or even stay a few days. However, anyone planning to stay longer than that needs to be cleared with the landlord first.
So, we have reviewed terrible tenant traits to look for and some preventative measures, but let’s face it, things still happen. Therefore, when problems do arise that need your intervention as the landlord, how you respond can make all the difference. Let me give you more suggestions on how to deal with difficult or even terrible tenants.
-•Be calm, objective, and rational
-•Keep written records of everything
-•Teach tenants how they should treat you
-•Try to get your tenants on your side
-•Ask the terrible tenants to leave
-•Begin the eviction process
-•Hire a property manager if you need too
The Bottom Line
There are several factors to consider when it comes to dealing with problematic tenants. With the guidelines above, you should be able to navigate the delicate issues and come out strong in the end.
