Last week we’ve covered general ways of solving problems with tenants – you can check them out again here. In short, you have to follow the law, document everything, and keep your dealing with the tenants safe and impersonal in order to solve the issues in an effective manner. Today we’ll give you a more detailed description of widespread tenant problems and the solutions that really work.
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Damaged property
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to a landlord is when he comes to the apartment only to find it in a completely unsatisfying condition. Not every tenant has a respectful attitude towards other people’s property, which is why you risk ending up with cracked windows, torn off wallpaper, weird stains on the carpet, and a generally messy interior.
These problems, however, can be prevented – before you let the tenants inside the apartment, have them sign the lease agreement, and make sure to include clauses that explain the tenant’s responsibility in case the property is damaged. In case the damage is done, simply point to the corresponding clause in the agreement and make the tenant cover the expenses.
Constant complaints
It’s natural for tenants to occasionally make requests to their landlord – for example, when there are issues with conveniences or when they are bothered by the disruptive behavior of their neighbours. However, sometimes the complaints become so frequent that you simply don’t have the time to solve your own problems. In this case, sit your tenants down for a serious talk. Explain that you are always open for requests and suggestions, but you can’t spend 24 hours a day attending to their needs – usually this talk is enough to stop excessive complaints.
Illegal activity
This is one of the most dangerous things that can happen to a landlord, especially if illegal activity has anything to do with drugs, since you never know what to expect. If you suspect illegal activity taking place in your apartment, or you received complaints from other tenants, we do not recommend trying to solve these issues alone. The best solution here is to contact the police and let them take care of the situation. In case your tenant is arrested, you’ll need to consult your legal advisor before deciding if you want to evict the tenant.
Noisy behavior
Some tenants believe that they are free to do anything as long as they are inside their rental apartment, but in reality loud or disruptive behavior can be annoying for the neighbors, which is why you may get complaints. In order to avoid this situation, include behavior rules into the lease agreement, so that you could have a leg to stand on when it comes to negotiating with the tenants. If there are multiple complaints or multiple instances of disruptive behavior from your tenants, make sure to document every instance, including date and time, details, and your steps in solving the issue.
Late rent
If you’re a landlord, rent is likely your primary source of income, and when a particular tenant fails to pay the rent on time month after month, it can seriously affect your financial wellbeing. Before renting out your apartment, be sure to outline your rent payment policies in the agreement. Don’t forget to specify what is considered to be late rent in your opinion – while you can ignore rent that is three days late, the tenant’s failure to pay the rent for several weeks is a completely different story.
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