Have you ever encountered a problem tenant? Perhaps it was their financial circumstances and an emotional explanation that you were not sure how to deal with – or maybe you had a tenant damage your property, repeatedly pay late or a host of other issues possibly related to missed payments, COVID times, and the upkeep of your property. These are some of the typical problems that landlords are faced with on a regular basis.

To help, here are some tips for dealing with these types of issues, and with difficult tenants in general, before the situation gets out of hand!

#1 Ensure You Have a Well-Written Lease:

A well-written lease can dispel a number of issues. When you completely spell our what’s expected and required of tenants, this can help down the road when any issues arise, or to prevent issues arising in the first place.

#2 Thorough Screening:

Thorough screening is the best way to prevent issues with future tenants. Pre-screening applications carefully with multiple, detailed background and credit checks, as well as individual interviews, can ensure that someone with a certain pattern of behavior does not end up leasing your rental property. 

#3 Perform Detailed Move-In Inspections:

Performing a detailed move-in inspection, including photos and careful notes of the property’s condition, will help you when comparing the property once the tenant moves out. This will allow you to charge for any damages, and be fully covered under the law.

#4 Regular Inspections of the Property:

You should be performing regular inspections, including at least twice per year. You will want to check for any property maintenance concerns, as well as whether or not the tenant is keeping up with the property as agreed upon in the lease. 

#5 Knowing your Legal Obligations:

Landlords must make certain repairs, and are required to ensure the habitability and safety of the home. But this does not mean you are required to fix every tiny issue and request from tenants. It is important to know your rights and this will save you a great deal of time, money and frustration. Also, remind tenants of the lease. Leases should include what the tenant is responsible for, such as air filter changes or light bulb changes. 

When dealing with difficult tenants, there are several things to keep in mind. You should always remain calm, keep written records of everything, teach tenants how to treat you, attempt to establish good relationships with tenants so you’re on the same side, do not be afraid to evict terrible tenants and last but not least, consider hiring a property manager.

At M&D Property Management Group, we take the frustrations out of the process through a high level of expertise in first, screening tenants. A thorough screening process, proven and methodical, goes a long way to ensuring a prosperous and productive landlord-tenant relationship. Also, we will collect payments on time (and then deposit them to you), ensure maintenance of the property is handled with quality vendors, are available 24/7 to tenants to handle any issues, as well as will check your property regularly and ensure tenants are holding up their end of the bargain.

When choosing property management, also choose a company that specializes in leasing in order to get your property top marketing and exposure. At M&D, we are known for our marketing practices that lead to faster leasing and drastically reduced vacancy rates. And of course, are knowledgeable on dealing with any and all of the nitty-gritty details of tenant issues, maintenance concerns, legal compliance and lease agreements.

When dealing with difficult tenants, always remember it is important to be an advocate for yourself and your property, while maintaining a calm and reasonable demeanor in every situation. Evaluate from all sides, come back to the problem, and deal with it pragmatically, legally, and tactfully. 

If you would like more information, please reach out to one of our Property Management Group team members anytime. We would be happy to walk you through what we do, and how we can help you in the management of your rental property!