If you’re in the business of renting out property, you know there are some hard parts to it. You can’t put a finger on it without running into a difficult tenant or two at some point. Sure, most renters will likely act responsibly and treat the property with care. Still, as a landlord, you’ll face situations that require more careful handling. It pays to have a handle on what makes a tenant a problem so you can put your foot down where you need to and keep your investment safe. Of course, you have to do it by the book and in line with local regulations. Here are some common tenant issues and some ways to deal with them.
Key Takeaways
- You can often prevent bigger issues later by spotting tenant red flags early in the rental process.
- A well-drafted lease makes it clear what’s expected and leaves little room for miscommunication.
- If you want to keep things in order, you have to be consistent with the rules.
- Always keep written records, since proper documentation can help protect you if a disagreement or legal dispute ever happens.
- Don’t rush through the screening process, since carefully vetting tenants is one of the best ways to reduce potential problems later on.
1. The Chronic Late Payer
Few things stress you out more than late rent payments, especially when they start affecting cash flow and monthly expenses. You’ll have some tenants who are a day or two behind because life happens, but others develop a habit of consistently missing payment deadlines.
As experienced property managers in Austin, we’ve found that consistently setting clear and firm expectations early is the way to go. Your lease should clearly state about when rent is due and what the penalties are for not paying. If the late payments continue, make sure you’re on top of your paperwork and consistent with any fees or notices you issue. It helps protect your income. It also ensures you stay compliant with local laws and regulations
2. The Rule Breaker
These are the ones who don’t see an issue with bending the rules on noise, where they park, or how they use the property. A few minor lease violations may not seem serious at first, but if their behavior continues and starts piling up, it can quickly become a bigger issue.
Don’t let it slide. Put it in writing, reiterate what the lease says and what will happen if they keep at it. Being even-handed with enforcement is what keeps the peace.
3. The Ghost Tenant
You know the type: they may be in the unit but won’t return a call, or they appear to have abandoned the property without providing notice. It’s a head-scratcher and makes running the place a hassle.
When this happens, put down in writing every time you try to get in touch and stick to the book on any legal notices. Try not to take it personally, and instead handle the situation according to local laws and legal procedures.
4. The Professional Complainer
Some tenants will find something to complain about, no matter how small. You have to be open to their concerns, but when it becomes a daily occurrence, it can eat up your time and get in the way of things. Stay on top of it and be professional, but make sure to set firm boundaries when necessary. Tackle the real maintenance work and keep a file on your interactions. It helps prevent situations where your tenants might avoid the issue or keep making excuses without resolving the problem.
5. The Neglectful Tenant
When tenants become too careless with cleanliness and upkeep, wear and tear can quickly add up. Before you know it, you’re dealing with pests or a health code violation. If the law and your notice period allow for it, do a walk-through now and then to spot trouble. If you have to, be direct and let them know what standard you expect to be met.
6. The Subletter Without Permission
Allowing someone to sublet without your say-so is a risk you don’t want to take. You could end up with people in your building you don’t know and a whole host of liability to go with it. Make the terms of your lease plain as day. If you find out a rule has been broken, deal with it right away and put out the proper notice.
7. The Unauthorized Occupant
Sometimes, the line between a guest and an occupant can become unclear. A tenant’s friend may stay for a couple of nights, then a couple more nights, until it looks like they have moved in. If a person keeps most of their belongings at the unit or spends almost every day at your unit, then it is time to review the guest clause in the lease.
That does not mean a violation notice should go out right away. For instance, a child joining the household is different from an unapproved roommate and should not automatically be treated as a lease violation, although reasonable occupancy and notice requirements may still apply. The same may be true for someone whose presence is related to a tenant’s disability, such as a live-in aide. In that situation, the tenant may request a reasonable accommodation that must be considered based on the specific circumstances. The Fair Housing Act protects both familial status and disability.
The tenant may also have a reasonable explanation, so take a good look at the rental agreement and jot down what you have actually observed. Once you understand the situation, you can decide whether the lease has been breached or whether there is another explanation. Whatever your conclusion, apply the policy consistently and check the applicable notice requirements before moving forward.
How to Avoid Bad Tenants in the First Place
Honestly, the easiest way to deal with a difficult tenant is to never have one in the first place. Put in the work on the front end with a solid screening process like checking the credit, the income, the background, and you’ll see a reliable renter.
And don’t skimp on the lease. When you lay out the ground rules to begin with, most people will respect them.
When to Cut Ties and How to Do It Legally
Sometimes you do everything right and the tenant still isn’t working out. Then you have to make the call to part ways. Handle it properly and according to the correct legal process. For example, write up the notice, have your documentation in order and be sure you’re in compliance with whatever the local eviction statutes are. Don’t let emotion get in the way or try to cut corners. Do it right and you’ll be in a much better position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of bad tenant?
Late payers and rule breakers are among the most common, as these issues tend to occur more frequently and impact daily operations.
How can landlords protect themselves from bad tenants?
You can’t be too careful with your screening, and having clear lease terms can go a long way. Open lines of communication are also key to keeping risk down.
Can a landlord evict a tenant for breaking rules?
Yes, but you have to do it by the book. Make sure you’re in line with local law and what’s in the lease, and have your documentation and notice in order.
How often should landlords inspect their property?
It will come down to what your lease says and what the law allows, but periodic inspections can help identify issues early when done legally and with proper notice.
Manage Your Rental With Confidence
No one likes a hard time with a tenant, but if you have a plan, it’s less of a headache. Get to know the common tenant behaviors and respond appropriately, and you’ll be better off for it. We can help with that. Whether you want to up your screening game or just need a hand with tenants, a pro property management team has your back. We can help manage your rentals without the stress - Give us a call.
