Complaining Tenants
I have a few rental properties and have been advising my sister who recently began renting her previous home. These tenants have complained from the first month and approximately monthly. They first said that they observed roaches in the apartment and there were none when the apartment was rented. The apartment was sprayed twice and they had orkin come out. They then said they saw a dead mouse in the basement. They make several routine petty complaonts that are often exagerrated or unfounded. Recently we had downpours and the basement got damp in the very front which we came over, dried up and redirected the downspout. We called after each rain and they stated that the basement was okay "just a little mildew". My sister told them to clean with bleach and that should take care of it. Well today they sent a letter stating that they had made several complaints about problems and in the letter they stated that the basement flooded and messed up their sofa and entertainment center in the letter they asked for $1247 for replacement (the basement got a little wet but never FLOODED and we offered to have the sofa cleaned although it was just wet on the lower portion of the legs. We had someone come out to look at the basement to make recommendations. I don't think I will ever be able to satisfy them and since they exaggerate and lie I am concerned about their motives. I am considering getting a lawyer. Any suggestions? I also was going to go and video tape the basement as well as any other damage and complaints that they make. In the letter she mentioned key words like mold accumulation and that her son was having asthma problems. I felt that she was just trying to get out of her lease, but maybe this is something they do to get out of paying rent. Should I give them the option of getting out or play the game.
maybe a mutual release from the lease or even giving them a couple 100 to move.
It sounds like a typical bad tenant case on people's court.
If they're looking to rake you over the coals, because of that toxic black mold that made my son's asthma worse, I would make sure I spoke w/ an atty.
If these people are wanting out of the lease, let them out. Just make sure that you have all of your docs in place.
If you have not been logging the calls I would start. That and sending letters.
See if they want out and work on it if that is the case. If they do not want out but the lease is up, refuse to renew.
Speak with a lawyer but try to minimize the costs until you have a game plan.
John
[addsig]
Perfect example of why I won't do leases - only month-to-month. Landlord gives up rights to their property with a lease, tenant has more rights and it doesn't guarantee that they won't bail-out anyway. Month-to-month allows landlord to boot the tenant no reason which is pleasantly comforting. (Plus, I personally wouln't have the time to chase down a lease-bailer-outer.)
Cut them loose if you can and good luck!
noel
[addsig]
Easier said than done, but it is time for tough love, and start logging ever communication with them. They might be getting worse because you resond to their every complaint.
In my lease, infestation problems are the responsibility of the tenant. There were no bugs and mice before they moved in. Also in my lease, I state that I am not responsible for their stuff, even if a failure of the house causes damage to their stuff. They need to buy rentors insurance to cover their stuff. I always give the example of if a water pipe in the house breaks and flood the house, my insurance still does not cover their stuff and neither will I.
Brenda
Absolutely let them out of the lease if they are willing to go. In fact, try to ecourage them to leave. It may not even be that they have some grand strategy. Some people just like to complain. Life is too short to deal with complainers.
Thanks for your responses. We have started logging calls and doing business in writing. We will see if we can get rid of them.
Hello,
I have a couple, well a lady, who complains from time to time. Now that everthing's fixed, I'm not called. I'm not saying you're not fixing; just givin' ya some background.
Were I you, I'd take a $100.00 bill over and offer to let them out of their lease, and as you're offering them an out, extend your had to me with the $100.00, but don't give it to'em till they sign out of the lease which is in your back pocket.
Thanks,
OTW :-D