How to Deal with Terrible Tenants When You’re a Landlord
Nightmare neighbours are horrid, but many forget how much of a nightmare it is for the landlord of the property should the home be rented. You may have to deal with them every now and then, but for the landlord it can be an ongoing battle.
A nightmare tenant can come in many forms, they can be disruptive or they can be destructive. If they destroy the home you could end up losing more money than you gain from them.
If they’re disruptive they can cause other tenants in the area (which could be yours) to up and leave. It’s hard but you have to remain calm and methodical in how you approach them. So what should you do?
Talk To Their Neighbours
You can’t make assumptions about your tenants, you may have heard through the grapevine that they are acting in a certain manner but unless you have proof you cannot take any action.
You should talk to the neighbours of that tenant and get personal statements from them, if they have any recorded material you should see/hear it to confirm any concerns.
Give Them A Warning
If they are found to be being disruptive and/or destructive then you can give them a written warning. You don’t have the power to take instant action, but you do once they have ignored written warnings. Always keep copies of any letters you write and make sure that you have evidence of posting (recorded delivery can help with this).
Remain Patient
Once you have given them their warning you need to wait a while. You need to give them enough time to have read the letter and also enough time to change behaviours.
You should wait up to 2 weeks after you have given them a written warning. If they persist in their actions then you need to give them a second written warning, this time telling them that if they persist again that you will be giving them their notice.
Give Them Their Notice
If all warnings are ignored you are then able to give that tenant their notice. Make you you give them written evidence of this as well as trying to call or see them to give them notice.
The notice period should have been agreed upon in your contract and is usually around 2 months. Don’t hesitate to get viewings in, you can legally and if the current tenant tries to stop you you’re able to then take legal action.
Take Legal Action
If you’re unfortunate enough to get this far then you are in need of legal action against this nightmare tenant. You can use the police to throw them out after their notice period, but do not throw away any belongings.
The law states that you must store them for a certain amount of time before they can be disposed of. Once they are out you can take any further actions through court (for missed payments, property damage etc).
Article written by Best Deal Homes.
Category: Apartment Rental, Housing, Real Estate
