Seeking Advice Regarding Shootings

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Hey BP,

First time posting here.  I have a rental in North Minneapolis and am wanting to get some advice from more experienced landlords as I have only been doing this a few months. 

I had a family move into the unit recently.  They were excited since it’s a pretty nice house (upscale finishes and close to $2k rent) but the issue is that it’s in a not so nice area.  The second day after their move-in there was a drive by shooting and a stray bullet penetrated a window and damaged their furniture (thankfully nobody was hurt).  I had an expensive repair since the triple pane window glass had to be replaced and siding damage had to be fixed as well.  Since this happened I’ve been nervous about it happening again but I tell myself that it is unlikely.

Fast forward to earlier this week.  I saw several missed calls and a text from the tenants saying the house was shot again.  Turns out two bullets penetrated a window frame and damaged their TV and stand.  They are upset (as am I) and said they are unsure if they’ll be able to stay and pay rent while replacing all the damaged things from the shootings and that they can’t keep having the house getting shot at and replacing things.  I told them I would waive late fees this month if they needed more time.  I realize this is outside of my control and I’ve previously done a couple of things to boost security (fenced in the yard, installed cameras and signs, etc.).

Now I am trying to find a handyman willing to fix the window frame.  It took me a while to find someone willing to go to the area and they refuse to go back since they saw an unsecured handgun in the house while kids were there.  I keep getting rejected by contractors - more than one has called the area a “hood” or “ghetto” and is unwilling to travel there since they would not feel safe.  

My question is: what would you do in a similar situation?  This all happened within a few weeks.  Needless to say it’s been creating a lot of unnecessary stress.  I’ve only had the property for about 9 months so far. I only put 5% down so don’t have much equity built up to consider selling and entering a higher property class area. 

- R.E.