Tenant Cleanliness Eviction Possible ?

Question

Good Morning all.

I have a single family home that I am renting per room and have been doing so for the last year. I recently moved in a tenant that other tenants have been complaining about his cleanliness. Enough so that in one instance he may or may have not attracted bugs according to one tenant. Other tenants send me pictures of the space the food and dirty dishes he leaves out, the water he has left running and the fridge he has left open according to the two other roommates. He is new to the property and in everyone's lease it says "Will keep common areas clean" . I want to know would you guys evict someone over cleanliness if it says to keep and clean common areas in the lease and making the dwelling less habitable and the bugs he is potentially attracting. Should I charge a fee for someone else coming to clean up his mess ? Thank you for your advice any and all is appreciated.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

Yes, I would evict them.

I would start with a written warning with specific examples and a warning that one more violation would result in termination. I would remind them that their lifestyle is affecting the roommates and won't be tolerated. Offer them the chance to leave early and without penalty.

If they violate again, I would terminate their lease and get them out.

Galen Ikonomov · Answer

From what I am reading, I understand that you have proof that someone is not obeying the lease they have signed. Depending on the state, that should trigger you serving Notice-To-Cure and/or having a conversation with the tenant that he is breaking the lease he has signed and that could render an eviction. If it happens the again, kick him out.

Just a reminder once again, look at your state laws.

John Morgan · Answer

@Demon S Rogers

I have a house I rent by the room too. And have had some issues like this. I tell the tenant about the complaints and that things need to change. They’re all on month to month leases. So if they don’t change, I boot them. I tell them others are having issues with them for xyz. And I don’t want to lose all my good tenants over their issues. That has always worked. Good luck.

Wendy S. · Answer

@Demon S Rogers

I rent per room as well and recently had a situation where the "newbies," were seen as not complying with keeping the house clean.  In my Rental Agreement it states that if there is a violation of house rules, you would be first given a warning, if it continues you may be fined and the fines stated and the Landlord also reserves the right to terminate. So if by the second time it is not resolved all parties already know the next step is termination.

I went 1 step further recently; visited the property and was appalled by the conditions. Physically cleaned house minus their personal rooms and bathrooms to remind them how it should be.  Followed up with a house meeting immediately after and stated what would be done if it reverts to being messy.

One week later I had to go to the property for unrelated matter but saw proof of things we discussed prior. So I sent individual emails stating how things will be handled. The "newbies," stated they will not comply but will terminate with the required 30 days notice given.

I'm now awaiting that, but if not received by Monday I will allude to it in an email for them to acknowledge and concur. (  I use texts informally and emails/letters formally. Their original response with notice was via a text to me, which I deem unactionable).

Hope this helps.

Justin Pearson · Answer

@Demon S Rogers I would send a written notice restating the relevant parts of the lease he's broken, citing specific examples, and see if the problem gets resolved within the house. This not only creates a paper trail demonstrating good faith on your part but also gives them an opportunity to remedy the situation with minimal cost and hassle on your part. Habits like those don't appear over night, they take years to build, so I wouldn't have a ton of faith in an immediate remedy but your response should be tempered by the degree of the infraction. This buys you a little time to line up a replacement tenant if they force your hand to FU with the eviction process. Make sure they are aware that you will not hesitate to pull the trigger on it to protect your investment. Good luck!

Theresa Harris · Answer

From what you've said, you have proof they aren't following the rules. Give them one warning and tell them they are in violation of the lease and it needs to stop.  If it doesn't stop, then evict them.

Demon S Rogers · Answer

@Theresa Harris @John Teachout thank you both this is what I'm looking to do. At first thought I assumed it would be silly to do this.

Demon S Rogers · Answer

@Nathan G. Thank you

Demon S Rogers · Answer

@Galen Ikonomov Thank you

Tenant Cleanliness Eviction Possible ?

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