Disagreements Between Month to Month Tenants

[Jackson Poscablo]

One of my tenants, let's call him H, just notified me that the new tenant, let’s call him G, has NOT been the ideal roommate. H mentioned that G has been using other people's stuff such as; oil, sugar, soap, utensils, and a blender. G doesn't ask to use the items and doesn’t replace them when they are empty. It’s come to the point where H is hiding his items so that G doesn’t use it all up. Additionally, H mentions that G doesn’t wash his dishes and has broken other people's stuff.

H has confronted G about his behavior, which caused an argument. G now speaks to H in an aggressive manner and cusses a lot more. ( Side note G is a bigger individual than H). Now, H feels uncomfortable and unsafe around G.

I am a neutral party and frankly I think this is typical roommate issues. But as a landlord what steps can I take to defuse tensions between tenants? I want to nip this in the bud before it escalates to anything physical. Also, do I just take H’s word? There are always two sides to everything. H and another tenant, J, have been living here for a year without any issues.

Lastly, everyone is on a month to month lease.

[Maryanne Cameron]

I don't get involved in 'room mate' or differences between tenants. Remind them they should report any mechanical or general property issues. Anything else is the local police department's issue. Your job as a landlord is to provide a clean, safe, quiet property. That's it. Check your lease on "quiet enjoyment of property", but if you're worried it will escalate give them a non-renewal.