ADVICE PLEASE: young renters not getting along

[Maria Matthew]

Hello everyone, I would love insight on how to handle this situation. I rent out 5 bedrooms individually. 

There are issues with two roommates, and would love insight on how to handle them. I also realize I'm the property owner, and I'm not there to parent them, but I do want to make sure they are happy (within reason) and protect my investment and also make sure they honor their lease

One roommate has a dog and is accusing the other of "disciplining", the other roommate is a clean freak and the other feels "attacked",  and bottom line there's just drama.

I want to know what the healthy line of mediation is, and basically I want to remind them that they're in leases so they have to be adults. Any advice is appreciated!

[Maria Matthew]

Quote from @Ron Brady:

My wife and I have rented by the room.

In managing residents, we screen diligently and conduct house meetings when a new group is put together in a home and thus set out ground rules. We have to intervene when there are conflicts, which are inevitable. My wife used to be a school disciplinarian so she is used to this. But if you truly dislike dealing with adult conflicts, you will tire of this niche. We find that when we a) set out ground rules from the beginning, and b) allow existing roommates to interview and give us feedback on potential new roommates, conflicts are minimized. We, on the other hand, are willing to deal with the conflict for the added rent yield. For us, it's worth it.

Happy to answer any questions and share our roommate meeting agenda.

Best wishes to you

Yes thank you for this! I did go over house rules but I did not do a house meeting. I actually do like this niche a lot, and I'm trying to find the fine line of parenting vs professionally managing conflict. To me this conflict is about basic respect and not being direct with communication. I will have a meeting with the two roommates and clear this up. Thank you, and if you have any more insight Im open!