tenant complaint about roach problem again after i raise rent on him

[Eli Ling]

The current market rent for his apartment is about $1700. He was paying $1500, and I raised it to $1535. He told me he cannot afford it and mentioned there are roach issues. He also complained about how small the apartment is, but the $1700 market rent only reflects the size of his apartment. We already have a monthly exterminator service and provided a pest control kit, but the tenant still complains about the roach issue

he has been very good tenant past few year, however i am not very happy about his response this time.

[Theresa Harris]

Talk to the pest control company and let them know. Just because you hire someone to do a job (sadly) doesn't mean that they are doing it or doing it properly.  

Also do an inspection of the unit for yourself.  Sometimes tenants do something that attracts pests (eg food is improperly stored, trash and food are left out, etc.  

Tell the tenant if they are having problems affording rent, they are welcome to give notice and find a less expensive place to live.