How to handle domestic issues between tenants

[Daniel B.]

I have one set of tenants that just moved in in February to a SFH. They are having some domestic issues (they were engaged when they moved in). He supposedly locked her out and she can not get inside to get her furniture/belongings. She is stating she filed a police report but they needed a copy of the lease (which I emailed her). Both their names are on the lease and they only qualified due to his income. Rent was due a couple of days ago, I have not received it yet. How do you handle these situations? I advised her to contact the police as it is a domestic issue and deals with personal property. All of this just started happening today (or that's when I became aware of it), it is still unfolding, but I wanted to be knowledgeable in regards to the law. What are my responsibilities vs. what do I defer to the police? She claims to have receipts for the furniture inside. I have not spoken to him yet. I am not just worried about rent at this point, but more if she has legal rights to personal property inside my property how do I handle this if the other tenant is not cooperating?

Thanks in advance!

[Joel Owens]

I can't give legal advice. This is a civil matter for the police to handle. If they are both on the lease then she has a right to be there as a tenant.

You can't step into anything . This is all about the police and the court systems. Regardless of who claims to own what it's not your problem. They just need to pay the rent and on time.

You need to collect rent just like any other time. If they do not pay you file to evict like clockwork. Their life issues are not your problem. Today they might not stand each other and file a police report. Tomorrow they can express their undying love for one another again and go romp in the hay all day. Then they will look at you as an evil landlord and say you shouldn't get involved in their matters blah, blah, blah.

Over the years you see people do all crazy types of things.