Common Tenant Problems

[Denise Evans]

I'm developing a class on dealing with difficult tenants.  What are the most common tenant problems you encounter?  I need some examples for the class (beyond my own bad experiences) but I'm sure everyone will share advice if you share your stories.  No tenant names, please!

[Denise Evans]

@Steve Babiak Here are some of my most commen problems:

Collections.  Slow pays with a different story each month. Don't waste my time with your stories. I'm making money on your late fees. Abandoned personal property. Not wanting to "bother" me with repair requests that result in more expensive repairs.  Bonding with my employees against the common enemy--me.  Leaving HVAC on with all windows open. Sure, the tenant pays the power bill, but I have the added hours on my HVAC unit. Negotiating petty squabbles among tenants and between roommates.  Late fee negotiation (Them: "But I mailed it on the last day for a timely payment. Under the mailbox rule, that counts."  Me: No, the mailbox rule deals with offer and acceptance of contracts, not late fees. If I don't have the money, you are late.")  Rules negotiations. In fact, negotiations over things that are clearly not negotiable is my biggest headache, because it eats up the most time.  For rural properties, it's the septic tank and failure to take care of it.