Tips for tenant disputes?

Question

Hi,
Have one tenant that moved in a month ago consistently complains about everything; e.g. "the oven is too dirty, I need you to clean it".

This said ("the Complainer") tenant is now complaining about noise from a neighbor who moved in above about 5 days ago ("New tenant").

New tenant says the Complainer is threatening when knocking on the door telling them to quite down.

---
New terriority for me, but I'm sure it will happen again, so this is good chance to learn.

What I've done so far:
I've recorded both sides of the story in my landlord log book.  I've sent both tenants letters and told them to call the local authorities if their attempts at direct, respectful dispute resolution are not successful.

Any other suggestions?

More info:
For example, the Complainer has just said "noise" while the New tenant has said it's the creaking floors.  Should I ask the Complainer to put in writing the nature (voices, music, creaking floors) of the noise they are hearing.

I've heard horror stories on bad tenants and have a little experience over the past 4 years.  But, this constant complaining (closet smells, the refrigerator shelves are dirty, the cabinet knobs need polishing, whoops I flushed a towel down the toilet- come over and snake it for me) is getting sickening.  I had a professional cleaner in their unit before they moved in!  I hung their drapes.

So, in short, I'm more likely to believe the upstairs/ new tenants.

Thoughts?

I appreciate your responses,
Todd

Michael Rossi · Answer

You need to be VERY direct with the complainer. When she calls to say that the stove is dirty, I would tell her that the lease requires HER to maintain the property in a clean state. If she called again, I would tell her that I'm not her mother and will not clean up for her AND TO QUIT CALLING ME ABOUT THINGS THAT ARE HER RESPONSIBILITY!

Is the tenant mentally ill?

Mike

Is the tenant mentally ill?

Mike

J.N. Miller · Answer

Your check in should record the condition of the unit-cleanliness etc.--a tenant calling you about a doorknob or a dirty shelf either has never rented or is just a crazy nuisance--the more you do for them, the more they will bother you.  get rid of them and next time take a video condition report of your units (that is what we do)  or have them sign something that they accept the unit in the condition they found it.   .Also--your lease should have a clause regarding foreign objects down the toilets and that the tenant is financially liable for same--the bigger Pockets site for free forms has a lease that has that enumerated --its good. There is also a part that addresses noise. complaints--.we  send a letter if it is after 10 pm and its something valid like loud music on a constant basis  You need to be very firm &  let them know you are not their Mother , therapist , maid,or friend-- you are a landlord. Joann

Jon Holdman · Answer

You should check your local laws and regulations, but I doubt you'll need to supply a reason.  Your lease should state the required notices, though again local laws may specify time lengths.  If they're driving you buggy, give them notice and get rid of them.  No need to put up with that BS.  And, next time, call previous landlords.

Eric Wang · Answer

Tell your tenant the unit doesn't come with a maid.  Was their any signs during the screening process that this tenant might cause problems?  I had renters come checkout a unit, they sometimes ask, "Are you willing to change the carpet, it's kind of old?"  I answer, "No, sorry, if you don't like the condition of carpet, than thats something you need to consider."  If the unit is facing a busy street, I let them know about the traffic noise.  I want them to be aware so I don't hear any complaints down the line.  Fix things that are require of you as a landlord, and be firm about your decision, otherwise you won't hear the end of it.

Todd M. · Answer

This seems like noobie questions, but if I send them notice saying I choose not to renew their lease, I don't even need to give them a reason.... right?

Jon Holdman · Answer

If they accepted the unit as it was, that is, if they moved in, then they have no right to complain about a dirty sink or unpolished cabinet knobs (sheesh!)

If they flushed a towel down the toilet, then they need to pay for cleaning it.  Hopefully your lease addresses this, but as far as I'm concerned, in this situation I would send them the plumber's bill.  My lease says any money they send me goes to misc charges like this first, then late fees, then the rent.  So, if they didn't pay, they would be late at the beginning of the next month and you could start an eviction.

Probably not much you, the upstairs tenant or anyone can do about creaking floors from above.  She knew there was a unit above he when she moved in.  I've lived in a lower level apartment where the upper tenant worked shifts (nurses), and it drove me crazy when they showed up at 3:00 am and started stomping around.  But, I didn't call the landlord.  I used the tired and true "bang on the ceiling with a broom" method.

Just curious, did you interview this person's previous landlords?

Account Closed · Answer

Yes, give them their notice now and you will be rid of them by the end of the year.

Todd M. · Answer

Seriously, I think the Complainer couple is mentally ill.  I did run background checks on them before moving in, but didn't call previous landlords.

I've never had a tenant that complains this much.  I'm starting to think a vacant unit is more appealing than putting up with there whiny, entitled attitude.

They are on a month-to-month lease.  This means I can simply choose not to renew their lease right?

Tips for tenant disputes?

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