How to handle rent increases for a single family home in Michigan

[Todd Moriarty]

How do you guys handle rent increases? Initially, I'd go to the rental with my rent increase letter and attempt to sit down with my tenants and talk about raising the rent and get their signature. But the husband is very moody, emotional and angry and wouldn't sign claiming they couldn't afford it. Of course I'd give them the required 30 days notice (actually it was 40 days).  So, I'm thinking they're going to move, after he refused to sign and pay, but 30 days later he would pay it.

But now, to save myself some grief and time, I'm considering mailing them the letter "registered mail" and letting them think about it and get angry in private.  And include a signature form asking for their signature and have them mail it to me with the next month's rent.

Any suggestions? I've been doing this over 5 years now but always looking for new ideas.

Thanks.