Tenants abusing shared Laundry/Storage room

Investor · New Cumberland, PA · Member since 2016 · 67 posts · 32 votes

As for the storage, maybe put some shelving in and give each tenant an equal amount of shelf space. If their stuff doesn't fit on the shelves, it's not allowed to be stored. Otherwise I'd just send them a letter saying no one is allowed to store personal belongings in the room.

As for the laundry, I'd suggest letting them know that it's a problem and needs to stop. If it continues, you could assign specific days of the week for each unit to use the laundry. You could leave a bin for clothes left over, if a tenant goes to use the laundry on their day and there are still clothes, tell them to toss them in the bin. If it were me, I'd ask the tenants which day would work best for them and try to work with them that way. If everyone wants Monday, just pick one at random and distribute the rest of them through the week.

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Allyson Hudnall

Cincinnati, OH · Member since 2016 · 2 posts · 2 votes

9y

Hi Nikki, If they aren't responding to your requests for common courtesy then you should absolutely take charge of the storage space. I think your "abandoned property" idea is a great way to give them time to organize themselves before you act. I would actually encourage the same thing for the laundry room. I once forgot an entire load of laundry at a laundry mat and when I went back in the morning they pointed to a sign that said "Any items left behind after hours will be thrown away" I was definitely disappointed and a little irritated but I only had myself to blame. I mean, I left an entire load of laundry behind! If you approach the subject from a respectful standpoint, those who are still careless with their items also wouldn't have anyone to blame but themselves. Especially when they have been made aware of the changes. So maybe instead of throwing things every night at 11pm you hold them for 24 hours where they can pick them up for a fee or something. I know it sounds silly to treat adults like children by setting consequences to bad behavior, but we shouldn't be in the business of accommodating poor tenants at the expense of a good one.

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Deanna McCormick

Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9y

We had storage area's for tenants, each had a separate locker they could put a pad lock on. Items left outside were a issue.

I would post to each apartment that any unclaimed items in the locker area would be disposed of on xxx date. and would give 2 weeks to get it claimed,, unclaimed stuff was tossed out.

If you don't have a separate locked area for each tenant. I'd just completely do away with any storage. Put note up saying any unclaimed property in laundry area is going to be disposed of on XXX date and no storage is permitted in that area again. POST NO STORAGE in that room.

As for laundry left,, Post a Sign ,,, Management not responsible for lost or missing items.

If I found the stuff in a washer left, I'd pile it up put it on the floor, and leave it. If it's still there on trash day out it goes.

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Scott Meyers

Investor · Fishers, IN · Member since 2012 · 520 posts · 499 votes

9y

What does your lease state about storage and laundry?

Carve out that paragraph, make it into a sign, and post it on the wall.

that way when you enforce it, you won't have any push back since they signed the lease with clear knowledge of the rules.

Stick to it, and be consistent.

You aren't their Mother - this is a business.

2 Reply

Jim Adrian

Architect · Papillion, NE · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 840 votes

9y

If they are abusing the area then remove the amenity. Provide a date when items are to be removed by then throw away / donate everything else.

1 Reply

Levi T.Pro Member

Rental Property Investor · Tucson AZ / Nice FR / Washington DC · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

9y

Originally posted by @Nikki Stoddart:

Hello all,

Looking for practical advice from you wonderful landlords!

I just bought a 5 plex with a shared laundry and storage room. The property was fully leased when I purchased it, and the previous owner had allowed the tenants to store personal belongings in the storage area.

There are two issues that have cropped up, and I need some advice.

One of the tenants has abused her storage privileges from day 1 by keeping piles and stacks of belongings strewn all over the floor. The space is about 500 square feet, and at least 300 of that is her stuff, just strewn about. It looks like something out of "Hoarders", and it's a nuisance and a trip hazard. I have already asked the tenants to sort or donate the extra stuff that they no longer need, but that request was flatly ignored by all. My question is: As the new owner, can I set up a new policy around how much space each tenant can use? Can I mark off sections of the floor with tape and ask each unit to keep their stuff within that space? If the tenants do not comply, what measures can I take? Can I say, "move your belongings into your assigned space by X date. Items left outside your assigned space will be considered abandoned property and will be donate to charity? It should be noted that there is nothing in the lease that states tenants are allowed to store any belongings in the shared space at all.
Tenants are leaving their clothes in the shared washer/drier for days until they get moldy. What are some good policies around shared laundry room use, to ensure that tenants don't abuse their privileges?

You sad the last owner "allowed", that does not mean they have the right under the lease, so tell them to get their stuff out of the room by x date, otherwise it's being tossed in the trash.

1 Reply

Mike CumbieBusiness Member

REALTOR® · Brockport, NY · Member since 2015 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes

9y

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Hi @Nikki Stoddart,

I would recommend sending a note stating that there are to be no personal belongings stored in shared space and that it has to be removed by XYZz date. I would send it to all of the tenants at once. I would explain that the area needs to be cleaned out lockable storage areas are going to be constructed for each unit. Then I would have a handyman build a few stalls with latches. In the end it's a few bucks but will solve the problem going forward.

As far as the laundry, I would recommend putting in coin operated machines. Since you are dealing with more than 2 tenants, it can quickly become an issue (as you have experienced). Once people are paying to wash, they tend to not leave clothes long enough to have to rewash them.

Just my thoughts and good luck!

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Tenants abusing shared Laundry/Storage room

Tenants abusing shared Laundry/Storage room

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