Dealing with Tenant from Hell

[Account Closed]

Well, it was bound to happen, has been a few years, but we have the classic case of the tenant from hell in one of our units.

Couple and child, dog and cat, in a good all tile, recently renovated unit.

Problems began when we refused, not for the first time, the tenants request to modify the unit inside and for yet another sublet of one bedroom.

We have signed complaints from property managers, contractors who have been abused for not doing what the tenant wants rather then what we have authorized.

They have also informed us they are running a business from the unit, in violation of the lease.

We have offered them an early exit from the lease, ahead of schedule, waiving any costs for the early exit, no response to our offer.

We resent our offer and requested they respond.

At this point, they are not behind in the rent, we have had bad checks but all cleaned up by now. But they are driving everyone crazy with the non-stop complaining but refusal to actually report a problem, lease clause makes them responsible for costs if no problem is found.

So if no response is received shortly, we will hit them with Seven-day Notice of Non-Compliance with Lease, clause about no business in unit and non-harassment of landlord and/or representatives.

This notice comes with Cure, which means they have seven days to remedy the situation. But if they again break any lease clause, we can issue a Seven Day Vacate Notice, without Cure, and begin the eviction process if they do not vacate.

Wondering if anyone else has had experience with this type of problem and might suggest an alternative approach.

[Peter Giardini]

Lucia...

Thanx for sharing... I am not sure if you are looking for specific feedback... so here goes... your approach seems a bit mild to date.

As soon as I have the first indication that a tenant is deviating from the lease I start the process of keeping them off balance until they are retrained or leave.

By keeping them off balance I mean the actions you mentioned, the action MikeOH mentioned, things like doing formal Safe and Clean inspections with followups... and the first day their check bounces... into court they go.

While Mike recommends getting physically in their face... I also recommend doing the same adminstratively.

Good Luck...