Long Term/Unhappy Tenants

[Grant Francke]

Hello BP!

We have owned a duplex for about 7 months, it had long term tenants (9 years), they are both in their 70's.  From the first time we met them during the initial walkthrough, they were not happy, with just about anything.  They have not had there rent raised in those 9 years and we feel we could raise it $100-$150 a month.

The first month we replaced some small things that they were griping about (ceiling fan, mail box).  One thing they brought up was the flooring.  They thought the living room, kitchen, hallway and bathroom all needed changed out.  The living room had good carpet, mentioned getting it cleaned and they said "we wouldn't waste ours, or your money on it." The carpet is still in good shape, and would look good with cleaning.  After a couple months the kept bring up the kitchen/hallway/bathroom flooring so we lined up someone to go over and get a bid (The person we had go over to get a bid was immediately turned off by there demeanor and attitude about everything.).  The flooring in the kitchen is older, but still firm and good in the middle of the floor, some of the corners are curling some. The installer brought some of the ideas to there attention but they were not satisfied with where the seems would be, or how it would lay out.  The other issue is with new, thicker flooring would not allow the fridge (tenants) to fit underneath the cabinetry.

So here is our dilemma, what should we do?  I would prefer they find a new place to live, but unsure on how to proceed. Financially, it wouldn't make financial sense to put a subfloor and keep them in there at that rent.

Any advice would be appreciated!