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Updated over 7 years ago on . Most recent reply

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M.C. Nachtigal
  • Seattle, WA
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Demanding tenants want a lot of improvements

M.C. Nachtigal
  • Seattle, WA
Posted

We have a large house with a lake view that is currently rented to a retired couple while they build a house (cough, McMansion) on their own property just below the rental, directly on the waterfront.  While they more than fit my main two criteria for tenants, namely pay the rent on time and no concerns about damaging the property, they are becoming increasingly demanding about improvements to the house and yard.  Almost daily we get texts or emails about them wanting us to remove certain trees, or repaint the fence, or other things.  Soon after they moved in we made the mistake of trying to be "good landlords" and accommodated some of their requests, including a new bathroom fan.  Because the house is older with older wiring, the bathroom fan ended up costing us $8000 because we had to rewire the entire upstairs of the house.  We had already committed to replacing a partially fogged double pane window, adding carpeting in the den, and a few other things.  I have now sent two carefully and succinctly worded emails reminding them that, as stated in the lease, we will mow the lawn but any other maintenance or improvements are up to them if they want them done, and we request that they consult us for any major changes (like if they want to take out a tree).  I am struggling with the balance between sticking to just the letter of the law/lease, and trying to be a nice landlord who will take care of things just because they ask.  I feel like it's getting out of hand, and I wish I had just said "no" to everything from the beginning.  I realize that most tenants are of the opposite variety, not really taking care of things.  What do you do when they are trying to get you to do too much? 

Most Popular Reply

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Natalie Kolodij
  • Tax Strategist| National Tax Educator| Accepting New Clients
4,423
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3,685
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Natalie Kolodij
  • Tax Strategist| National Tax Educator| Accepting New Clients
ModeratorReplied

I would just tell them that they are welcome to ensure all of those features are present in their home being built but they are RENTING this one. 

They agreed to it's condition when they signed that lease. 

When does their lease end?

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Kolodij Tax & Consulting

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