tenant dispute - What to do?

Question

Tenant B lives below Tenant C.  Tenant B just moved in this month...has been a PITA even before moving in.  Needed new fridge, stove, etc., and had already signed lease accepting "as is" - From the minute she moved in she complained about everything.  Now she is complaining Tenant C is too loud.  She ran her diswasher, it was too loud, is stomping on the floor...too loud, has friends over...too loud and the list goes on.  Tenant B has NOT lived in a multi family dwelling before

Spoke to tenant C who said she takes her shoes off in the house - she weighs 106, and it's just she and her son.  She has moved her son's radio clear to the other side of the house to make sure the volume didn't disturb anyone and asked me if she has to WHISPER to appease tenant B.

B called cops on C this weekend when she had 3 friends for Dinner.

I called A to get the story on what's really happening.  A has been there the longest and is usually fairly neutral.  A said C is a bit louder than previous tenants and C now has dog and daughter at house (not on lease) but felt that B was a little overly sensitive.

Honestly, I can't seem to get decent tenants.  These tenant pay the rent but MAN there is ALWAYS a dispute.

C is on a two year lease, and B is on 1 year.  B has been issue from day 1 but C may be causing a bit of disturbance.  Not sure what to do.  We asked to have ALL of them meet with us tonight.  Suggestions? (We will addres C's breaking of the lease)

Peter Giardini · Answer

This is a classic example of you the landlord being trained by the tenants.

Right out of the gate, Tenant B had you when she made demands and you caved to them.  Once she knew you wouldn't push back the dynamic of the relationship shifted in her favor.

I hope your lease specifies the right of every tenant to "quite and peaceful" enjoyment?  If it does all tenants, including tenant B, must allow the others to live their lives without out excessive disturbance.

If it doesn't you have lost a valuable tool in helping you to manage this situation and retraining your tenants.

I am not sure I would hold a "group" meeting as this could very quickly deteriorate into a non-recoverable shouting match.  Are you up for it?

Best of luck!

Mark N.A · Answer

As usual it all DEPENDS.......

If your rental market is tight then regain control with B and enforce the lease with C.  You are the LANDLORD and not a social worker or counselor...

UNLESS...  your rental market is full of vacancies and then (ha ha) you get to play Mommy, Counselor, Friend, Ally, Advisor, Ambassador and WHATEVER ELSE it takes to keep your 'business partners' happy and paying rent.

(This part wasn't in the original job description, was it?......)

Michael Rossi · Answer

You already made a HUGE mistake by signing them to any lease longer than one month.  With a month-to-month lease, you can give them notice and kick them out!

Josh Green · Answer

I have it in the lease on my SFR. The reason is because i want to ensure that they don't give the neighbors grief.

Peter Giardini · Answer

Jon... Josh answered for me.  Thanx Josh.

Jon Klaus · Answer

"I hope your lease specifies the right of every tenant to "quite and peaceful" enjoyment? If it does all tenants, including tenant B, must allow the others to live their lives without out excessive disturbance."

Peter, is there any reason to include this in a SFR lease?

Mike, what would you do IF you had 1+ year leases?

tenant dispute - What to do?

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