Advice on inherited, rent-controlled tenants demanding upgrades

[Kristy F.]

Hello all, I'm a new landlord and recently purchased a triplex in San Francisco that came with tenants. One couple in the building has been there for 15 years and is paying $1000 below market rate. 

After I purchased the building, I asked them what needed to be repaired. The previous owners didn't seem to do much maintenance for their unit, and the husband gave me a two-page list. I hired a handyman to fix everything on the list, no questions asked. After repairs were done, the wife then asked for new windows and new blinds, and I agreed. Now she is asking for the cabinets to be replaced, window sill to be repainted, and new range hood (current one not broken, just old looking).  

Because they are protected tenants (almost impossible to evict in SF), they act demanding and entitled. The husband is rude to me on the phone and harasses my contractors who are remodeling a vacant unit in the building because he doesn't like construction noise. The wife emails me several times a day with the tiniest issues.  

From a financial standpoint, I know I should do the least possible and hope they leave voluntarily. But I'm conflicted because although I have completed all necessary repairs and habitability is not an issue, their unit does look run-down. Should I keep agreeing to their requests?  I would love to hear what more experience landlords would do in my place. Thanks in advance!

[Al D.]

For those who may not remember, today is MLK Day.  “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, “What are you doing for others?”  -MLK, Jr.  I was not planning to do anything for anyone but myself when I woke up today.

But I must ask: What exactly is there to LOL about here, @Diane G.?

I, for one, cannot see your comment being in any way helpful to this discussion.  In fact, to me, your words seem condescending to the OP.  You must know her personally, I guess.

I probably was not “landlord material” either when I first started in this business.  No one told me that, though - besides myself.  I dare anyone to tell me that now; I’ll LOL at them.  I had no mentors when I first started.  I did not inherit anything.  I jumped in.  I had fears.  And because of my professional background, I knew they were real.  I’ve since mentored others on this “mental obstacle.”  It’s real for many.  But one doesn’t have to be born a landlord.

@Kristy F., “Turn your wounds into wisdom.” -Oprah Winfrey.