Police Called on Resident

[Rob J.]

Would be very interested in some feedback. I've been managing apartments and houses for nine years and this is a first.

We hired someone to trim the hedges at one of our properties. While trimming, one of the residents came home and became furious that someone was on his porch. He went balistic throwing the hedges, verbally challenging the guy, and threatening to beat him senseless. I happended to hear what was going on and stopped the guy who in return started in on me. If it was not for the landscaper, it would have resulted in a fight. The police were called, but no report was made. The lawn guy didn't want to press charges and the resident had calmed down and started with the applogizes before the police arrived.

The next business day we called the resident and made him an offer to move by the end of the month and his lease would be broken and security deposit returned. He agreed on Monday, waffled on Tuesday, and Wednesday indicates he wants to see what a judge says. In other words, he wants me to evict him.

In the one week he has been there, the resident below him has moved, he made a scene in a restaurant down the street, and now this.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Ralph S.]

How'd somebody like this get through your screening? Behavior like this just doesn't start when they move in. The behavoir you describe has to come with a history of disturbing the peace, restraining orders, resisting an officer, frequent moving from one place to another. No red flags?

Quiet enjoyment, as already noted, is a start. Do something.

A question I'd ask, is if the hired hand on the porch evoked such a harsh response, is what the heck is this guy hiding inside? Something tells me that scheduling an inspection really isn't high on your list of things you'd like to do. I would, right away, who knows what damage has already occured. Someone who flips out over nothing makes me wonder how many doors are still on their hinges. I showed up for an inspection with a cop once, who got to see the yelling, screaming and threats first hand and the way my bad choice in a tenant lived. All I asked for was a copy of a well written and descriptive police report.

He's challenged your hired hand, and challenged you forcefully and physically, and magically turned docile and apologetic after the police were called. Think this isn't a game he's played before? He then called your hand on the verbal offer, and....
He's cost you a tenant, costing you and the owner money, and you've done......for a month.

Get a grip. He's got your goat. You've lost control, and you need to get it back. You've got to stand up to the bully, and get him out before someone does get hurt, he chases your next tenant away or causes more damage. Just do it in a lawful way. Put everything in writting. Serve a 5-day, a notice, or whatever is customary where you are that is the first step to eviction. He gets your message loud and clear without an opportunity to get back in your face. If standing up for your right to inspect isn't your style, filing for eviction is the same faceless way. Let the next time you see him be in court, and let him try his shtich there.

Sorry if this sounds harsh. Been there and paid dearly. I have zero tolerance for this and sometimes you have to stand your ground. It's not macho, it's how you have to deal with some people in order to take care of the property and create a place where others can live in peace. After all, you let him in, and it won't fix itself.