Hard to schedule a time access the rental

[Maria G.]

My tenants are moving out at the end of the moth. I asked them about having a two-hour open house and they were opposed because of being busy and because it would scare their cats.  Willing to work with them, I found an alternative: "scheduling back to back meetings so that only one family at a time is at their home." In the same email with the new proposal, I reminded them that it is in the lease agreement, but that I didn't want to work like that, but working with them. They agreed and that is set. Now, before that I need to do some repair/diagnostic work. I told them (more than 24 hours before) my intention to inspect something this Saturday and that I would arrive around 11 (it's a two-hour drive). The said they would be out 8-2pm at some event. I asked them if they would mind leaving the keys somewhere, but they came back saying that the cats would be scared and that there would already been a lot of people the week after (as if they were doing me a favor by letting me know the rental!). I suggested to wait until 2 pm, which is really bad because we have a 14-year-old International student arriving that day at 5 pm (so it would be tight). They suggested Sunday, but I reminded them that I had the student, so I can't. They asked if my husband could chaperone the international student or I could just take the student with me (are they kidding? This is a two-hour drive, the student comes to spend a week in America, obviously, I can't do that). Then they suggested Monday, a working day (it's the day off of one of the tenants, so it is convenient for him!). Moreover, I am taking a contractor friend with me, so it is not that I can just drive any time.

They have been good tenants, but I have also been a good landlord to them. They got new carpet, new flooring, a super good price (lots of competition), a new water heater last January, a 5% raise at renewal a year ago. This year I offered them no raise if they needed it (when they told me that the rental was starting to be too much for their budget), letting them come out of the lease and do a month to month, ultimately resulting in their notice (they are downsizing), which leaves me starting my lease in November... (instead of October, a better month). I never entered their property in the two years they have been there, etc. So not having ever asked for anything really, I am a displeased. 

Anyone dealt with something like this? I'm also thinking of not allowing cats in the future.

Thanks for your advice and for letting me vent.