Real Estate Agent · Minneapolis · Member since 2018 · 39 posts · 28 votes
I'm just curious what other landlords have done to handle this odd scenario.
I'm a new landlord and I just got my first duplex completely rented out. I was told last night that there was shouting and doors slamming and all that drama stuff happening in the common area in front of her unit (its an up/down duplex and they were fighting at the front entrance in front of the first floor units door).
I asked for more information and then sent an email to the other tenant asking her if something was wrong or if there's anything I can help her with to prevent this from happening again, but how would you handle this? Especially if it happens again.
I will be installing a security system but if a tenant lets someone in I can't stop that, but there are a lot of kids living in my duplex and I'm 100% vehemently not ok with fights happening in a family friendly building.
Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
7y
You shouldn't get involved unless your lease has language specific to this drama. If it's a dangerous situation that's totally different and cops need to be called. I would let it air out and see if it continues. You can't control the guest visiting the house. If the problem continues you could be serving a 30 day notice in the future.
Rental Property Investor · Indianapolis, IN · Member since 2018 · 4k+ posts · 4k+ votes
7y
You shouldn't get involved unless your lease has language specific to this drama. If it's a dangerous situation that's totally different and cops need to be called. I would let it air out and see if it continues. You can't control the guest visiting the house. If the problem continues you could be serving a 30 day notice in the future.
Real Estate Agent · Minneapolis · Member since 2018 · 39 posts · 28 votes
7y
My lease pretty specifically says that tenants need to handle their own issues together and not get me involved unless it becomes dangerous. Which is what I’m worried about as the tenant that reported it said one of the men got hostile when she asked them to quiet down. But I definitely don’t want to get involved if I can avoid it.
Flipper/Rehabber · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y
@Jeremy Mangen I would be curious what language your lease has that says "they have to deal with it" on their own. That is one downside to MF investing, the potential for tenant/tenant drama.
I definitely wouldn't be putting in a security system because of this, a security system seems to be more of a liability. If there are only 2 people they can simply solve this by locking the door, you don't want to be getting calls because unit 1 set the alarm off because they didn't know unit 2 armed it....
This may be a one time event, if it isn't then you can consider action. In the mean time let it be and hope you don't receive any phone calls.
Tell the tenant to call the police and have them let you know when it happens. If it continues serve the offending tenant with a cure or quit notice. If you do not get rid of tenants that cause problems in a multi your other unit will have a revolving door of tenants.
It is a landlords responsibility to insure all tenants have a "reasonable enjoyment' environment. Landlords are responsible for selecting their tenants. If you select the wrong one you are responsible for the impact they have on all other tenants.
Investor · Manteca, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
7y
Stay out of it....
Tell the other tenant that if there is a disturbance they are concerned with, then call the police and let you know the outcome.
Unless this becomes a very regular issue...with multiple police calls..... where they are violating the lease in regard to infringing on the other tenants right to peace and quiet....I wouldn't even contact the fighting tenants.
Do not become the outlet for a tenant to call you for every petty issue
I 100% agree with you guys. I did contact the other tenant just to see if everything was alright, I’m worried it was a domestic issue of some sort.
I told the other tenant to call the police if she feels unsafe and to let me know. I’ll be reinforcing that there’s not much I can do but if the offending tenant breaks the “peace and quiet” part of the lease I’ll have to evict her.
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2018 · 6k+ posts · 9k+ votes
7y
@Jeremy Mangen
Let it go unless they get blood on the walls or carpet ( then take it out of their deposit) . Not your problem bro . Stop emailing them and asking if they are okay or if any body’s feelings got hurt. Geez man ,If you need more drama in your life then watch the hallmark channel. Your the property owner not a babysitter ,referee , or union steward
Flipper/Rehabber · Minneapolis, MN · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
7y
@Jeremy Mangen one problem in having them call the police all the time is that puts "points" against your property for licensing purposes in Mpls. Many police calls, not mowing the grass, etc will increase your rental license costs and increase your inspections. Something to consider...
Real Estate Agent · Minneapolis · Member since 2018 · 39 posts · 28 votes
7y
While I agree that the tenant drama isn’t my problem, their safety is my problem. I vetted these tenants and I told both of them that this was a safe environment. It’s on me if I can’t perform on that promise. There’s limits to what I can do of course, but I will not allow strange men to bother my tenants at night, period.
it should be noted that this is a house hack as well. I live on the third floor. So everything about this situation bugs me.
Basically my plan is to set the boundaries that behavior like that won’t be tolerated and if it continues I’ll just begin the eviction process. Life sucks sometimes and no matter how much attention you gave to vetting a tenant, sometimes it just doesn’t work out.
Let it go unless they get blood on the walls or carpet ( then take it out of their deposit) . Not your problem bro . Stop emailing them and asking if they are okay or if any body’s feelings got hurt. Geez man ,If you need more drama in your life then watch the hallmark channel. Your the property owner not a babysitter ,referee , or union steward