Complicated tenants and I want them out asap

[Vanesa Gonzalez]

Last October I purchased another 2/1 SFH with the idea of flipping it. Paid 70K and spent 30k in renovations. Was very happy with the outcome so I decided to keep it as a rental. Found this old couple with 2 adult daughters that were looking for sth in the neighborhood after the house where they were living was sold. They moved in on December 1st.

I must admit they passed my screening BUT since the day I met them  I felt sorry for the mother, who is going through dialysis 3 times a week.

And since they moved in, they complained about everything: doors were not closing properly so we fixed them; the oven was not working properly so I sent a new one; the outside lights were too soft so I sent my electrician, who explained to me that the tenant wanted a new switch for an extra refrigerator outside, so he lied to me and complained about the light, and yes I paid for the switch installation. Then it was time for the AC: the property had 2 AC wall units and they wanted another one, so I installed a new big one. And last month, they complained about the floor ( it was laminated) and they told me they had a "problem" with the washer and the laminate floor started to buckle up. I went and it looked terrible so after looking at different options, I decided to change the whole floor to tiles. It was expensive but we all know laminate is not a good idea for a rental. 

We finished the floor and I thought " finally there is nothing else they can complain about!". But this is not the case. The same day we finished the installation of the floor, they told me their bathroom is clocked. And my handy, the person who installed the floor, told me the tenants have parties for 10-20 people every Saturday and Sunday afternoon in the backyard. It looks like the father cooks and the family buys their food as a way of " helping them". 

I am totally done with them and I dont feel sorry for the mother anymore. I want them OUT ASAP. And I am planning to sell the property, may be the original plan was better and this was meant to be a flip. 

But until I sell it, what can I do?

Do I have to send somebody to unclog the bathroom? Can I tell them they are responsible because they have these huge parties every weekend?

Their rent was always late but they dont owe me anything today.

Last thing: I've been an investor for more than 10 years. Never had such a complicated/horrible tenant in any of my places. I know I made the mistake of involving in their problem but now I need a solution.

Any help/advice would be appreciated!

[Nathan Gesner]

1. I recommend adding a simple clause to your lease that essentially says they've been given the opportunity to inspect the home prior to applying/occupying. It is generally safe, functional, and clean and they willingly accept it in "as is" condition.

2. When tenants complain about all the little things, ignore them or simply tell them the house is not perfect, they were given an opportunity to inspect, and they will have to accept it unless it's an issue of safety or health.

3. Tell them they are responsible for clogging the toilet so they are responsible for clearing it. The home is not designed for large parties.

Personally, I would give them written notice that this home is clearly not meeting their expectations. You will no longer make any changes or improvements to the home so they need to live with it or start looking for another place to live. Then ignore them unless it's a true maintenance issue or they turn in a request to vacate.

And if their rent is late, I would hit them with the late fees and start the eviction process as quickly as possible. Don't give them any grace. They will either straighten up or they will leave; both options are acceptable.