Basic Maintenance Question

[Emily York]

I manage over 200 rental properties for Mgmt company in NC. Some of the tenants call about every little thing. When do you draw the line? I know what I am required to provide for a "habitable living condition" and definitely do. But when it comes down closet rod is loose, etc. it gets so frustrating. 

[Nathan Gesner]

First, you have to set expectations up front. My lease includes a clause that essentially states the applicant was given the opportunity to inspect the property prior to renting it. They are accepting it in "as is" condition and we are not making any promises regarding additional cleaning, repairs, improvements, or other changes unless in writing. We will always make repairs for things that are broken but we will not paint walls, mop the floors better, install new flooring, etc.

By putting this short clause in the lease, reviewing it with them verbally, and making them initial it, we've dramatically cut back on the number of complaints from new tenants. When they do come back, I tell them to read the clause again and that shuts them down.