Why do tenants think they can hide?

Question

I have had my first covid rent issue (I think). Tenant didn’t pay rent by the 5th of the month per the lease. Notice was posted on the door, numerous phone calls and text messages. Absolutely no response.

Why do tenants think they can just hide and ignore the issue?  I would rather have the tenant that communicates and makes excuses than the ones that just go silent and ignore the problem. A little communication goes a long way!

When they stop communication all together I assume the worst. I don’t want to evict people, and will do my best to work with tenants, especially in times like these. But if they don’t communicate, it doesn’t leave me with much of a choice. I know I have to wait until the eviction ban is lifted, but what the heck. How hard is it to reply to a text?

Nathan Gesner · Answer

People do stupid things. Getting upset about it or taking it as a personal offense does nothing to resolve the situation. When you take personal offense, it just makes matters worse.

Don't repeatedly call them, text them, or post notices on their doors. They may be stupid, but they're not blind. They saw your notice and chose to ignore it out of fear or malice. Constantly hounding them will only cause them to shut down even more.

Follow your process. Post a notice on the door, send an email, text them. If they don't respond, go to your next step. If that doesn't produce results, go to your next step.

It's just business. Life will be much simpler if you act like it.

Aaron K. · Answer

They often assume the worst in you and not responding avoids as much conflict as possible while giving them the max amount of time.

Nam Trang · Answer

I totally agree with @David de Luna feelings of frustration and uncertainty tend to occur in relation to inadequate basic needs and monetary problems during this crisis. It involves trying to avoid stressors rather than dealing with them.

Theresa Harris · Answer

@Dave E.  The others are right, but don't make it a bigger problem.  For whatever reason, they don't have the courtesy to let you know, so just treat it like a business.  Post a notice and don't listen to their excuses.  They don't care, so why should you?  They pay or they move.

Dave E. · Answer

@Jennifer T.

Totally agree. Sometimes keeping the tenant limping along and paying rent is better than dealing with a vacant unit. I always try to work with the tenants.  Stuff happens, I get it.

This tenant is still not communicating at all. I have reached out through the property manager and offered various resources for rent assistance. There are several programs out there right now. Have still been posting regular notices etc through the management company. Absolutely nothing in response. Unfortunately it leaves me no choice. I am not a fan of evicting people, but I have a mortgage to pay and can’t let this drag on forever. Just wish they would communicate just a little.

Jennifer T. · Answer

Because it's human nature to avoid unpleasantness, even when it is foolish and childish.

I've had one marginal tenant for the last four years who goes through periods of being "okay" about communication and "unresponsive".  I no longer bother with trying to get an answer when she is in her "unresponsive" phase.  She gets one text message 1-2 days after the rent is late.  If she replies that she is making the rent deposit on X day, great.  If she doesn't respond, then I "speak" with a 5-Day Pay or Quit notice on her door the next day.  That always results in either her making the deposit...usually still without contacting me.  Or she immediately gets in touch with me.

She knows all that.  I've had the same repetitive conversation with her countless times:  that she knows I'll work with her, but I can't work in a vacuum and she will promptly get a notice every, single time she ignores me.  Then she'll get better for awhile.  Then falls back into her bad habits.

She always pays her rent.  She just actively needs to be managed.  Which is a pain.  But not nearly as big of a pain as a vacancy.

David de Luna · Answer

It could also be a function of their emotional and physical condition - avoiding the issue. It's an actual symptom of anxiety and depression which I can see would accompany sickness, especially if we are actually talking about COVID. Having said that, start the eviction process according to local regs. Ultimately, you better protect yourself.

Why do tenants think they can hide?

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