Loud tenants who possibly moved in their boyfriends

Loud tenants who possibly moved in their boyfriends

Chicago, IL · Member since 2011 · 19 posts · 2 votes

Hello everyone,

I need some expert advice and opinion on this situation. In my 4-Plex, I have one unit with roommates who have been generating a lot of noise complaints from the unit below them. They are loud in the middle of the night and make it hard for him to sleep. This happened earlier in the year and the situation seemed to be resolved with one of the roommates giving her number to the other tenant and saying to let them know if there is a bother. That has seemed to work for awhile, but they have picked up again and the annoyed tenant now feels like he lives in a frat house.

Additionally, while I cannot prove it beyond a reasonable doubt, the tenant and I think that they moved in their boyfriends. This angers me because we do very strict screening and having an unknown element, while most likely harmless, it is not good business. The rent is always paid on time and the lease ends at the end of June, so about 9 more weeks. They are already not being renewed so the problem will eventually go away. In fact I plan on marketing it as a one bedroom plus den to avoid getting into a roommate situation again.

I need some advice on what to do; I feel like an RA in a dorm! The rest of the tenants are great and have no problems. I really think it's just roommates that make the worst tenants.

What's the most tactful way to resolve this? Accusing them of having more people in there won't really gain me anything - I see it devolving into a he said/she said. Plus, what are the consequences at this point if they don't comply? An eviction seems like an overreaction and a waste of resources, especially since they will be gone soon and are paying. I can ask them if they want to leave early (it will rent quick) but that's not a guarantee and not the most feasible thing right now.

Am I stuck to a strongly worded email asking them to be mindful and also reminding them that they are not permitted to bring people to live there that aren't on the lease?

Thanks!

0Reply
13 views

4 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2013 · 555 posts · 261 votes
    13y

    talk to them face to face, like you would to a pal.

    I think it's easier to reason with kids face to face, and perhaps make them feel a little guilt.

    Don't accuse them of bringing extra occupants. Assume it's a fact.
    Their response will confirm whether they did actually move in illegal tenants.

    Look her straight in the eye, be stern but neutral-
    "I don't have a problem with you having your friends stay over, despite what the lease says, but they need to be extra quiet and mindful of the neighbors. The walls and floors are thin. It's only fair this way. "

    This way, you hint that they are violating the lease, and you put the blame on the illegals, even though she knows she is equally guilty.

    If it's the right opportunity, I would also offer them lease termination one month early.

  • Member since 2011 · 798 posts · 216 votes
    13y

    Do the neighbors call authorities and report the noise violations?

  • Real Estate Investor · Hampton, VA · Member since 2012 · 562 posts · 109 votes
    13y

    Speak with them face to face (all parties on the lease) and you may want to reference points from your lease regarding noise, local and state ordinance regarding noise during certain hours.

  • Real Estate Agent · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    13y

    Nine more weeks of this problem (which may be short-term for you but is probably way too long for your downstairs tenant to put up with) could mean losing the good tenants at their renewals or creating more bad behaviors from all your tenants if they realize you're going to allow their behavior until the lease ends. In my opinion, e-mail is not the answer. You need to broadcast to the whole building that you are taking steps to stop this since it started up again. I'd post a notice on their door (hopefully when the others are around to see you do it) quoting the noise clause in the lease and warning them that they are in violation and need to remedy the situation immediately. If you feel they are in violation of the guest clause, post those terms as well, and let them know you will be checking to make sure they are following it. Even if there's no way to enforce it, they might think you can. As for the rest of the building, I'd send e-mails to the other 3 units that you have received complaints about noise from that unit and are trying to alleviate the problem, but you cannot do much unless they call the police to report any further disturbances as you need proper documentation. If nothing else, your other tenants will see that you are serious about keeping this a nice place and will be more on your side even if you can't really stop it until they move out.

Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.