Tenant Dispute - Need Advice

[Michael Gabin]

Hey all,

Fairly new to the real estate world. After months and months of research and learning, I finally have 2 investment properties; a side by side duplex in Walden, NY and a 4-unit in Otisville, NY. 

Last night my tenants at my duplex got into a heated dispute over a garbage can, yes you read that right a garbage can. This has been a few days of back and forth between them over this garbage can as they both requested a new one from the town. My one tenant requested his can weeks before my other tenant, so this can was rightfully his. However, my other tenant decided it take it thinking it was hers and lets just say this started WW3.

I have been involved in the conversations between them about this garbage can but it came to a point where my one tenant knocked on his neighbors door because he had enough of them stealing his can. Him and my other tenants husband got into a screaming match outside the property. Threats were flying from both sides and the cops were called. I immediately rushed over to see what was going on as I do not live on the property and ended up at the police station to gain a copy of the report filed.

I want to issue them both a first warning notice explaining that if something like this is to happen again, I have no choice but to use my discretion on a plan going forward. Keep in mind, one tenant has been nothing but great while the other has given me constant issues from the start. Is this the right move? Wondering what other BP members have done in situations like this. 

Any advice helps! Thanks in advance.