Section 8 Tenants Problems

[Campbell Agyei]

My tenants call to make complains and too many request since I purchased the property they live in. First they complained about windows which I fixed in 3 days.

The tenant in the second unit complained about roaches in her apartment so I got an exterminator to come check and there was no sign or roaches or rodents on the property but only in her apartment and the exterminator treated it.

The problem is the same tenant called me back to complain again about roaches in her apartment and now she saying there is mold in her bathroom. I want to know is it my responsibility to pay an exterminator to treat the roaches again and the mold too ??

[Jennifer Donley]

@Campbell Agyei, I think I'm the woman Steve is referencing.  Maybe.

Anyway, I don't really think this has much to do specifically with Section 8, just tenant management in general.

I would look at the lease.  Does it specify who handles pests?  The mold could be on you or not, depending on the source and again your lease.  My lease specifies that tenants handle pests and any mold that arises due to their negligence is on them.

The trouble with both issues, but especially the pests is if they're actually there, is that they can spread to other units so you can't let it go on too long or you will have a much bigger issue.

After reviewing the lease and getting clarity on who handles what (if the lease doesn't specify that something is a tenant issue, then it's probably on you, but I'm not an attorney.  From a Section 8 perspective, if the tenant files a complaint against you for lack of maintenance and the lease doesn't specify, it's definitely on you), I would take a contractor to look at both issues & meet with the tenant.  I find that 8 out of 10 times, meeting with the tenant helps me understand their concern and come to an agreement that works for both of us.

If she's seeing roaches, have her send you photos and videos since your exterminator said they aren't there.

Lastly, not sure if you did this when you bought the property, but when I buy an occupied rental, I meet with the tenants and give them a list of planned repairs with anticipated dates.  Then I let them know what I expect from them (for instance, the yard needs to be cleaned up, the fenceline cleaned, etc.), per the lease.  I explain how maintenance requests get handled and review any issues, questions, etc.

Let me know if I can help further.