Tenant cleanliness problems

[Anna Delos Santos]

Hello!

I have a duplex in Los Angeles and I am having some trouble with my tenants in the front. They have not maintained the property cleanliness by leaving trash outside on the carport. The interior of the unit is dirty as well and now they’re saying they need new floors and countertops etc. I have an inspector going in there this week to check things out.

What’s the best solution to this problem and how should I handle it? Thank you.

[Julie Hartman]

There should be language in your lease about not allowing trash to pile up. They could be inviting bugs and rodents. I would give them a deadline to get the trash cleaned up and if they don't, you will call someone to haul it away and bill it back to them. If the inside is just cluttered but not overflowing with trash and/or dirty, as long as there is no damage, there isn't much you can do. However, I would have the inspector take photos of the interior and exterior for your records in case you need to serve them with a non-renewal notice.