Protection Orders & Gunshots- Thoughts?

[Brandon Sturgill]

Property managers...have you ever been in this situation?

We have a tenant at a property we manage that was in a recent domestic situation...back story: she filed a protective order against her boyfriend and moved from a city 2.5 hrs away...we accepted her as a tenant at one of our properties and she was making a clean start...great background, credit, and income...she easily met all the requirements to be in the unit. Her former boyfriend showed up last night, started a fight and filled her car with bullet holes before fleeing. Police reports have been filed, but the other tenants in the complex have voiced concern...for obvious reasons. What are your thoughts on how to address this?

[Greg M.]

Tell the other tenants the truth (excluding the domestic violence info). There was an issue with a person who does not live on the property, the police have been notified and know who the person is, and you expect they will be arrested soon. If they want more info, they can ask the tenant. 

I believe federal law will allow her to break her lease without penalty if she chooses.