Issue with Tenant's Boyfriend

[Tim McIver]

I own a duplex, live in one side and rent out the other.  I have two tenants in that unit, a man and a woman, who rent as roommates (no other relationship).  Today I was in the backyard doing some yard work when I caught the boyfriend (presumed) of the female tenant urinating in the flowerbed behind a garage that is on their side.  He saw me as he finished and quickly went back into the house.  This was done in a rather public place and, of course, they have a bathroom he could have used.  To make it worse, I have a 7 year old daughter that could have witnessed this.  Needless to say, I'm furious.

My question is to you experience landlords: what would you do?  I figure my current options are

• Do nothing
• Issue a warning to the female tenant to the effect of that if there's another transgression by this individual, I will start the eviction process.
• State to the female tenant that this individual is no longer allowed on the property.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.  Thanks!

[Tyler Gibson]

@Tim McIver What does your lease say about visitors or boyfriends? What does it say about urinating outdoors? I imagine there is nothing about the urinating. I think I would have a conversation with the tenant and share your concerns. Inform her that the behavior is unacceptable. If your lease doesn't have something in it that would legally allow you to evict then I would not even bring that up. You could say the next time it happens you will call the police of indecent exposure. Unless you know you have every legal right to evict I try not to bring it up because I don't want to be wrong, and because I don't want a negative reaction. Threats of eviction should always be a last resort. Make the issue about his behavior and not about her.