Tenant not keeping porch clean

[Karen Jackson]

Hey Bigger pockets.

So I have a tenant who has a back porch and they’ve been using the back porch as a garbage dump. Tenants are now complaining about the scent and reported that they are seeing mice and roaches. Which was never an issue prior. I spoke to the tenant about cleaning up the trash. He said his wife was going to do it. Yet it’s still not done. What should be my next step moving forward with getting them to clean the mess up? It’s been two weeks since I originally told them to clean. In addition, they are on a month to month lease. This is in the state of CT as well. Thanks guys!

[Lynnette E.]

I would give them a written notice to clean it and to KEEP it CLEAN at ALL TIMES, to never place trash, food waste there ever again, to place it immediately in the dumpster.  The second part is needed or you will be writing this every week.  Let them know that if it is not done by XXX that and what ever consequence you want.  Since they are month to month, I would notice them that they can leave.  I would also use their security $ to clean it up immediately.  Hire a handyman, whoever you can pay to do it.

My choice (which may not be your choice) in telling them their month to month is ending on a specific date (like 30 days after the date to clean the mess up) is that if they are attracting mice and roaches outside, they likely have them inside or will because they live like that.  I don't do fines / penalties as if they can not follow my rules, they can leave.  No problem finding a replacement renter.  No eviction is up end of July.