Neighbors complaining about my tennants

[Darren Gillespie]

Hey BPrs! I have a rental home with a tennant that has a 2 year lease. Recently the neighbors have been complaining to me that the tennant is not a good person and has been rude and causing problems in the neighborhood. There have been dog complaints, noise complaints, etc.

The last reported incident has turned into a physical altercation that I am still trying to get the detail on as the neighbors have sent me pictures of them both bruised from the physical fighting.

So here’s my question. What am I suppose to do this case or better yet what am I obligated to do. This home used to be occupied by my family and I and the neighbors have always been nice people who have been more than helpful neighbors to everyone but they also help look after the home as I am currently out of state.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Patricia Steiner]

A few things you can do now and in the future:

1.  Tell the neighbors to call the police directly should the tenants repeat this behavior.  I would thank them for letting me know and that it will be addressed with the tenants as well.  

2.  Check your lease.  I have an Addendum to my lease that has two conditions that would address this issue (abbreviated): 1. Tenant agrees not to cause any noise or activity that disturbs the peace/ enjoyment of the neighbors and failure to do so, is a lease violation; 2. Tenant acknowledges that this is a crime-free/drug-free property...a conviction is not required... (end).  These conditions are critical to protect you from having your property cited under the nuisance ordinance or worst. If you have anything like this in your lease, send a Notice To Cure/Quit for Reason Other Than Non-Payment of Rent.  It basically lets the tenant know to "grow up" - or get out.  It's pretty effective.  

3.  I would not pursue getting details on the physical alteration; you don't need it and you don't want to put yourself in a position that your failure to act on a verified incident could get you sued by those lovely neighbors in the future.  Act on what you know and document the neighbor's call and your response.

Manage to the lease and protect your investment from "stupid."  Once your property gets deemed a "nuisance," a whole lot of not good gets unleashed.

Best...