Inherited Tenant complaining of another tenant smoking weed

[Phil Kagebein]

I recently inherited three tenants in a 3-flat in Berwyn, IL. All were on MTM leases which were just a verbal agreement between the old landlord and the tenants. I have already informed all three tenants I will not be renewing their leases starting August 1st. 

Tenant A has been complaining about Tenant B smoking pot. Tenant A claims they have asthma and can't sleep due to the pot smoke. I asked Tenant B to stop smoking on the property, and was met with a very angry denial that they ever smoked. Clearly asking them to stop isn't going to change anything.

Tenant B now said they are going to city hall against myself and Tenant A. Any advice on what to do in this situation? I can't force people to do anything, especially when their on a verbal agreement and will already be moving out by the end of next month.

Thanks

[John Warren]

@Phil Kagebein welcome to Berwyn! Sounds like you inherited a building that has been mismanaged. I would not spend a lot of your mental bandwidth on these tenants, and instead would focus on getting them all out. I have a great tenant base in my Berwyn buildings, but I got there by getting rid of the riff raff. I also renovate and try to provide a better quality product to the tenants than the average. 

As an aside, if you own in Berwyn you probably should make a habit of going to town hall a decent amount. I have found that putting in face time goes a long way when you need to get things done.