high maintenance tenant with mice

[Gualtiero Piccinini]

A Section 8 tenant in a SFH says she's seen mice activity for several months. The lease states that the tenant is responsible for the cost of pest control. Nevertheless, I put bait and bait stations in and around the house at no charge. A couple of weeks ago she said she still sees mice activity. I offered more bait stations and traps but she got belligerent and accusatory, demanded a professional exterminator, declined further help from me, and announced she was talking to the Housing Authority and an attorney about the mice situation. I sent her a notice of lease violation that asks her to address the mice situation either with or without my (free) help. Today her portion of rent is overdue and she sent me a text that reads: "Housing Authority is adjusting my rent and I'm waiting to see what my portion is! This is the reason you haven't received rent payment. I want to send the correct amount." Does anyone know what that means? Could it have anything to do with the mice situation? I would appreciate any advice on how to handle this. Thanks!

[Robert Flowers]

First, if you have placed poison for the mice, the problem is resolved, you are just un-aware of it because she is lying. It is a manipulative move on her part to make you think the problem still exist to not pay her part of the rent. (The solution) Take pictures of what you have done to correct the problem, (video is better) for evidence in the event you're contacted by HUD. In the meantime, start the eviction process with a Past Due notice, escalating to eviction if necessary. Get rid of the headache and move toward a simpler strategy that will eliminate your frustration. Rent by the Room to Special Needs through Non-profit organizations and increase your rental income paid by Non-Profits. It solves 2 issues... Cash flow disruption and Problem tenants...

Remember the Golden Girls Sitcom...  Four females living in the same property paying rent individually. Example: $800 x 4 bedrooms = 3200 in rents per month. The best part is the deposits. Up to twice the rent for deposit! 1600 deposit x 4 = 6400.  6400 deposits + 3200 rents = 9600 upon move-in.

I hope this helps