House Hack Roomate Issues

[Maria Matthew]

Hello everyone, I would love insight on how to handle this situation. I have a house hack that I've transitioned into renting out 5 bedrooms individually (so we've transitioned out of that property and are not living there)

There are issues with two roommates, and would love insight on how to handle them. I also realize I'm the property owner, and I'm not there to parent them, but I do want to make sure they are happy (within reason) and protect my investment

One roommate has a dog and is accusing the other of "disciplining" the dog possibly hitting it (which I doubt but who knows), and bottom line there's just drama. 

I want to know what the healthy line of mediation is, and basically I want to remind them that they're in leases so they have to be adults. Any advice is appreciated! 

[Maria Matthew]

Quote from @Jake Andronico:

@Maria Matthew

Great question. I self manage two student rentals with 5 tenants in each and there certainly has been drama in the past. 

I think what you said and how you said it makes sense. You are the property owner, not a parent, and it sounds like you're doing your best to make the space a safe, secure, and enjoyable experience while they are renting there. 

That is your job. 

I think you can make that clear in a similar way that you stated it in this post. State that this is an issue that they will need to work out between each other, remind them of when the lease ends if they wish to move out at that point, and if there is legitimate animal cruelty that's a completely different conversation. You are not aware of this and are not living in the house so you don't know how the other tenant is truly treating their dog. 

If true, they could potentially report it to local animal control, a humane organization, or authorities depending on how severe it is. 

I'm sorry you're dealing with this, but I wish you the best of luck!

Hope this helps. 

 Wow, thank you for this response and I'm glad im in the right direction. They are young and in their 20's and you totally nailed it, I'm not their parent and I also want to make sure they are safe, secure, and enjoying the physical space. They also need to be adults and figure their sh*t out lol. I truly appreciate your insight and time in this response!