07.11.14 Confronting the "Slumlord" Next Door
One of our tenants called us last weekend. We went over there and they told us their 18 month old is in the ER with an undiagnosed all over rash. They were concerned it was from flea shampoo thrown into their yard from the neighbors, and listed enough other complaints about that neighbors that our tenants seem like they could be a flight risk to move to better conditions.
The house next door has always been a concern; it is the worst property on the block and on closer inspection looked to be in even worse shape. We looked up the property owners on the county tax assessor website and were surprised that it was a local address. In the very nice part of town.
I drafted a letter asking them to partner with us to improve the Highlands and listing the issues our tenant raised, including the children and trash coming onto our property, a new pit bull, marijuana, and someone living in the garage.
We took the letter with us, but decided to go knock on the door instead of just mailing it. The street was labeled as private, no soliciting and it was a very nice house. My husband Bruce was really impressed that there was a tray of full size Snicker bars in the entryway to welcome guests. A lady answered and cut us off to go get her husband, but she kept hanging round through the conversation saying “this doesn’t sound like one of our properties”. Bruce wanted to call them a slumlord, but he kept it cordial, explained what we’re hearing and seeing, and providing the letter. They committed to passing it along to their property manager and thanked us for coming.
We didn’t imagine that we had made much of an impression, but the next day we got an e-mail from the property manager:
We manage all of Mr. Millionaire Slumlord’s properties in this area. Thank you for bringing to our attention the potential problems. We have posted it for an occupied inspection on Wednesday and I have photographed the exterior issues this morning. I will be making a decision regarding their tenancy this week. Either way you will see marked improvement I am sure. If you have any more questions or concerns regarding this property please feel free to contact me directly. Mr. & Mrs. Millionaire Slumlord are not directly involved in the day to day management of their properties and wish for you to deal directly with us as we are the manger of record. I personally manage their inventory and will respond quickly and effectively. Again thank you for your heads up, sometimes it takes a village to manage a village!
We chuckled at the loud and clear message to stay away from the owners, but are pleased that we made enough of an impression to create some change, and hope to retain our quality tenants.
Comments (8)
Michele:
We have a landlord neighbour by one of our properties in Universityville whose very conduct and lack of attention to his property plays no small part in the cool reception the remaining long-term residents of the street give to landlords of student properties.
This spring we decided the best way to deal with this fellow was to offer to purchase his property. While he has not accepted our offer, neither has he said, "No". He also seems to be paying more attention to the property the past couple of months.
Roy N., over 10 years ago
several years ago we lived in a duplex community that went bad. Neighbors affecting neighbors. Bad language in public cannot be right and police can be called. Every time. Before we left I got a dog and she protected my family and property and the bad tenant left before me. Not sure but maybe something can help you with your problem. Take Care and Good luck.
Tom Keith, over 10 years ago
As we fight to turn our block in a positive direction our city's "Action Line" is becoming our best friend. Our work offender is a small multi across the street. The building is ok but the tenants are big on yelling, cursing, children running wild, etc.
Deborah Burian, over 10 years ago
Going straight to the owner is a good idea. We usually just call the city on them (over and over and over again).
Andrew Syrios, over 10 years ago
Lin Vanderhook, over 10 years ago
That's a rough situation, Lin. It impacts your returns and your stress level. I've heard of some landlords offering to purchase houses like this, but imagine that the stars would have to align for that to work out. We have a good relationship with our local police, so I would probably start there to see what suggestions they might have.
Michele Fischer, over 10 years ago
Lin Vanderhook, over 10 years ago
Bravo
Lin Vanderhook, over 10 years ago