Practical v. Legal – A practical solution to a problem tenant will probably be much faster and cheaper than the legal solution. However, Contact Us if you’re stuck with a deadbeat tenant. You’re better off in the hands of an attorney. Here are some practical tips to avoid or deal with a problem tenant.
- Contracts – Detailed contracts are absolutely necessary to protect yourself and your investment. I’ve successfully evicted tenants based on an oral agreement (nothing in writing). But it is always easier to handle situations based on a well-written contract that protects you and your property. Click Here to download free copies of our rental applications and rental contracts.
- Communication – A landlord who communicates with their tenant (especially at the first sign of a problem) is much more likely to stay on top of potential issues. If you communicate with your tenants to understand any questions or concerns they have they, you will be in a much better position to handle problems before they develop into serious disputes.
- Consistency – If you are consistent with your tenants, they will learn what to expect from you. For example, if rent is due on the 1st and late if after the 5th, a consistent phone call on the 6th will do wonders to keep a client on track. Worst case scenario, you are updated in a timely manner to determine whether eviction will be necessary. However, it is up to the landlord to determine how to handle each situation. One of my clients would send an eviction notice (Three Day Pay or Quit Notice) to the tenant when rents were only one day late. That may be a little extreme, but he said that he warns his tenants that he’ll do this when they sign the lease and that all of his tenants pay their rent on time and in full.
- Courtesy – Tenants are more likely to pay rent to a landlord that is courteous and respects them. Be a good landlord by taking care of problems promptly and completely. It is your property, but respect your tenants and their space.
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