Property Management – Studio City

How to Deal with Problem Tenants: Keeping to YOUR Agenda

The key for a property manager to keeping tenants on “your” agenda is to ensure that they know what your agenda is, and that you will enforce it at every opportunity.  That said, the first opportunity to enforce your agenda with your tenant screening and selection process.

I have discussed the screening and selection process in other articles, so I will keep this part short —Have a screening and selection process and follow it.  Period!

Once a tenant has moved in, it is essential to make sure they are trained to ensure they know what your agenda is and that you intend to enforce it.

Tenant Trouble Areas

Late Rent: A property manager must ensure that your tenant knows you mean business when it comes to late rent.  On the first day that the rent is late you must take all of the actions afforded to you by your lease and the municipality you live in, and make sure you tenant knows you took those actions.  In addition, now is a good time to schedule a safe and clean inspection to get into the property and to let the tenants know you aren’t going to disappear.

Maintenance Issues: Correcting maintenance issues is your responsibility even if the tenants are responsible for the damage.  Where this becomes tricky is when a tenant starts playing games regarding your access to not only inspect the property, but to perform the maintenance.  Once a tenant moves to this position you have to recognize that they are moving off of your agenda and onto theirs.  Don’t let them do it.  Your lease is your guide here.  It should clearly state how and when you can enter your property and what notifications are required.

by PETER GIARDINI