How To Solve Common Complaints From Tenants

Renting out a property means having a steady income but as a landlord you also need to address whatever complaints your tenants have against the building or against each other or even against you.

By making positive actions for their benefits can result to a harmonious relationship between all of you.

Here are some of the possible scenarios where your tenant complains about something:

Their Security Deposit

The requirement for security deposit varies per state; if you feel a little lost about the law in your area, look it up in your local municipality website but you are usually given 30 days to return your tenants' security deposit or if you're keeping a fraction of it or everything; you need to let them know the reason why you are doing so.

Be knowledgeable about these matters unless you want to get sued by your tenants.

Your tenants' security deposit cannot be used to renovate your property unless you need to have something fixed in the vicinity due to your tenants' doing.


Broken Appliances or Fixings

"Maintenance requests should be in writing"; although, it doesn't need to be notarized. Ask them to send you a text or email or call you should there any be a problem that needs proper attention.

It's ideal to reply within 24 hours of receipt of complaint to tell them that you are sorry for the inconvenience and that you are doing the best you can to immediately address it. It is advisable to have a copy of the conversation that transpired between you and your tenant instead of a verbal communication. Always have a paper trail, in case.

Follow-up in writing all the progress that happened in the process.

Be Available On Reasonable Times

While you want your tenants to be happy, you should also consider giving them legitimate time schedules when they can call you for anything that is bothering them but if for example their floor is flooded then you will need to address the problem as soon as you can.

Be pretty clear when are the acceptable times of the day they can call but tell it in a polite way as you don't want to offend them. If you are not open to these kinds of communication, you could hire a community manager to do the job for you. He will be responsible to answering all queries and worries of your tenants.

They Can't Sleep Because Of Noisy Neighbors

If the neighbors they are referring to are also you tenants; you are allowed to ask your other tenants to lower their source of noise. But other than that, there isn't really anything else you can do.

To avoid too much noise, you can improve your insulation system to lessen the noise from around the property or in the property.

If the problem goes on between your noisy tenant and your complaining tenant, you can talk to your noisy tenant but if they still carry on with their inconsideration; you might want to give them an eviction notice or not renew their lease after it expires.

If the source of the problem is a neighbor which isn't your tenant, tell your tenant to talk their neighbors and reason out with them but if the problem persists; they might want to put everything in writing.

Send a copy of the complaint if you are a member of the homeowners association.

Pests Infestation

Call an exterminator immediately if the property has fallen victim to infestation. You may also want a periodic or quarterly pest service treatment to make sure the property is safe not only for your tenants but for you as well because pests can cause havoc in the property which may mean extra expenses in the long run.

*As the landlord, it is your duty to provide the utmost care to your property and its surroundings. Taking care of your property means taking care of your tenants; happy tenants mean happy business.