How to Address Undesirable Tenant Behavior Tastefully
It can be uncomfortable or awkward to address tenants about poor behavior or complaints against them, but these tips will help that conversation to be a breeze!
- Assume the best
Assume that your tenant is unaware of their misbehavior. Try, “I don’t think you know this, but your music is a little too loud after 11pm” instead of, “Stop annoying the neighborhood with your loud music!” Often you will find that tenants are happy to comply with your standards, and are thankful to have been told!
- Don’t be afraid to make it personal
Show your tenant you are concerned about their well being while sticking to your standards.
“I’m so pleased that your dairy business is flourishing, but we’re all doing our best not to leave cheese lying around on the floor, as we’ve had a couple of reports about mice.”
- Be kind and sympathize
Show your tenant you are human too. Hey, maybe you even like to have a good time once in awhile!
“If my speakers had that good of bass, I would want to blast them all night long, too! But since this is a rental-home park for seniors, we’ve had some complaints about the noise.”
- Take Some Responsibility
A little humility, even if you don’t feel it is your fault in any way, can go a long way.
“I’m sorry if I didn’t emphasize this clearly when we first signed your lease, but I need to let you know now that we actually do not allow tenants to shoot holes in their walls; We’ve had some complaints about noise.”
- Offer alternative behavior
Your tenant may just lack a little creativity. Have some fun alternatives to offer your tenant when you have to have a difficult conversation. Just make sure you don’t come off as passive aggressive!
“Unfortunately, your parties are a little too loud and rowdy for this apartment complex, but I know a club in town that throws some great parties!”
Uncomfortable conversations with tenants is a tough part of landlording. But don’t forget, there are plenty of other costs and benefits to being a landlord too. We think the uncomfortable conversations are just a small inconvenience!
Originally published at BaseRent.
