Dealing with difficult tenants?

Hi All!

I'm having to deal with a difficult tenant, specifically one who makes continuous requests to have simple picture hooks on the wall or requiring approval to allow their pets indoors etc. They have also made a number of requests to install ceiling fans even though there is a brand new air con unit installed thats more than sufficient to cool the entire property; and refused to pay the water rebate at times, making excuses such as tap leaks even though I have a water certificate. They do however always pay rent on time which is reassuring.

I'm just wondering if other landlords have encountered similar issues and can provide some suggestions on what has worked for them?

Thanks.

 

Sounds like a standard tenant to me.

Better they ask for things and tell you they are broken than find out when it’s in a state of disrepair and a lot of damage has been done.

 

Doesn't sound very difficult. Its good that tenants ask to add things, and would allow most things. If it improves their quality of life then in turn improves their chances of staying at the property.

Rules might be different in your state , but here - rebate on water bill can only be provided if it was reported by tenant that it was leaking and then not fixed by the LL / PM in a timely manner.

I'm not sure what your water certificate has to do with anything. It will verify that the property is water efficient but has nothing to do with whether something has started leaking or not.

 

I totally agree, the water certificate is for water flow and was only an excuse made by the tenant that had no understanding of its purpose. Yes true this tenant may not sound difficult but compared with other tenants, they stand out for me.

 

How long is the lease and how long have they been in the property? I don't think that those requests are extraordinary, I find it easier to work in with good tenants- and they seem reasonable. I am actually surprised that they asked for permission to allow their pet inside, most tenants wouldn't!

 

The lease is for 12 months, and its been 7 months so far. Maybe they aren't that difficult after all now that I have others perspective on it. Thanks

 

I don't know where your property is located, but in Brisbane (where I live and have IPs) I have aircon and fans due to the weather, sometimes it is more comfortable to have a fan on and windows open, it also stops mold issues in the humidity. They will probably settle down if you set the property up a bit more for them- I have a couple of tenants who I have had long-term and they were a bit of a pain at first.

 

Thanks for the advice Cate, I'll persevere and take on-board your suggestions.

 

They sound pretty good to me, for the most part trying to do the right thing. The water issue might just take a bit of gentle education from your PM. If they are waiting for the water bill then telling you the taps have been leaking, might be worth reminding them that they are in breach of the agreement if they aren't reporting maintenance issues as they arise.

For bigger ticket items like fans, can't hold it against them for asking. I would generally though save that one for lease renewal (if you decide to renew). Based on the timeframe you gave that will occur before summer. You could build in a small rent increase to cover the fans and agree to install if they renew the lease.

- Luke

 

Do you self manage or have a PM? If it’s the former the latter may help. As others have said they don’t sound too bad.

 

One of my tenants recently asked if they could install hooks for photo hanging. They have been there just over a year. From my perspective:
- it is likely positive they are planning on staying
- they actually care enough to ask

 

Many thanks for all the suggestions!