Dealing with challenging tenants is bound to happen as a Durham landlord. While it can be frustrating and stressful at time, the issues are usually pretty manageable. Learn more about how to deal with them in our latest post!
When you are a landlord and the tenants living in your property drive you crazy, you might want to throw your hands up in the air and just give up! However, you don’t need to take such drastic measures.
Most problems can be handled calmly and rationally when discussed. Keep reading to learn more about some of our best tips for handling difficult tenants in your Durham buy to let property!
Address The Problems Head On
Be calm, rational and try to reason with them. Often times problems can be worked out if addressed. A tenant might not be aware of their dog barking all day when they are at work. But if it is politely brought to their attention, the problem can be solved. Let the tenant know about any complaints against them and if they are doing something in violation of their rental agreement. Allow them time to correct their actions before escalating things further. Most people are pretty reasonable and will work with you to find a solution.
Keep Records of All Communication
When communicating with tenants, it is wise to record all communication in case you need to use it down the road. Save texts, emails and make notes of physical conversations. Keep a notebook showing your communication with any and all tenants. Having this information is very important should you need to deal with the eviction process later on. You may even want to invest in e solution such as Evernote which allows you to make and organise notes on the go.
Get A Letting Management Company Involved
As a landlord, you don’t have to do it all on your own. Hiring a property management company to do your dirty work can ultimately save you time and money in the long run. A property management company will be extremely well versed in the law and rights of the landlord and tenant. Their experience and expertise will help you handle difficult tenants and with the eviction process if it comes to that.
Raise The Rent
Is their lease up? If you have the option, simply don’t renew it. You can also consider raising the rent to help you monetise your hassle. Doing so might get them to leave on their own. Make sure you are doing everything legally and by the book. You don’t want to give a bad tenant any legroom to capitalise on your poor judgment.
Eviction
If you have had enough and really want them out of your house, your final option is an eviction. You cannot change the locks, throw out their stuff, turn off the utilities or harass them in any way. You will need to properly file the eviction notice, providing cause as to why you want them out. Prepare your case by providing all of the supporting documentation you have available. It may take a while to get through the system, but once the courts see your case, you will be able to force them to leave right away. If they are still refusing to leave, you can call the local sheriff’s office and have them escorted out the difficult way. Hopefully, you are able to resolve your differences before it gets to this point. Eviction isn’t only unpleasant for them, it can be trying for you as well.