Rental problems can always be a big source of headaches for landlords. These problems range from conflicts with tenants to unrelenting infestations in the property. They can quickly deplete your time, resources, and energy. Hence, it’s good to stay aware of what you might face and how to handle them.
Common Rental Problems
What problems are the most common? Here are some of the issues you might expect as a landlord.
1. Late Payments
One of the most common problems with renting is that tenants don’t pay their rent on time. This problem can stem from various sources. For example, the tenant may have lost their job. They could also be facing unexpected financial obligations that are more pressing. Regardless, communicating with your tenant is the best way to deal with this issue.
Remember to tell your tenant how much the rent is and when it is due. You may need to talk to them if you notice them continuously paying rent late. Perhaps you can negotiate and offer a more flexible payment plan. You can also let them pay the late fees in installments. If they’re having problems with the payment method, you can try offering alternative solutions.
Another way to mitigate this is to allow your tenant to find a roommate. This can help them split the rent and ensure you receive timely payments. You can also offer to relocate the tenant to a smaller unit that costs less.
2. Illegal Subletting
Illegal subletting is one of the biggest rental problems landlords face. You can deal with delinquent tenants by informing your tenant that they’re violating the lease. As a landlord, you have the right to enforce your policy and ask them to comply. Ask them to follow the policy within the number of days specified in the lease agreement.
You can also speak to the subtenant about the issue. In many cases, subtenants don’t know that they’re not allowed to sublease the property. Talking to them directly may address the issue, and they may leave on their own.
If the tenant refuses to comply, you can file for eviction. Illegal subletting is a strong enough case for eviction in many states. But remember that the prohibition should be clearly stated in your lease.
On the other hand, remember that the rules on subletting can vary from state to state. For example, San Francisco allows subletting even if it’s written otherwise in the lease. Meanwhile, many other states leave the rules to the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. It’s important to familiarize yourself with your local laws to avoid any legal disputes.
3. Unpaid Utilities
You may also have rental issues regarding unpaid utilities. To avoid this, remember to expressly state who shoulders the cost of utilities in your lease. Remember to clearly define that the tenant is responsible even if the bills are under your name.
If you want a more foolproof method, consider putting the utility bills under your tenant’s name. This way, the company will ask the tenant to settle the unpaid amount instead of you. The company can track them down even if they leave without notice.
4. Rule Violations
As a landlord, it’s crucial to state all the rules your tenant must follow. This includes limitations on pets, smoking, subleasing, and parking. However, some tenants may violate these rules despite express prohibition. What do you do then?
The first step is to send them a written notice. Let them know what they’re violating and ask them to rectify the issue. Give them a deadline so they can act quickly. You should also add what the penalties are if they fail to comply.
On the other hand, sometimes you can negotiate when tenants violate certain rules. For example, you can ask them to pay an additional pet deposit if they break the “no pets” rule. This can cover the damages the tenant’s new pet may inflict on your property.
5. Noise Complaints
Noise complaints are undoubtedly one of the most common rental property problems. Your tenant may complain about the noise coming from their neighbor’s room. In this case, there isn’t much you can do if the noisy neighbor isn’t also your tenant. The best you can do is ask your tenant to speak with the neighbor directly. Alternatively, you can also offer to move your tenant to a less noisy room.
If the noisy neighbor is your tenant, it’s still best to let them talk amongst themselves. This lets you avoid liability should anything go wrong. It’s best to add a clause in your lease agreement that prompts tenants to resolve their disagreements. You can also indicate that the tenants may not like your resolution if they ask you to intervene.
If you do have to step in, remember to speak with them calmly yet sternly. Let them know about the noise complaint and ask them to stay quieter. It’s also best to add noise limitations in your lease agreement so you can enforce this better.
6. High Turnovers
Landlords may also face high turnover rates. This issue usually arises when there’s a problem with the rental property. For example, the unit might not be well maintained, or it may have too much damage. If there is mold in apartment flooring or walls, they may leave if you don’t do anything about it.
Luckily, this issue is easy to fix. Just remember to keep the property well-maintained and stay on top of repair requests. You can also make upgrades to the unit to make it more comfortable. Adding amenities is also a great way to keep your property value high.
Apart from this, make sure you’re charging tenants a competitive rate. If higher quality units are out there with more affordable prices, chances are your tenants will leave quickly.
7. Maintenance and Repairs Issues
Rental repairs and maintenance are one of the most common landlord-tenant issues there are. Make sure to clearly state in your lease agreement who is responsible for which maintenance costs. Also, remember to follow state and local laws. Some states, like Texas, have strict rules about removing conditions that affect tenants’ health and safety.
For most, landlords are responsible for common rental property repairs and maintenance. Remember to respond to maintenance requests in a timely manner. Reply to the tenant so they know you received their request. Moreover, tell them when they can expect you to finish the repairs.
8. Pest Infestations
Pests can drive your tenants away, so it’s best to deal with them promptly. Make sure to conduct regular inspections and hire an exterminator to eliminate them. Moreover, remember to exterminate them upon first sight, or they can easily spread.
9. Legal Disputes
Rental problems with landlords and tenants can snowball and lead to legal disputes. This happens quite often despite how much a lawsuit can cost.
To avoid these issues, remember to read up on relevant laws regarding landlords and tenants. These include legislation on the city, state, and federal levels. You can also ask a property management company for legal advice if you don’t know where to start.
Proper Management Is Key
Many rental problems can come up in your time as a landlord. As such, managing your unit and staying on top of everything is important. Make sure to communicate with your tenant and clarify everything in your lease agreement to avoid issues.
If you’d like a more convenient method, we also recommend asking a property management company for help. Florida Property Management is a great resource if you need one. Look through our comprehensive online directory to find a property management company today!
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