BiggerPockets

Strange Tenant Conversation

Friday, August 13

Hello all.  I was meeting with a new resident today as he and his family were moving in.  They decided to take a break and go for something to eat.  I stayed at the house to check on some final details.  This is a 3/1 SFH that backs up to 2 other SFH's I rent out.

 While I was doodling around one of the other residents showed up and didn't look happy.  I have always had good conversations with him and figured something bad had happened.  He immediately wanted to know if that bulldog in the back yard belonged to the new people and if the dog was staying.  I explained that the dog in question was a female boxer and, yes, it would be staying.  He went into a pretty good tirade about the only good dog is a dead dog and his past bad experiences with dogs.

 After he was done he looked at me for an answer.  I told him that it would be OK.   The dog is calm and should pose no problem for him.  By his body language he wanted more.  I further said that if the dog caused him any problems to call me and that he should just stay on his side of the fence.

Oops, wrong answer.  He was hot and turned and marched off.  He's been a great resident for 18 months but I don't allow my renters to make the rules.  I did explain to the move ins what happened and that they should try to make peace after a few days.

So, my question to you, do you allow your renters to have an influence over who can or cannot rent from you?

Comments

1. 

   Greg B. Reply
   almost 2 years ago

   Oh yeah, the best news is that I filled the unit and only had 3 days of vacancy.

2. 

   Bryan Hancock Reply
   almost 2 years ago

   Nope...if they don't like it they can direct their concerns to the nearest brick wall.

3. 

   Account Closed Reply
   almost 2 years ago

   Lol Bryan! I agree with Bryan Greg. If you let them make your policy you would have a neverending book. You'd also still have angry tenants over the next persons policies.

   Loved the post, had a good laugh at the tenants antics.

4. 

   Don Konipol Reply
   over 1 year ago

   Although renting a house is a commodity, it becomes very personal as it is someones life.

5. 

   Greg B. Reply
   over 1 year ago

   It's been a couple of weeks since this occurred. I talked with the wife of the upset guy and she apologized for his behavior and explained that he is going through some tough times with his health. The upset guy is keeping quiet and staying to himself'.

   The new residents are moved in and getting comfortable. They have all had an over the fence meeting and the boundaries are in place. Right now all is at peace.

6. 

   Jon K. Reply
   over 1 year ago

   Good to hear this appears to be working out, Greg. It amazes me how often the adage "good fences make good neighbors" is proven out.

7. 

   Alison Feliciano Reply
   over 1 year ago

   I am relieved - I was worried about what would happen after you first posted this.

8. 

   Dan Gheesling Reply
   over 1 year ago

   Glad to hear it worked out, at the end of the day it is your asset and YOU make the rules!

9. 

   Tod R. Reply
   over 1 year ago

   Greg. I guess in addition to being a landlord you are also a psychiatrist!

   Funny Bryan, too bad we cant vote on Blogs or Blog comments!

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