Tenant’s neighbor called. Should I call back?

Question

Hello BP,

I received a strange voicemail yesterday regarding my out of state (South Carolina) rental property. I looked up the caller’s name and it was the next door neighbor to the property. They must’ve found my number on the property record. The male caller was asking me to call back, but was being directed by a woman in the background as to what to say. I have a feeling it is some sort of complaint.

My property is in a nice area, but this immediate neighbor lives in an older mobile home.  Former tenants have stated they’re a bit weird (if indeed the same residents live there).

Should I call back or respond with a text so I have something in writing? I do use a PM for this property. Should I have my PM call the neighbor or my tenant?

I don’t want to expose myself to any sort of liability if there is indeed a problem. My tenants have been great so far.

Please advise.  Thank you!

Joe Villeneuve · Answer

Let the PM handle it.  That's why you have them.  Even if you didn't use a PM, don't communicate with anyone other than your tenants.

Tracy Streich · Answer

@Jordan Little   The reason you have the PM is to provide a buffer from the tenant and in this case the neighbors.    Have teh PM do the work and get back with you.

Nathan Gesner · Answer

You should not respond. Pass the information to your PM and let them decide whether it warrants a response or not. It may be worthwhile to have a relationship with neighbors that enjoy monitoring the neighborhood and reporting problems, as long as it doesn't get out of control.

Theresa Harris · Answer

I agree with Joe.  Forward the message to your PM, that's what you pay them for.

Bud Gaffney · Answer

PM's job!

Andrew R. Lucas · Answer

Hey Jordan

May I offer another view...  I think you should return the call.  They left you a voicemail and I just prefer to call people back.

But MOST important is that you may learn something about your property manager that you didn't know.  You live a distance away and the PM deals with the property.  What if the PM is doing a terrible job of maintaining the property and picking terrible tenants for you??  I would listen to the neighbor and see what their issue is.  You could actually find an ally on the ground that could help you.  If the neighbor is "crazy" and just complaining for no reason then you would just tell them that you will pass the info along to the PM.  However, if they just want the best for their neighborhood and they have legitimate concerns about the management of your property, then you will never hear it if you Don't return the call...

Jordan L. · Answer

Thanks all.  I’ve passed this along to my PM considering the overwhelming consensus to do so.I’ll update this thread if there’s anything significant to be learned from this situation.  I hope it’s nothing.

Jeremy Horton · Answer

I agree, let your PM handle it - that's what you pay them for. Do not overthink this or let it stress you. Maybe have the PM ride by the property to check on everything too.

If you don't have a PM, I'd communicate with your tenant only. But I wouldn't even mention the neighbors - just check up on your tenants ask how things are going, if they need anything etc.

That being said, I've had a tenant and neighbor that didn't get along. Tenant would yell and stuff at the neighbor apparently - but the couple paid rent on time and were otherwise good tenants. I didn't worry about it, not my problem

Tenant’s neighbor called. Should I call back?

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