Aggressive Inherited Tenant

[Katherine Earle]

I have owned an apartment complex for about a year now. Apprehensively, I let one of the inherited tenants sign a 12-month lease. He has been very cranky during the renovations, to say the least. He seemed to change his tune when he saw me evict 2 of his neighbors over their behavior, yet I still allowed him to sign a 12-month lease, in spite of his negative behavior up until now. Now that the lease has been signed, his nasty behavior has returned and he directed it at my contractors that are working on the laundry room right now. I'm going back to my attorney to adjust my lease, but the only thing it says right now is referring to noise and "peaceful enjoyment". Nothing specific in regards to harassing and abusing on-site staff and contractors at this point. I want to give him a lease violation notice, but I can't just let him verbally assault my contractors and get away with it. How would any of you address this particular issue at this point?

[Karl B.]

I would tell the tenant to leave your contractors alone and tell the contractors to use their cell phone to video record the tenant berating them so you can - if you choose to evict - have compelling evidence to show the judge.

I have been in your position and have dealt with pain in the (bleep) inherited tenants. One lady was so bad I literally hired a property manager to deal with her (this is literally the only time I ever hired a PM - just to deal with that one tenant - and it was worth every penny!) - and the tenant received a 30 day notice toward the end of her lease.