Updated about 1 year ago on . Most recent reply
Tenant agreed to rehab work in the house and not opening the door for contractor
Hi fellow investors, I recently bought a single family home in Columbus which already had a section 8 tenant in place. I decided to try and manage it myself. I sent a friendly message to her saying that I am the new owner and reach out if she needs anything. Last week, she called saying that the kitchen flooring has holes in it and she tried to put tape on it but now shes dealing with a pest situation and they are going in those holes. So, I tried to help the situation by getting a contractor to go replace the floor and remodel the bathroom so that the house is nicer for her. Initially she was very happy and excited but after a day, she had a disagreement with the contractor and now she's not opening the door for the contractor to come in and finish the work. Contractor is being patient with her and trying to talk as to why she's not opening the door. Since I am out of state, I can't go there and talk to her and shes not responding to my calls or texts. I am out of options on how to proceed. Thanks in advance for any advice and suggestions.
Most Popular Reply
Sadly, you ran into the situation right away where you need to play hardball.
The property owner has defined rights of entry. Denying entry is a lease violation and grounds for eviction. You need to let the tenant know this and that an eviction can affect their standing with the housing program.
Since you did not know this basic thing, I would really recommend getting a property manager and watching how they manage until you have a better sense of how to operate.