Tenants trailing landlord during inspections

[Mila F.]

During our pre-scheduled quarterly inspections, most of our tenants just go about their usual activities—cooking, watching TV, working, etc.—and don’t get in the way. However, we’ve had some different behavior from a newer tenant couple. The husband follows my husband around, and the wife closely trails me throughout the house. This doesn’t really interfere with the inspection, just makes it longer, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s a sign that they’re trying to distract us from something they might be hiding. Has anyone else experienced this or found it to be a red flag?

[Jonathan Taylor Smith]

YES, I've also had that occur with some tenants. But I think it has more to do with how different individuals handle what is technically an invasion of their space and privacy. Some people are more disturbed by that than others (even if they have nothing to hide) - and following you around may give them a greater sense of control and therefore comfort. This can also be triggered if they have kids or what they perceive to be valuables in the home that have not been secured.

It can also relate to how you conduct the inspection. For example, at the start, do you confirm if all persons in the house are aware of your presence, and do you ask if it is OK for you to open bedroom, bathroom and closet doors? Showing them that you are aware that this is their space and that you are an intruder (landlord or not), can set them at ease by showing such signs of respect.