Success retraining an Overly Needy Tenant?

Question

I've got an overly needy tenant who emails or texts with something new for me to do every few days. She's in a beautifully totally rehabbed house and there aren't any real issues with it, she is just over the top OCD. The messages/requests that I get from her alone exceed all the messages that I get from all of my other tenants combined.

She's been with us for just about 2 years and has pretty much paid on time and it wasn't like this until about 6 months ago (or I didn't notice it) but the intensity of requests is definitely increasing.

I'm thinking about not renewing her and cutting her loose if I can't find a clever way to bring her in line quickly.

Has anyone here had Success retraining an Overly Needy Tenant like her?

Elizabeth Colegrove · Answer

Have you tried "No"?

Over the years I have reduced my difficult tenants by

1) Having a maintenance deductible- If they are responsible for the first $100 suddenly the "fly" in the house because they left the window open isn't a big deal ;)

2) 15 page lease +- I have a VERY specific lease along with "penalties" if things are completed

3) I use the word no- While I hate being the bad person, I have learned to say no. That giving in only makes it worse, as that mile or two is ALWAYS taken!

Travis Sperr · Answer

@Rick Bassett the best way I have found is to just tell the tenant that they are complaining a lot - way more than other tenants and if she wants to move you will let her out of the lease. Sometimes tenants need a reminder that they need you more than you need them. If it doesn't stop don't renew. I would rather get less rent then to deal with constant petty requests.

Bill Gulley · Answer

You think you have problems, try running a Housing Authority!

As Steve mentioned, I had a lease agreement, basically stated, in consideration of the  reduced administrative burdens anticipated and promised by the tenant, the rents charged have been reduced. It is agreed that in the event additional administrative duties are required the landlord may charge an administrative fee.   Such additional duties may include, but shall not be limited to, the following;

Returning trash receptacles to their proper place  after 12 hours of collection.

Responding to police calls due to tenant activities.

Responding to excessive complaints by neighbors or public officials.

Responding to excessive communications without good cause, emergency situations excluded.

Removal of inoperable machinery, vehicles, trash or personal property outside living quarters.

Etc. you get the idea,

A fee of $xx per hour, pro rated to 15 minute increments shall be the rate of any administrative charge assessed. Fees shall become immediately due and made a part of rents required, notice of assessments shall be made 10 days prior to rents being payable and become part of the next payment required if such notice is not applicable or upon the termination of the lease. Failure to pay administrative assessments with rents due shall constitute non-payment of rents due.

I used this agreement on a property that had city financing, the lease had to be approved by the City Attorney, he loved it saying I could fine tenants for issues! The project was also under HUD guidelines for affordable housing, not necessarily Sec 8, but HUD approved, which was the attorney's determination.

Seldom was it used, not necessary as my tenants didn't violate the terms because they didn't want to pay additional fees.

If you use something like this, run it by your attorney first!!!!!! :)

Matt Devincenzo · Answer

I'd normally say you generally are going to be fighting an uphill battle on this one, and it's not worth it. But if it really has just been more frequent in the last six months, I think I'd try and see if there's a reason.

She may have had something come up personally and is worried, and maintenance requests are her attempt at gaining control in her life. Or maybe she is concerned with finances, and she feels like this is somehow maximizing her gain for the expense....There's really no telling. But if like you said it's been the last 6 months, then I'd have a very real "hey so I noticed you've had a lot of repair requests recently, more than was normal and it really only started in January is there I'd just like to see if there's a reason why?"

I wouldn't promise anything with the question, like you'll fix it. And I wouldn't attack or accuse her, like implying she's the problem. Just ask and see what happens, at worst she says nothing, and you're in the same position you are now. Then I'd ask if she'd like out of her lease early because it doesn't seem like she's happy in the unit.

Account Closed · Answer

Well, as you mentioned..you're willing to cut her loose, so why not try a win win situation and do as everyone said, say no (politely) and remind her that the place is refurbished and in more than rentable conditions..if she doesn't like it, she'll move out..you win..if she says 'ok' and stays, you win..

Andy Webb · Answer

@Rick Bassett - If you are on a longer-term lease, when this one expires do not renew a full term, but let it go month to month.  If the situation worsens, it will be easier to let her go.  And perhaps you can up your rent in there as well to ease your pain?

Andy

Steve Babiak · Answer

This is an idea I first heard from

@Bill Gulley.  Add a clause to your lease regarding administration fees. Not sure if that really could be applied here, but Bill will come along soon enough and share his thoughts.

Remmy Vernon · Answer

Elizabeth, I am curious about how the maintenance deductible works. Can you elaborate more, or maybe PM me? Thanks!

Brent Paul · Answer

I have to agree with everyone.  The more you give in to her demands the more she will keep finding new things.  Kind of like if you give a mouse a cookie.

Mark Brogan · Answer

im with @Travis Sperron this one good luck

Success retraining an Overly Needy Tenant?

Most Popular Reply