Tenant's father causing a caustic atmosphere in Student House

[Gary Baker]

Hi BP

Looking for advice on how best to handle this situation.  I signed a contract with a student who is over 21.  Since he moved in, his father is accusing us of doing a variety of things and has become rude in communications demanding that I only deal with him and not "my" tenant.

In five years I have had no issues and this is a first. Frankly I would rather be rid of them both as they are toxic for my other tenants. Can I offer to let them break the lease as they are clearly unhappy or could I be opening myself up for litigation? Basically it would be their choice.  

They also appear to be looking for ways to avoid paying the rent, if they do this I can start the eviction process but I would rather just have them out.

thanks

[Roy N.]

If the father is not a signatory to the lease, you have no obligation to "deal" with him.  In these situations, I politely remind the parent that their child is our tenant and that I have no business relationship with them.  I then ask that they cease communications with us.

If the behaviour continues, I will speak with the tenant about their parent's conduct, explain the legal/contractural situation and advise that they speak with their parent.

It's not just with landlords, my wife use to teach at a local university and helicopter parents were routinely contacting her about their child's assignments and in-clase performance.  She would simply tell them that they were not her student and {privacy} policy forbade her from discussing student matters with them.