ellenwood, GA · Member since 2017 · 2 posts · 0 votes
I am having an issue with my renter in another state. I don't have a property manager there. From day one the tenant has screamed at me over the phone that the repairs are insufficient. every time I make a repair he comes up with a new issue. he is now at a point where he is not allowing access to the property to get the repair done and sending me threating email that he will not pay the rent because the repairs are not done. I have documented everything. the repair guys have also documented everything. have made several attempts to schedule appointments to correct the problems. He refuses to work with me. What do I do?renter keeps complaining that repairs are not taking care of. yet won't accept calls from the repair guys and he picks fights with everyone repeatedly so the repairs don't get done.
Jay Jones you may want to consider that you might be getting “set up” by a professional tenant. Consider talking to an attorney and getting ahead of this before it’s too late.
What does the tenancy law in the jurisdiction and your lease have to say on the matter. I would expect it to read that when a tenant requests a repair, they are obligated to provide access.
If that is the case, then I would send the tenant a polite, registered letter reminding him he is in breach of his obligations as tenant and informing him that if the behaviour continues you will have no alternative but to terminate the tenancy.
Things should have not been allowed to get this stage and this tenant is likely beyond training. I would plan for turn-over and screen the next candidates very thoroughly.
The tenant agrees that the Landlords, their agents, servants, and contractors, shall have the right to enter into and upon the premises, or any part thereof, at all reasonable hours for the purpose of examining the same or making emergency repairs and alterations as may be necessary for the safety and preservation thereof.
@Jay Jones, oh boy, seems like you have a spoilt brat on your hands.I would start considering letting that one go.The stress is not worth it.At the end of the day, unattended to repairs, cost you as owner.If said tenant will not grant you access, then something needs to change.Is there not a provision one can add to their lease to get access to property to attend to “suspected emergencies?I am going to look into this, but thankfully I do not have such a case on my hands, else I would definitely not be a happy camper.
Long story short, start planning an exit strategy with said tenant as this does not look/sound good.
Jay Jones you may want to consider that you might be getting “set up” by a professional tenant. Consider talking to an attorney and getting ahead of this before it’s too late.
I would serve notice and begin the eviction process. With luck he will agree to leave as opposed to being evicted. If he is a professional a eviction is inevitable. The sooner you start the sooner it will be over.
Hire a PM and in the future, once notice to enter is given, they will enter whether the tenant is home or not. Legally tenants can not refuse access.
When does the lease expire? If it is a month to month or is expiring soon I would just send a non renewal notice. If that is not the case then I would call a lawyer ASAP for legal guidance. If the tenant is not paying rent because of repairs not being made, a lawyer could begin the eviction process for you. This is not a fixable solution and the sooner you get the tenant out the better.