Funny but not funny tenant behavior during showings.

Funny but not funny tenant behavior during showings.

San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes

Ok, so this is kind of funny and serious at the same time. I work at a property management company and I do investing on the side. We recently had a very, very good tenant, one of the best we've had, so month to month after a lease expiration, because a property went on the market.  

This tenant has been incredibly helpful during all of the showings. More than any other that we've had. He's taken extremely good care of the property and helps out a lot with it.  He recently found a new place, and gave a mid month notice. He wants to be let out of the month to month periodic requirements. He gave notice last week, so his 30 days would be on November 8th, but since its periodic, that says he is stuck till December 1.  Essentially he would end up paying double rent for a month.  I have to stipulate again how helpful and kind he has been. 

So we asked the owner to release him, as we aren't re-renting and for 2+ years he's been an amazing tenant.  I personally feel we should let him go, as the property will stay empty anyhow, since its on the market.  Of course this owner disagrees and just wants to take the guys money. 

This is the funny part.  The tenant is now acting strangely when the potential buyers show up.  He wears weird clothes, sometimes he is cooking fish or broccoli.  I mean he lives there, so he has a right to cook. He has a sign he sits in the house with that says "I like Applesauce".  Sometimes he is lying in his bed in a robe eating cereal and watching cartoons.  He's clearly protesting by making the showings uncomfortable, but in a funny and very friendly way.  Thats just some of the bizarre stuff.  We all find it funny around the office.


I think we should just cut him lose, and give the guy his money.  I've always been a more spirit of the law type of person.  I think its hilarious.  I mean what else could we do to him except evict him? For what?  Cooking?  Eating cereal in bed?  HAHA.

What would you do?

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Flipper/Rehabber · Greensboro, NC · Member since 2010 · 623 posts · 615 votes
8y

@Account Closed Is it in the contract that you have the right to show the property with the tenant still in it? I'd be mad as hell if I was that tenant. I'm sure he feels betrayed.

I would definitely let this guy out of his lease and I have a ton of properties and have easily had hundreds of tenants. And I'm truly a by-the-book landlord. But, this great tenant and his referrals and testimonials will go on long after he moves out. 30-60 days worth of rent will be worth far less than his words. 

We were the great tenant in an office building for almost 2 years in a building that was basically empty other than our business. We had tons of bad experience with the landlord including a fire (that was structural issues - nothing we created) that kept us out of those rented offices for weeks. We asked to be let out of our contract 3 months early because our old offices had been renovated and were ready for us to move back in. When we originally signed our contract, the landlord knew we only needed the place until our offices were completed. We wanted a 1 year lease but he made us sign for 2 years.

At any rate, after being great on-time tenants for 21 months, he refused to give us the 3 months grace, even though we had moved out and were no longer in his building. I can assure you, we are not kind anytime someone asks our experience, and they do. What we paid him for those 3 months will never buy back the reputation he lost from us.

Business decisions are often about more than money.

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    HAHA. I love the posts guys. That was really the whole reason of posting this anyhow.  You dont run across this everyday, and when it does, its hilarious.

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  • Real Estate Appraiser · Isabella lake, CA · Member since 2018 · 628 posts · 491 votes
    8y

    LMAO at the stupid owner. Maybe you should drop him as a client.

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    @Lee Bell 

    Yes, we will not be dealing with him anymore, once we lose this tenant.  He's too much of a risk.

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  • St. Louis, MO · Member since 2018 · 20 posts · 17 votes
    8y
    @Jason Albeinat Haha this gave me a good laugh, would appreciate updates as this situation continues!
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  • FL · Member since 2016 · 912 posts · 107 votes
    8y

    Kind of similar:

    I was just about to sell my first house flip. There is this neighbor who is somewhat mentally slow, but I wouldn't call her mentally disabled, she's intelligent enough to know what she's doing. She used to come on the property and start talking our ears off about nonsense until I just learned to ignore her.

    The buyer came by to check the place out again... and she came over and started talkng to the buyer. Now the buyer felt uncomfotable and backed out of the deal.

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  • Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2010 · 739 posts · 372 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

    Oh, here is another one.  The guy has a unicorn onesie pajamas and wears it with the hood up, so he looks like a unicorn. He offers the visiting buyers colored marshmallows from an easter basket when they arrive.  We were dying when we heard this one.

    My neighbors put up a stripper pole in the living when the for sale sign went up

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    HAHA @Chris Purcell

    Thats amazing.  Haha.  There could almost be a whole site just about whacky tenant stuff.

    @Patrick Philip Also, a good one.

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  • Rental Property Investor · Lake Orion, MI · Member since 2018 · 22 posts · 27 votes
    8y
    @Jason Albeinat I’m not sure if anyone already brought this to your attention since I haven‘t read through all of the 50+ replies, but I would shy away from managing any of this owner‘s properties in the future. Yes, you‘re contractually tied to back his decisions, but the tenant and general public may not understand the expectations/working relationship between owners and managers. Ultimately, it’s your company’s PR taking the hit for that owner‘s decisions. Depending on how many people (and judging by his actions will be a lot) he chooses to tell about the unapprecitaion he’s experienced as your tenant may also have a negative effect on any other properties you have listed with your company. I realize you can’t cut him slack rent-wise, but a little damage control on behalf of your management company may not be a bad idea. Like a previous poster has mentioned, sometimes in business, reputation means more than money. And that owner is not doing you any favors.
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  • Investor · Los Angeles, CA · Member since 2017 · 523 posts · 476 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

    Ok, so this is kind of funny and serious at the same time. I work at a property management company and I do investing on the side. We recently had a very, very good tenant, one of the best we've had, so month to month after a lease expiration, because a property went on the market.  

    This tenant has been incredibly helpful during all of the showings. More than any other that we've had. He's taken extremely good care of the property and helps out a lot with it.  He recently found a new place, and gave a mid month notice. He wants to be let out of the month to month periodic requirements. He gave notice last week, so his 30 days would be on November 8th, but since its periodic, that says he is stuck till December 1.  Essentially he would end up paying double rent for a month.  I have to stipulate again how helpful and kind he has been. 

    So we asked the owner to release him, as we aren't re-renting and for 2+ years he's been an amazing tenant.  I personally feel we should let him go, as the property will stay empty anyhow, since its on the market.  Of course this owner disagrees and just wants to take the guys money. 

    This is the funny part.  The tenant is now acting strangely when the potential buyers show up.  He wears weird clothes, sometimes he is cooking fish or broccoli.  I mean he lives there, so he has a right to cook. He has a sign he sits in the house with that says "I like Applesauce".  Sometimes he is lying in his bed in a robe eating cereal and watching cartoons.  He's clearly protesting by making the showings uncomfortable, but in a funny and very friendly way.  Thats just some of the bizarre stuff.  We all find it funny around the office.


    I think we should just cut him lose, and give the guy his money.  I've always been a more spirit of the law type of person.  I think its hilarious.  I mean what else could we do to him except evict him? For what?  Cooking?  Eating cereal in bed?  HAHA.

    What would you do?

     If the owner had been reasonable and the tenant did this, I would not find this quite so hilarious, but owner sounds like a pretty unreasonable guy who won't listen to basic facts, so I guess he gets what he deserves. Thanks for sharing, this is funny. 

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  • Rental Property Investor · San Diego, CA · Member since 2010 · 377 posts · 314 votes
    8y

    Agree with John Smith - 30 days in CA, NOT the beginning of the month, unless he is somehow still bound under a contract that states otherwise (the lease expired, and he declined to sign anything else, right?).  

    If this guy is as smart as you say, he could be just having his fun with the marshmallows, waiting until to sue for the illegally withheld rent once he's out. Unicorn onesie & marshmallows = really, really funny. Lawsuits not so much.

    As far as the timing of the vacancy, by your description it probably doesn't matter. This owner sounds like he is fully capable of tanking a sale all by himself without any marshmallowy rainbow-colored assistance.

    @Mike Hurney - For any house to be on the market for 6 months in San Diego with 60+ showings means something is badly, badly wrong. I've been watching the RE notices in my neighborhood, & I think  in the past 12 months only one house went under contract at more than 90 days, and the vast majority are under contract in 5-20 days (0 days isn't uncommon).

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  • Rental Property Investor · Wakefield, MA · Member since 2015 · 30 posts · 21 votes
    8y

    @Account Closed  The guy likes his apple sauce and cartoons I don't see the problem! HAHA wish my tenants were this comical!

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  • Investor · Ridgecrest, CA · Member since 2017 · 247 posts · 120 votes
    8y

    The owner has final say but I would only charge him till the end of the required 30 day notice. IE Prorate the 8 days in November and let the rest slide.

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    Yeah, thanks guys. Although its a serious issue, I'm mostly sharing how one tenant made this whole thing into a circus, when all it would have taken was a reasonable owner.  On the pricing alone he is killing his own sale, and he is just milking this tenant because he can.  Around the office, we have discussed the dual edge sword.  In RE, we take good tenants like this guy, and turn them into bad tenants because of technicalities and letter of the contract, when we should do the right thing.  Its so hard to find tenants that cooperate with sales, and then when you have one that does, you treat them like its a courtroom.  I feel for this guy because he's been the best tenant, he's just had enough, and I don't blame him.  Oh well, Mr. owner is the one who will be stuck with his property into 2018 because its 35% overpriced and he won't budge an inch.

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  • Madisonville, LA · Member since 2018 · 125 posts · 71 votes
    8y
    I would let the guy go. I never try to squeeze money on technicalities and try to be fair. I think the owner is getting what he deserves and would be high fiving the old guy lol
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  • Member since 2018 · 5 posts · 5 votes
    8y

    The owner has control over a property manager's actions to a certain extent, yes. However, an owner cannot compel their property manager to act illegally.

    If I were managing the owner's property I would immediately take the following actions:

    1. I would inform the tenant that under California law their obligation to pay rent ends either at the effective date of their 30 day notice or the date they return possession of the property, whichever is later. I would then state the prorated rent that they owe under the assumption that they will vacate on the 8th as stated in their notice.

    2. I would inform the owner that per California law the tenant cannot be forced to pay rent beyond the stated termination date of the 30 day notice or the date they return possession of the property, whichever is later. I would then inform the owner of the amount of the tenant's prorated rent.

    3. If the owner instructs me to collect the full month of rent anyway I would state that regardless of the owner's wishes I cannot do anything until the rent is due.

    4. Once the tenant pays rent for November I would inform the owner of the amount of the tenant's payment. If the tenant paid the prorated rent and the owner insists that I collect the remainder of the month's rent I would again state that California law prevents owners from charging a tenant for rent beyond their legally required notice.

    5. If the owner ignores me again and insists that I collect the additional rent anyway I would return the account to the owner on the spot. I would provide the owner with any security deposit I may be holding and immediately return all keys and documentation to the owner. I would additionally remind the owner that deductions from the security deposit must be made for lawful purposes only and that an accounting of the security deposit must be returned to the tenant within 21 days of the tenant vacating along with any unused portion of the deposit.

    6. I would inform the tenant that I am no longer managing the property and that any security deposit they paid me is currently in the hands of the owner. I would additionally inform them that state law requires the owner to provide an accounting of the security deposit as well as any unused portion within 21 days of them vacating the property.

    If the owner does not instruct me to collect the additional rent but rather instructs me to withhold it from the security deposit I would instead inform the owner that deductions may only be made from the security deposit for lawful purposes. If the owner insists that I do so I would return the account to them at that point instead.

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  • Real Estate Consultant · Chattanooga, TN · Member since 2018 · 384 posts · 330 votes
    8y

    The owner is being penny wise and pound foolish. I'd speak to Owner, highlight that the tenant is hurting the showings and yet is doing nothing illegal that you can stop. Suggest to Owner that it would be better financially to let tenant out of lease and have improved showing experiences. This is in YOUR best interest, too, because as someone else mentioned you don't want Tenant to share his bad experience with your management company. If Owner isn't willing to release Tenant early, try to salvage your own reputation by making sure Tenant understands this was Owner's decision, not yours.

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  • Investor · Soldotna, AK · Member since 2015 · 103 posts · 64 votes
    8y

    A contract is a contract, get the tenant to comply one way or another, its YOUR job. 

    If you believe the tenant should be let out of the contract early will you make his payment to the owner? If the owner doesn't get paid, should you?

    Granted he was a great tenant BUT you work for the property owner 

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    @Jim C.

    No  WE work for both sides.  It is a give and take.  It's guys like you that make bad tenants. You take a good tenant and run them through the wringer because you CAN, and you create more bad tenants.  When you have someone who is a great tenant it is your DUTY for the rest of the RE industry to treat them with respect.  No wonder tenants are treated like trash. It's because of people like you.  We treat everyone fairly, and when we have an owner that is a tyrant, we dont work with them further.  We are very successful. Thanks for your input.  

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  • Investor · Atlanta, GA · Member since 2013 · 3k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Jim C.:

    A contract is a contract, get the tenant to comply one way or another, its YOUR job. 

    If you believe the tenant should be let out of the contract early will you make his payment to the owner? If the owner doesn't get paid, should you?

    Granted he was a great tenant BUT you work for the property owner 

    Huh? Where is he not complying with the owner's wishes? And the tenant is not breaking the law. 

    Are you not able to see the big picture in this?

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    @Adrienne Green

    Yes, this is how we think too.  Thanks for you input, I wish our industry had more Adrienne's and less people like the ones you see above.  We are losing our humanity in this country, and everything is contract and lawsuits.  We are still in the people business, and humans should be treated well when they behave well, where possible.  Thanks again.

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  • Investor · Soldotna, AK · Member since 2015 · 103 posts · 64 votes
    8y

    He needs to get the tenant to comply instead of using him as a sideshow for his office and BP. Remember who is signing his check every month

    If you don't like the landlord, fine, but don't take his money and not try to get the tenant to work with him.

    If a tenant refuses to abide by the contract they signed, how can they be considered a good tenant?

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    Jim probably has BEARS for tenants.  When they don't comply you just shoot them and drag them out in the snow.

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    Jim C

    what is your problem.  the guy is complying. he is not breaking any lease or law.  you need to learn now to read my friend.  theres nothing we can do to this tenant, except let him out of his lease.  he isn't doing anything wrong.  go build an igloo.

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  • Investor · Soldotna, AK · Member since 2015 · 103 posts · 64 votes
    8y
    Originally posted by @Account Closed:

    Jim C

    what is your problem.  the guy is complying. he is not breaking any lease or law.  you need to learn now to read my friend.  theres nothing we can do to this tenant, except let him out of his lease.  he isn't doing anything wrong.

     Someone mentioned earlier you should talk to him about a win-win situation as in the sooner the home sells the sooner he will be let out of the contract

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  • San Diego, CA · Member since 2018 · 31 posts · 88 votes
    8y

    @Jim C.

    You are looking silly.  The tenant is not breaking ANY portion of the contract.  NONE.  He is fully paid, and he is enjoying himself in HIS property. It is HIS property until the lease is up, by law. He is breaking no part of the contract.  We don't care if you don't like that he's peacefully protesting in hilarious ways.  The only way out of this is for our owner to let the guy out of the last several weeks of his lease.  If he doesn't do that, HEY UNICORN PARTY!!!!!  What are you gonna do? Break the law and retaliate against him somehow?  

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