Investor · Alexandria, VA · Member since 2016 · 859 posts · 460 votes
HI BP,
I've run into a little problem with 2 adopted tenants from an existing owner. The first 8 months they were great, paid on time, no issues, etc. As of the last 3 months they have been a nightmare. One has definitely taken the power position and has gotten the other on their side. Late of rent, pushing back on late fees (is it worth evicting over $50-60 in late fees), putting in a ton of maintenance requests that need to be done IMMEDIATELY (according to them), but then never respond with photos/ times of when the contractor can come in and/or don't want the contractor in while they aren't home. One even called the old owner to ask questions about the building. Very frustrating.
Self management has been great thus far, and quite frankly is necessary due to the lack of good property managers in the area. BUT THIS is really starting to frustrate me. How would you handle this?
I would love to evict both of them as the building is very sought after and one of the nicer buildings in town so would lease up quickly.
Any advice on how to get these guys back on track and/or if I should try to get them out and start fresh would be greatly appreciated.
The advice you have been given will turn out to be a waste of time. Your tenants believe they own you and are in fact correct. You have not been in control of your property and your tenants at this point will need to be replaced. It is unrealistic to believe you will turn them around.
This is not a question of if it is worth evicting for $75 it is a question of whether you intend to continue to allow them to own you.
I would enforce your lease to the letter, serve a eviction notice if you are allowed and give them proper notice to non renew their leases as soon as you legally can.
Thinking you can "work with them" is laughable. Get rid of them both and find new tenants that appreciate what they have.
Unfortunately this is common in C class properties and with this type of tenant a iron fist is the only thing they understand. Get them both out asap and start fresh.