Ever fail to renew rude tenant who pays on time? Worth it?

[Marian Smith]

Pretty sure we will not extend a lease renewal to a tenant who is angry/rude and refused to let me in to change furnace filters. I had given 24 hour notice but she texted wanted me to come on the following Saturday, which I ignored as I wanted also to surprise inspect (with reason). She happened to be home and would not let me in. I plan to lie and say a family member is moving to town...she has lied to me so I have no issues with lying (also fear retaliation).

[Andrew B.]

Originally posted by @Marian Smith:

Pretty sure we will not extend a lease renewal to a tenant who is angry/rude and refused to let me in to change furnace filters. I had given 24 hour notice but she texted wanted me to come on the following Saturday, which I ignored as I wanted also to surprise inspect (with reason). She happened to be home and would not let me in. I plan to lie and say a family member is moving to town...she has lied to me so I have no issues with lying (also fear retaliation).

First of all, she can't refuse access if you have given legal notice. You simply unlock the door and go inside. If you do not have a key, you should have one for emergency access. Get a copy of the key, or re-key the locks at your expense. If tenant changed the lock on you, that should be a lease violation. Tell tenant they have 7 days to provide a key, or you will rekey at their expense.

Once you provide legal notice that you wont be renewing, no reason is necessary. Just don't say anything. You will get into trouble more by the things you say, then the things you don't say. If tenant insists, just say "I'm considering going in a different direction with the property." You don't owe them any detailed explanation.