Strategies for easing conflict btw neighbor tenants

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Managing Your Property
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Strategies for easing conflict btw neighbor tenants

Tim Clair
Member since 2022 · 2 posts · 0 votes

Hey BP Community! I have a triplex and am having an issue with two sets of tenants not getting along and its escalating. Any advice is appreciated!

Here's the story and apologies for the dense post: The first floor tenants (younger couple) have been there a few years, are super nice and a little high strung but I've never had any issues with them (nor any issues between tenants in the 3 apartments in the 10+ years I've owned it).  They just had a baby so are maybe a little more tense than usual but nothing inappropriate.  The second floor tenant is a single guy who moved in six months ago.  His girlfriend starting spending more time there and about 2 months ago I did a new lease adding her to the lease for a bit more rent. They all got along and even hung out once over coffee. Of course right after that things started going bad. The first floor tenants asked them to not keep their bike in the backyard as its part of their unit. And then they asked them to keep the basement door locked even between loads of laundry for security. Both requests seem fine to me, but for some reason the second floor took offense. The woman on the second floor flipped out on them accusing them of being nosy and controlling. I chalked it up to that person having  bad day... but now over a month later, the second floor tenants have sent nasty texts about noise (its an old building and they have a baby - like accusing them of being drunk and high), the woman gave them the finger for no apparent reason and sometimes the second floor stomps and turns up music seemingly on purpose. There is nothing illegal but it is getting worse and I am not sure what to do. I don't want to lose my long time first floor tenants, but I can't evict the second floor for being rude and nasty. And if new people move into the new floor they could be louder than my current tenants.


So I am at a loss. I feel like sitting them all down and tell them to get over it and live in peace, but probably not my role.  Any thoughts or ideas?  Thanks everyone and sorry for the long winded post.

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Karl B.
Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
3y

Tell the 2nd floor people to cut it else else they'll receive a 30-day notice. 

Tell the 1st floor people to try and get along with them as well. Also, tell the 1st floor people to use their cell to video record when the 2nd floor people are blasting music, stomping on the floor, etc. for if you do evict that evidence will be useful for the judge to see.

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  • Karl B.
    Rental Property Investor · Erie, PA · Member since 2015 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    Tell the 2nd floor people to cut it else else they'll receive a 30-day notice. 

    Tell the 1st floor people to try and get along with them as well. Also, tell the 1st floor people to use their cell to video record when the 2nd floor people are blasting music, stomping on the floor, etc. for if you do evict that evidence will be useful for the judge to see.

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  • Richard F.
    Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    3y

    Aloha,

    As usual, what does your Rental Agreement say? Do you specifically allow or not allow "outside storage"? Is the yard indicated to NOT be shared, on the second floor Agreement? Are there "Quiet Hours" or a clause about causing "disturbances" ? I would expect all "common" entrances, such as a back door for laundry room, to be locked at all times...simply put a "storeroom" function handset on it so it is always locked. Do you have "House Rules" that address any of these issues? If you have them covered, either in the separate Agreements, or with House Rules, follow through with whatever your stated policy is...Notice of Violation, or Fine, or...

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    3y

    The second floor people signed a lease 6 months ago, so let them know that you will not be renewing their lease.

    If the backyard is with the first floor unit, then no one else should be using it.  For the laundry room, it should be locked, but can you install a self closing hinge which will at least ensure the door closes behind people when they leave?

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  • Eric Greenberg
    Investor · Philadelphia, PA · Member since 2019 · 618 posts · 430 votes
    3y

    Tim,

    These type of conflicts between tenants can be tough to navigate. Is the property in Philadelphia? If so it may not be the best advice to give them an eviction notice or even bring it up as if your in the city its a long drawn out process. 

    If it were me id first talk with each tenant separately in person or by phone and listen. Then go from there. I wouldnt bring up evictions at all but you may want to offer breaking a lease if you feel confident in getting a new better tenant and thats the only path forward. 

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  • Nathan GesnerBusiness Member
    Moderator
    Real Estate Broker · Cody, WY · Member since 2010 · 28k+ posts · 41k+ votes
    3y

    First, I try not to get involved. If the Tenants have a problem, they can work it out, call the police, or whatever.

    Second, send a warning to both tenants that (a) you don't want to get involved, and (b) bad behavior may result in non-renewal of their lease.

    Third, the downstairs tenants have been there three years with no issues so the upstairs tenant is likely the culprit. Plan on not renewing their lease.

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  • Todd Jones
    Member since 2023 · 243 posts · 199 votes
    3y
    Quote from @Nathan Gesner:

    First, I try not to get involved. If the Tenants have a problem, they can work it out, call the police, or whatever.

    Second, send a warning to both tenants that (a) you don't want to get involved, and (b) bad behavior may result in non-renewal of their lease.

    Third, the downstairs tenants have been there three years with no issues so the upstairs tenant is likely the culprit. Plan on not renewing their lease.

    This, especially sending a notice to both of them. The previous one are probably just used to the freedom they had and the newer ones are power tripping. A letter may pump their brake…for a moment.

    But a bit of caution. In some cities, if the police are called more than 3 times over noise complaints, the landlord pays. Call the city hall to find out. 
    I’ve called law enforcement over serious (I’m talking 3:00 am yelling outside) noise complaints. I was told after the 3rd, the landlord pays for the “service “. 
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  • Tim Clair
    OP
    Member since 2022 · 2 posts · 0 votes
    3y

    Thanks all!  It is complicated and tough but the advice is helpful. It's been quiet for a week or two and I am hoping it stays that way.

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