Strategies for delinquent tenants???

Strategies for delinquent tenants???

Investor · Salt Lake City · Member since 2020 · 46 posts · 46 votes

Hi BP Community!

I own a triplex in a C-class area, and with the territory comes the inevitable late rent payment (or non-payment altogether).....Don't worry, I budgeted for this!

I'm wondering what the opinions are out there for communication strategies in these instances. Have you found any particular approach to work well? As an owner should I reach out to the tenants in any way? Do you just leave this fully up to your PM?

My PM has a standard/automated notice that goes out in the 2-day and 7-day windows, but this doesn't seem to be very effective. I struggle with just sitting by and waiting (especially knowing the fees rack up for my tenants the longer they go without paying!).

Let me know your experience!

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Travis BohlingBusiness Member
Property Manager · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2011 · 65 posts · 78 votes
2y

I would avoid communicating if you have a PM in place. This will only weaken the PMs collection authority. 

Rarely do I find that delinquent tenants have the money but are just waiting on 1 more collection phone call before they pay.

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  • Travis BohlingBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2011 · 65 posts · 78 votes
    2y

    I would avoid communicating if you have a PM in place. This will only weaken the PMs collection authority. 

    Rarely do I find that delinquent tenants have the money but are just waiting on 1 more collection phone call before they pay.

  • Investor · Salt Lake City · Member since 2020 · 46 posts · 46 votes
    2y

    @Travis Bohling great insight. Thanks!

  • Alecia LovelessPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    @Andrew West. Let the PM do their job that’s what you pay them for. If the tenants are ultimately paying the late fees are just bonus income for you. If they end up needing to be evicted then start over and try to find new, better qualified tenants next time around.

  • Investor · Vermont and New York · Member since 2023 · 308 posts · 309 votes
    2y
    Your conversation(s) should be with your PM, not the tenant.
    They may need to screen better.
    They may need to take more effective action and sooner.

    Travis hit the nail on the head - another phone call from someone won't get tenants to pay faster.
  • Ned J.Pro Member
    Investor · Manteca, CA · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2y

    Let the PM do their job and communicate with the PM only- these are the cases where you need to stay in touch with the PM ....but dont micromanage them.... but dont let them ignore the issue and let it snowball either.

  • Member since 2023 · 50 posts · 50 votes
    2y

    How delinquent are they?  Has the time already tolled for the automated notices deadlines?  I agree, one more phone call, text, etc. is not going to prompt their payment.  Sounds like the classic living out their deposit scenario in which they will deplete everything and leave you with nothing to cover repairs, clean up and other turnover costs.  I just went through this and it sucks trust me.  Had to pay $1800 in attorneys fees and costs, lost rent due to turnover, clean up and repair costs.  And just to add to the fun, tenants smoked pot inside and it stinks!  Still looking for replacement tenants.  The sooner you act the better.  If the time has tolled, have the PM start eviction proceedings.  That is the ONLY way they will know you are serious.  Best of luck to you!  

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