How would you handle a tenant asking you to remove your shoes?
Most Popular Reply
Investor · Baltimore, MD · Member since 2008 · 17k+ posts · 13k+ votes
1yI would remove my shoes or at least use a shoe cover. That is unless the work required shoes.
57 Replies
- 1yDrew SygitBusiness MemberProperty Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 13k+ posts · 9k+ votes
You gave up POSSESSION of the property when you signed a lease with them and now it is THEIR HOME.
Can't see a judge siding with you if this ever went to court.
Logical Property Management4.9469 Reviews - 1yColleen F.Pro MemberInvestor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Sami Gren if it is a job you can't take off your shoes for or you just aren't able to take off your shoes due to instability (i had one worker like this) let her know and tell her you will have to come back some time with shoe covers. Some people and some cultures never wear shoes in the house. I certainly would think of some jobs I am not doing in stocking feet. for instance I am not climbing a ladder.
- Member since 2022 · 186 posts · 192 votes1y
It’s is more than a reasonable request. You are in someone’s home. Whether the deed is in your name or not. When I go to someone’s house I immediately take my shoes off. Whether it’s the White House or the dog house. People deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. That is there place. They are not sub human. With all do respect it is a no brainer. We are not Gods or better people because the mortgage is my name. If president Trump or Obama came to my house I would expect them to follow rules of my place. As I would at thier place. No smoking in the house, take your shoes off. No eating in living room. When I go to my tenants house to do anything from an air filter change to looking at such and such. I set a date a time to come over. I ring door bell and wait for them to show up even when they say I don’t have to. I take off shoes in utility room. I ask if I may go to furnace to change air filter. I ask permission even though we both know why I am there.
- Investor · VA · Member since 2015 · 21k+ posts · 19k+ votes1y
Quote from @Sami Gren:
I have a tenant who tends to be quite rigid in general. Recently, when I came by to check something in the unit, she insisted that I take off my shoes before entering. I understand it's her living space, but I was there for a maintenance-related issue.
Is this a reasonable request, or is it crossing a line? Curious how other landlords would approach this.
you can where booties - its out of respect as we are one of the only countries in the world that where shoes inside a home. But while you own it, while visiting a tenant you should repsect their rules within reason.
7e investments53 Reviews - 1yDavid PeschioBusiness MemberRichmond, VA · Member since 2019 · 358 posts · 181 votes
Not even sure why this is a question. You should be asking before they even request on every home you enter. Respect their home and be glad when they ask or confirm since they care about the home.
- 1yColleen F.Pro MemberInvestor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Jeremiah Dunakin Is there anywhere this poster said anyone was sub-human? I think not. He is asking a question. In his experience shoes off obviously is not usual. Chill out and practice what you are preaching and treat the Original poster with respect and dignity. Don't blast someone for asking a question.
- Member since 2022 · 186 posts · 192 votes1y
Quote from @Colleen F.:
@Jeremiah Dunakin Is there anywhere this poster said anyone was sub-human? I think not. He is asking a question. In his experience shoes off obviously is not usual. Chill out and practice what you are preaching and treat the Original poster with respect and dignity. Don't blast someone for asking a question.
Whoa whoa whoa. Calm down I am not saying poster is calling anyone sub human. All I said is someone is not sub human treat all people the same.This is not a question we would ask at Micheal Jordan’s house or my grandmother house. Treat people the same. You are trying way too hard to make it something it’s not. Relax. No one is blasting anyone. Relax. I am treating poster with dignity (I am guessing you have never been anywhere where people are in different class systems. I could be wrong. If so my apologies) you got to relax though.i meant no harm
- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 0 votes1y
Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin:
Quote from @Colleen F.:
@Jeremiah Dunakin Is there anywhere this poster said anyone was sub-human? I think not. He is asking a question. In his experience shoes off obviously is not usual. Chill out and practice what you are preaching and treat the Original poster with respect and dignity. Don't blast someone for asking a question.
Whoa whoa whoa. Calm down I am not saying poster is calling anyone sub human. All I said is someone is not sub human treat all people the same.This is not a question we would ask at Micheal Jordan’s house or my grandmother house. Treat people the same. You are trying way too hard to make it something it’s not. Relax. No one is blasting anyone. Relax. I am treating poster with dignity (I am guessing you have never been anywhere where people are in different class systems. I could be wrong. If so my apologies) you got to relax though.i meant no harm
- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 0 votes1y
It is a reasonable request. Some people are strict about shoes not being worn in their home. For example, when my husband and I lived in an apartment and we needed something fixed, we always asked the technician to wear a shoe covering because 1) Our son at the time was crawling and 2) the previous technician left shoe marks on the floor. From that point on, whenever a technician came to our apartment, they had to put something over their shoes.
- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 0 votes1y
It is a reasonable request. Some people are strict about shoes not being worn in their home. For example, when my husband and I lived in an apartment and we needed something fixed, we always asked the technician to wear a shoe covering because 1) Our son at the time was crawling and 2) the previous technician left shoe marks on the floor. From that point on, whenever a technician came to our apartment, they had to put something over their shoes.
- 1yColleen F.Pro MemberInvestor · Narragansett, RI · Member since 2013 · 8k+ posts · 4k+ votes
@Jeremiah Dunakin I quoted you directly with the " sub human" and also you were talking about "better than and gods". The point is the original poster wasn't saying treat someone different based on class, that was something you brought into the discussion. I guess class is very important to you. I hope you consider your responses in the future. It is good to know your stated intent wasn't to accuse anyone.
- Member since 2022 · 186 posts · 192 votes1y
Quote from @Colleen F.:
@Jeremiah Dunakin I quoted you directly with the " sub human" and also you were talking about "better than and gods". The point is the original poster wasn't saying treat someone different based on class, that was something you brought into the discussion. I guess class is very important to you. I hope you consider your responses in the future. It is good to know your stated intent wasn't to accuse anyone.
You are so off base. I’m not sure why. My post is very anti class. Just because I said sub human and god doesn’t mean I’m being divisive. You have taken this 180 from where it’s supposed to be. Again my point is just because your name is on the bank statement doesn’t mean you can disrespect someone’s house. That is thier place thier refuge, and such should be treated like that. I’m not sure why it would even be a question?
Im not accusing poster of this at all, but when its stated tenant (to me it’s saying they are beneath landlord cause of who’s on the bank statement) wants me to take off shoes basically do I listen?Than to me it’s bringing a different level of respect to the game. That’s why I bring up different people. Why would it matter that it’s a “tenant” or not. They are human just like the queen of England and the local banker and guy struggling to make ends meet. I walk into anyone house I’m automatically taking off shoes. I’m not gonna question if I should just because thier rental status. I wouldn’t question if my mother asked me to take off shoes so why would I question a tenant. It’s thier house. I am in no way caring about class. To me the only people that care about it are the ones that constantly bring it up. People are people and I wil respect a dirty trailer with nasty floors or a Saudi princes house. I hope your day is good. Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin:
I lived in NJ, and it can be a bit rough out there. It's just outside of NYC, so there’s a mix of really great people and some who feel entitled because their grandpa—who probably went through tough times like Charlie Chaplin eating his boots during the Great Depression—managed to get ahead in the 50s-60s. Now, their grandkids act like they own the Empire State Building just because they have a few properties or a well-paying job.
I’m not implying this applies to OP at all. Maybe he was just surprised to discover that some people actually take their shoes off in the house for the first time in his life. But I totally understand where you’re coming from, and I agree—no one should be treated like dirt. Respect is key. If you respect others, you should also be mindful of respecting their home and space.
Anyway, I’m exiting this thread now—this has gone way too far and isn’t worth precious time to dwell on.
- Member since 2022 · 186 posts · 192 votes1y
Quote from @Eric N.:
Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin:
I lived in NJ, and it can be a bit rough out there. It's just outside of NYC, so there’s a mix of really great people and some who feel entitled because their grandpa—who probably went through tough times like Charlie Chaplin eating his boots during the Great Depression—managed to get ahead in the 50s-60s. Now, their grandkids act like they own the Empire State Building just because they have a few properties or a well-paying job.
I’m not implying this applies to OP at all. Maybe he was just surprised to discover that some people actually take their shoes off in the house for the first time in his life. But I totally understand where you’re coming from, and I agree—no one should be treated like dirt. Respect is key. If you respect others, you should also be mindful of respecting their home and space.
Anyway, I’m exiting this thread now—this has gone way too far and isn’t worth precious time to dwell on.
I agree, that’s all I was trying to saying. I can’t for the life of me understand why this went off the rails. People are people. I would respect everyone’s home whether a dirt floor or marble. I guess virtue signaling is not dead yet. I hope you do well, your properties perform well and your residents love the space you have provided
Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin:
Quote from @Eric N.:
Quote from @Jeremiah Dunakin:
I lived in NJ, and it can be a bit rough out there. It's just outside of NYC, so there’s a mix of really great people and some who feel entitled because their grandpa—who probably went through tough times like Charlie Chaplin eating his boots during the Great Depression—managed to get ahead in the 50s-60s. Now, their grandkids act like they own the Empire State Building just because they have a few properties or a well-paying job.
I’m not implying this applies to OP at all. Maybe he was just surprised to discover that some people actually take their shoes off in the house for the first time in his life. But I totally understand where you’re coming from, and I agree—no one should be treated like dirt. Respect is key. If you respect others, you should also be mindful of respecting their home and space.
Anyway, I’m exiting this thread now—this has gone way too far and isn’t worth precious time to dwell on.
I agree, that’s all I was trying to saying. I can’t for the life of me understand why this went off the rails. People are people. I would respect everyone’s home whether a dirt floor or marble. I guess virtue signaling is not dead yet. I hope you do well, your properties perform well and your residents love the space you have provided
Thank you, wish you all the best as well!
- Realtor · St. Petersburg, FL · Member since 2024 · 55 posts · 40 votes1y
Rental Property Owner & Manager | St. Petersburg, FL
Totally understand the situation, Sami—this comes up more often than you'd think, especially with tenants who are particular about cleanliness.
At the end of the day, even though we own the property, it is their home during the lease term, so I try to respect reasonable preferences like this. If it's just removing shoes and there’s no safety concern, I usually comply—or I wear clean shoe covers, which is a great middle ground and keeps things professional.
I think it’s important not to make it a power struggle. I’ve found that small gestures like honoring a simple request can go a long way in keeping landlord-tenant relationships smooth.
That said, if a tenant’s rigidity starts interfering with necessary access or creating logistical problems, that’s a different conversation. But for something like shoes? I let it slide or bring the covers.
- Flipper/Rehabber · Bloomfield CT · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 409 votes1y
People who grew up in culture other than America tend to not wear outside shoes in their living space. You honoring this is a sign of respect
- New to Real Estate · Miami · Member since 2025 · 46 posts · 23 votes1y
I agree with the overall sentiment here that the OP should take off his shoes if requested.
But may I also suggest that this is a cultural thing, and that to someone who isn't used to such a request that the very request may sound inappropriate and like an intrusion- like being asked to take off your shirt. After all, who is someone else to dictate what you wear? On the other hand, it is their home. But it's also the OP's property and he's there on business... So I can see some tension there, even if I do agree that ultimately the OP should respect the request.
I totally understand why someone would make such a request and I can see how it can be more sanitary. However, if I were asked to take off my shoes I might be worried about my socks picking up dirt, etc. and even if my feet smelled after a long day. (I HATE having to take off my shoes at the airport because it is so unsanitary. Obviously a home is different than a public place.)
Now that the OP knows about this request, he can prepare beforehand- maybe have another pair of socks or booties. But cut the OP some slack... LOL! Not all of us are so culturally versed and enlightened. :-P
- 1yMackaylee BeachPro MemberReal Estate Agent · Kansas City, MO · Member since 2020 · 1k+ posts · 493 votes
This request is not unreasonable; it shows that the tenant is considerate about the property's condition. It would be advisable to keep shoe covers readily available.
- 1yAlecia LovelessPro MemberMember since 2019 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
@Ned Carey We always take our shoes off if the tenant requests it or if it is muddy outside and we think we will track mud into a unit.
Just not a big deal. Usually the ones requesting it have the cleanest, neatest units of all and I’m thankful they’re taking such good care of them.
I've been reading through all the responses and even went back a few times to double-check if I had written something I didn’t remember. From what I can tell, most people completely misunderstood the question. As a property manager, I assumed that providing a few general clues—without getting too detailed—would be enough for professionals here to understand what I meant.........
Also I want to clarify
A) I’ve often had situations during maintenance visits where people ask me not to enter with shoes—that’s a common and straightforward thing.
B) Secondly, this was a question, not a statement.Anyway, if you understood the intent, great. If not, I think the discussion has veered way off topic. I'm just not sure if or how we can delete the post, since it seems to be worded in a way that’s been widely misunderstood.
- New to Real Estate · Miami · Member since 2025 · 46 posts · 23 votes1y
Quote from @Sami Gren:
Anyway, if you understood the intent, great. If not, I think the discussion has veered way off topic. I'm just not sure if or how we can delete the post, since it seems to be worded in a way that’s been widely misunderstood.
Deleting the post wouldn't solve anything and would remove context. But perhaps you can ask a mod to lock this thread, since it does seem to have been misinterpreted and run its course.
Quote from @Sami Gren:
I've been reading through all the responses and even went back a few times to double-check if I had written something I didn’t remember. From what I can tell, most people completely misunderstood the question. As a property manager, I assumed that providing a few general clues—without getting too detailed—would be enough for professionals here to understand what I meant.........
Also I want to clarify
A) I’ve often had situations during maintenance visits where people ask me not to enter with shoes—that’s a common and straightforward thing.
B) Secondly, this was a question, not a statement.Anyway, if you understood the intent, great. If not, I think the discussion has veered way off topic. I'm just not sure if or how we can delete the post, since it seems to be worded in a way that’s been widely misunderstood.
It's Not About Shoes—It's About Respecting Boundaries
I followed this thread as the discussion about removing shoes quickly escalated into a culture war. I stepped back when things got heated, but since you're the original poster, I wanted to respond directly with a more grounded perspective.
This issue isn't about cultural customs or personal quirks, as some suggested. It's about respect for someone's home—their private space, their "castle." Regardless of who holds the property title, when someone is leasing the space, it is legally and ethically their home. That means they set the boundaries, whether that’s about shoes, noise levels, or even dress code.If I were to walk into your house today in just a swimsuit—or worse, nothing at all—you’d understandably be shocked and likely call the police. I could argue that it's hot outside or that nudity is normal where I'm from, but none of that would matter. Your home, your rules. The same logic applies here. it’s about basic courtesy and boundaries when you enter someone else's home.
If a tenant asks you to remove your shoes in their home, you do it. There’s no debate. It’s not negotiable. It doesn’t matter how you were raised or what you’re used to.
Now, if the real issue isn’t shoes but a difficult tenant—someone acting passive-aggressive, rigid, or just unpleasant—that’s a different conversation entirely. In that case, the question isn’t about footwear. The real question is: Are you willing to tolerate this behavior for the rent they pay, or is it worth pursuing eviction (if allowed under your local laws) and finding a better tenant?
But that’s a decision only you can make. And if you’d started the thread with that question—about tenant with chronically unpleasant behavior and whether it is worth to keep bad tenant for the sake of money they pay —this discussion wouldn’t have derailed into a culture war about shoes.
- Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 0 votes1y
Quote from @Eric N.:
Quote from @Sami Gren:
I've been reading through all the responses and even went back a few times to double-check if I had written something I didn’t remember. From what I can tell, most people completely misunderstood the question. As a property manager, I assumed that providing a few general clues—without getting too detailed—would be enough for professionals here to understand what I meant.........
Also I want to clarify
A) I’ve often had situations during maintenance visits where people ask me not to enter with shoes—that’s a common and straightforward thing.
B) Secondly, this was a question, not a statement.Anyway, if you understood the intent, great. If not, I think the discussion has veered way off topic. I'm just not sure if or how we can delete the post, since it seems to be worded in a way that’s been widely misunderstood.
It's Not About Shoes—It's About Respecting Boundaries
I followed this thread as the discussion about removing shoes quickly escalated into a culture war. I stepped back when things got heated, but since you're the original poster, I wanted to respond directly with a more grounded perspective.
This issue isn't about cultural customs or personal quirks, as some suggested. It's about respect for someone's home—their private space, their "castle." Regardless of who holds the property title, when someone is leasing the space, it is legally and ethically their home. That means they set the boundaries, whether that’s about shoes, noise levels, or even dress code.If I were to walk into your house today in just a swimsuit—or worse, nothing at all—you’d understandably be shocked and likely call the police. I could argue that it's hot outside or that nudity is normal where I'm from, but none of that would matter. Your home, your rules. The same logic applies here. it’s about basic courtesy and boundaries when you enter someone else's home.
If a tenant asks you to remove your shoes in their home, you do it. There’s no debate. It’s not negotiable. It doesn’t matter how you were raised or what you’re used to.
Now, if the real issue isn’t shoes but a difficult tenant—someone acting passive-aggressive, rigid, or just unpleasant—that’s a different conversation entirely. In that case, the question isn’t about footwear. The real question is: Are you willing to tolerate this behavior for the rent they pay, or is it worth pursuing eviction (if allowed under your local laws) and finding a better tenant?
But that’s a decision only you can make. And if you’d started the thread with that question—about tenant with chronically unpleasant behavior and whether it is worth to keep bad tenant for the sake of money they pay —this discussion wouldn’t have derailed into a culture war about shoes.
Thank you for you post Eric. You are spot on! It’s about the courtesy and respect for that individual’s home.
- 1yPeter MckernanBusiness MemberResidential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
Quote from @Sami Gren:
I would remove the shoes..
The McKernan Group4.958 Reviews - Member since 2025 · 7 posts · 0 votes1y
There is nothing wrong with asking someone to remove their shoes. For you to say that I am trying way too had to make something that is not is just way out of line. I stated my point and that was that. Asking someone to remove their shoes before entering the home is not out of the ordinary. You need to calm down. It’s not that serious. When I visit someone’s home, I take off my shoes without the homeowner asking me to just out of respect. To me, it’s all about reading the room.
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