High-Maintenance Tenants and a Relationship That Has Completely Broken Down

[Liran Dori]

I’m looking for advice from landlords who have dealt with extremely high-maintenance tenants. My tenants have been in the property for about a month, and since moving in they’ve raised constant complaints despite me responding immediately, sending contractors multiple times, and spending thousands of dollars addressing every issue. The latest dispute is over the A/C. Multiple HVAC technicians have confirmed the system is operating as designed, but the tenants continue insisting something is wrong and the A/C isn't working efficiently, contacting my contractors directly, and accusing me of being dishonest about their report (which is completely wrong). I even offered them a mutual, penalty-free early lease termination as a goodwill gesture, which they declined.

Their latest message now accuses me of discrimination, claims I’m acting in bad faith, and raises additional allegations about unrelated maintenance issues. All of their accusations are false of course. At this point, the relationship has completely broken down, and every repair seems to create another complaint. I'm already drained and looking to part ways from them as this is very exhausting.

Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? Is there any practical or legal way to part ways with tenants like these in Florida, or is my only option to wait until the lease expires?

[Greg Scott]

Yes, sadly, I have dealt with many tenants like this.  Normally, allowing them to terminate the lease penalty-free resolves the issue and they move out.

Thinking of your case, this approach might work... 

If they call again about the AC. I would send them written communication that you have looked at this same issue multiple times and certified technicians have said the system is working as directed.  If someone is sent out and they find there is no issue, their account will be charged for the service call.  (BTW, try to meet the contractor there and let them in, so the tenants don't get their contact info.  Protect your contractors from the crazies!). If they come out and there are no issues, charge their account for the service call.  Just be sure your documentation of everything is solid.

If you charge them for a service call, it is highly likely they would refuse to pay.  Do not accept rent payment unless both the service call and rent is paid in full.  If they still refuse to pay, this would put their account in default and allow you to start an eviction proceeding.  

At that point they might accept your offer to part ways penalty-free.  If not, bring all your documentation to court.