Please advise about current tenants

Please advise about current tenants

Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 2 votes

Hello,

I rented a single family home to a family with two toddlers, and within 2 months of living in this home (new construction new home) they called and said there was dampness around washing machine. I sent the plumber out and he said there was nothing wrong with the machine (it is a brand new LG front loader). I then inspected the home, and the floor not in front of the washer but in the kitchen and living room adjacent to the laundry room has lifted off the sub-floor (it is LVP floor). There were crayon and pencil marks on the walls and greasy kid hand prints on the walls downstairs. An orange juice spill was next to where kids eat and lots of ants were crawling along the baseboard there. I sent them an email summarizing my findings and asking them to take care of ants and clean the spills to avoid pests. I also mentioned in the email the fact that washer inspection did not indicate there were any issues with the appliance. The husband became argumentative when I pointed out these issues while inspecting which is concerning to me. I am worried about high turnover costs when they leave, and do. not plan to renew a lease with them. They are paying on time and had 800 credit when I screened. He is a professor of engineering at a local university. Any advice on how to handle this would be greatly appreciated. Their security deposit is only $1700.

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Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 531 posts · 203 votes
1w

The builder and a crawl space inspection are the right next steps, since a plumber clearing the washer doesn't rule out moisture or an installation problem. Photograph the floor now and get the builder's and inspector's findings in writing. Keep the floor and the housekeeping issues separate until you know what caused the lifting.

For the crayons, spills, and ants, dated photos and written communication are enough. Address what could cause damage or pests and let the rest go. They pay on time, so enforce the lease consistently and keep records. If you don't renew, follow the lease and local notice rules. That documentation will make move-out much cleaner.

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  • Aleka DeGraafBusiness Member
    Greensboro, NC · Member since 2023 · 55 posts · 11 votes
    2w

    Hi there — a few thoughts: the lifted floor is likely worth investigating as a subfloor moisture issue (common in new construction, tied to vapor barrier or slab cure time, not tenant behavior) rather than assuming it's damage, since a plumber only ruled out the washer itself; crayon marks and handprints from toddlers are normal wear and tear and probably not worth flagging to the family (which may be part of why the inspection felt tense); the spill/ants is fair to follow up on in writing with a clear deadline; and as you move toward non-renewal, I'd keep your documentation focused strictly on lease compliance and business reasons so it's clean if ever questioned, especially with an on-time, 800-credit tenant who has young children in the home — worth a quick attorney check before sending notice if you expect pushback. Honestly, sorting out construction-vs-tenant issues and keeping documentation defensible is exactly the kind of thing that eats up self-managing owners' time — I run Fortified Dreams Property Solutions, a full-service PM company based in Greensboro managing single-family, multifamily, and light commercial across NC for out-of-state and global investors, so happy to chat if you'd ever want to hand this off.

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    • Diana KhanPro Member
      Attorney · 10451 Mill Run Cir #755 Owings Mills, MD 21117 · Member since 2024 · 432 posts · 166 votes
      1w
      Quote from @Aleka DeGraaf:

      Hi there — a few thoughts: the lifted floor is likely worth investigating as a subfloor moisture issue (common in new construction, tied to vapor barrier or slab cure time, not tenant behavior) rather than assuming it's damage, since a plumber only ruled out the washer itself; crayon marks and handprints from toddlers are normal wear and tear and probably not worth flagging to the family (which may be part of why the inspection felt tense); the spill/ants is fair to follow up on in writing with a clear deadline; and as you move toward non-renewal, I'd keep your documentation focused strictly on lease compliance and business reasons so it's clean if ever questioned, especially with an on-time, 800-credit tenant who has young children in the home — worth a quick attorney check before sending notice if you expect pushback. Honestly, sorting out construction-vs-tenant issues and keeping documentation defensible is exactly the kind of thing that eats up self-managing owners' time — I run Fortified Dreams Property Solutions, a full-service PM company based in Greensboro managing single-family, multifamily, and light commercial across NC for out-of-state and global investors, so happy to chat if you'd ever want to hand this off.

      @Liuba Soldatova, I’ve worked with landlords in situations where a property issue and a tenant issue start getting mixed together, and that is where I like to slow things down a little. I think you’re doing the right thing by having the flooring looked at again and involving the builder before deciding what actually caused it.

      For now, I would keep the two issues separate. Document what the professionals find about the floor, and separately document any actual lease or housekeeping problems with the tenants. If you decide not to renew later, I would keep that decision and your records focused on the lease, the condition of the property, and other neutral business reasons. Since you’re in North Carolina, I’d also have local counsel review the notice before sending it if you expect any pushback.

      I’d be glad to stay connected, @Liuba Soldatova. I work with landlords on situations like this, and good documentation usually makes a difficult tenant situation much easier to handle later.

  • Drew SygitBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Royal Oak, MI · Member since 2012 · 12k+ posts · 9k+ votes
    2w

    How much of the damage will their security deposit cover?

  • Honolulu, HI · Member since 2008 · 3k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    2w

    You state there is a kitchen "adjacent" to the laundry area. You also claim a "plumber" checked the machine only.

    I am assuming the kitchen and laundry share the same wall...back to back.

    Plumbers rarely have much knowledge about laundry equipment, beyond checking the supply and discharge hoses. If all he did was run the machine to see if it overflowed the standpipe, that does not tell you much about the machine itself, which can leak water directly during a full wash cycle.

    More importantly, if you found the flooring lifting in the adjacent space that is telling you that you either had a substantial single overflow or other event that affected a wide area, OR, it is telling you that there is an ongoing seepage under the flooring. Likely originating in the shared wall where all the plumbing is. There could be a number of possible sources, but start with every exposed connection to the machine AND to the kitchen sink, faucets, and dishwasher or ice maker lines if any. No doubt you will find soft sheetrock on one or both sides of the wall near the base, or signs inside the sink base cabinet. If you don't find signs, then you need to open the wall behind the washing machine, and look for the source inside that wall. It may be a loose fitting, cracked line, or, I once had a copper supply line that had been punctured by a nail through the sheetrock during construction, which did not leak for several years...until the nail corroded sufficiently to allow some minor seepage.

    All this time spent using, at best, a questionable plumber, then inspecting yourself only to essentially blame the tenants without prompt and proper investigation has now allowed a mold issue to fester, which is potentially affecting your tenants health. If you don't act swiftly now, and they invite a city inspector out, you will have some REAL problems.

  • Member since 2025 · 5 posts · 2 votes
    2w

    thank you for the feedback, I just want to point out there is no mold of any kind, and I already scheduled another professional inspection of the pipes as it is a raised home with crawl space. I also contacted the builder as it is under warranty to see what they advise.

  • Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 561 posts · 327 votes
    2w

    I'd document everything now and keep the emotion out of it. Take photos of the current condition, keep the tenant communication in writing and get someone qualified to figure out why that LVP is lifting before tying it to anything the tenants did. The crayons, spills, ants, etc. are worth addressing and documenting, but I'd handle those as housekeeping issues unless they turn into actual damage or a lease violation. If they're paying on time, I'd manage the property and enforce the lease consistently for the rest of the term, then make the renewal decision based on the full picture when the time comes.

  • Adam BartomeoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Broker · Cape Coral, FL · Member since 2015 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1w

    This is the real world of investing and why people hire property managers. Tenants require a lot of work and even good tenants on paper can sometimes have underlining issues. You will need to provide consistent feedback to them about what is not acceptable about how they are living. This may include posting 7 day notices to address concerns. Ultimately, all of the damage that they cause can be fixed and it is only a question of how much and how long will it take.

  • Real Estate Agent · Memphis · Member since 2026 · 561 posts · 327 votes
    1w

    I would keep documenting the condition and communicating in writing, but I wouldn't get into arguments with them over every housekeeping issue. If something is causing actual damage or creating a pest problem, address it specifically and document it. I'd also get the flooring issue properly diagnosed before connecting it to the tenants. Since they're paying on time, I'd manage the rest of the lease consistently, keep good records and make the renewal decision when the time comes. If there is tenant-caused damage at move-out, you'll be in a much better position if you have clear photos and documentation from now through the end of the tenancy.

  • Patrick O'SullivanBusiness Member
    Property Manager · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2024 · 531 posts · 203 votes
    1w

    The builder and a crawl space inspection are the right next steps, since a plumber clearing the washer doesn't rule out moisture or an installation problem. Photograph the floor now and get the builder's and inspector's findings in writing. Keep the floor and the housekeeping issues separate until you know what caused the lifting.

    For the crayons, spills, and ants, dated photos and written communication are enough. Address what could cause damage or pests and let the rest go. They pay on time, so enforce the lease consistently and keep records. If you don't renew, follow the lease and local notice rules. That documentation will make move-out much cleaner.

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    • Shelley ClementsBusiness Member
      Real Estate Consultant · Ardmore, OK · Member since 2020 · 43 posts · 14 votes
      1w

      I would separate the two issues here. The cleanliness/tenant-care concerns should be documented with photos and addressed with the tenant, but I would not assume the flooring problem is tenant-caused simply because there are other housekeeping issues. I would complete what my company calls a complete plumbing check to locate the issue. After you locate the water source or the issue I would reassess the situation from there. Document, document, document .....

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  • Theresa HarrisPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 15k+ posts · 11k+ votes
    1w

    I agree with Patrick-as it is a new build, it should be under warranty. Have them come and double check the plumbing.

    Some people easily become defensive-don't react and if it was an email/text tone can be hard to read.

  • Shiloh LundahlPro Member
    Rental Property Investor · Gilbert, AZ · Member since 2016 · 3k+ posts · 4k+ votes
    1w

    one thing My Assistant always asks the tenants is to send a picture of the problem. That tends to help any service man understand the situation better rather than me trying to explain it third-party.

  • Coral Springs, FL · Member since 2018 · 468 posts · 104 votes
    1w

    sounds like you're already on the right track getting the builder involved since it's under warranty. the floor lifting in new construction is almost always a slab moisture or adhesive issue, not something the tenants caused. good that you got a crawl space inspection scheduled too. one thing i'd say is don't rush the non-renewal decision just because the husband got argumentative during the inspection. people get defensive when they feel blamed, especially when it's probably not their fault. 800 credit and paying on time is hard to find. document the housekeeping stuff separately from the floor issue, give them a reasonable deadline for the ants and spills, and see how the rest of the lease goes. by the time renewal comes up you'll have the full picture with the builder's findings and can make a clean business decision.

  • Property Manager · Melbourne, FL · Member since 2019 · 245 posts · 122 votes
    1w

    Did the plumber run a full wash cycle and check the supply and drain connections, or just inspect the appliance? I'd get the source of the dampness documented before connecting the lifted floor to the housekeeping issues. Those could be two separate problems.

  • Real Estate Broker · Phoenix, AZ · Member since 2019 · 165 posts · 100 votes
    1w

    @Liuba Soldatova Two answers.

    First, assuming it wasn't a preexisting condition you were aware of before putting down LVP flooring, there is an active issue at play that needs to be troubleshot which is separate for the inspection conversation. No LVP floors lift on their own, you need condensation and/or settling. Improper installation (too tight) on occasion can be caused when combined with settling, which may be at play with a brand new home. However, buckling and expansion is frequently a water issue. Get a licensed, bonded and insured contractor out for a full inspection including moisture testing on the walls and subfloor (and crawlspace if you have one in that area).

    Second, the issue of the tenant's response. Documentation is everything. What does the lease say in terms of ongoing maintenance? That dictates. Included specific references (section and line) to lease for any issue you are asking to be corrected, but also make sure to detail local and state landlord-tenant rights when making requests. Usual wear and tear is to be expected, but clean-up of walls and floors is often not a requirement until they vacate the property.

    These are both reasons why I always promote using a high quality, local property manager who has a minimum of 200 single-family properties under management with a strong local team in place. Good luck!

  • Divin KanyamaBusiness Member
    Accountant · Seattle, WA · Member since 2025 · 330 posts · 120 votes
    1w

    @Liuba Soldatova I would separate the issues. The marks, spills, and ants may be housekeeping concerns, but lifted LVP in a new home could point to moisture or installation problems even if the washer is fine. Document everything and have a flooring or moisture professional inspect it. Keep communication calm and written, apply the lease consistently, and base decisions on documented conditions—not the tenants’ children, occupation, or credit score. A follow-up inspection can confirm whether things improve. If you decide not to renew, follow local notice rules and limit deposit deductions to damage beyond ordinary wear and tear; a local attorney or experienced manager can help you avoid a larger dispute.

  • Real Estate Agent · Winston-Salem, NC · Member since 2024 · 26 posts · 6 votes
    17h

    Hopefully whoever you hired to check the pipes in the crawlspace also checks the general moisture level of the crawlspace. It isn't very likely that the pipes are leaking in a new construction, but it is likely that the house has a lot of moisture in the crawlspace from insufficient vapor barrier and bad ventilation (also if your house is on a slope). I would also involve the builder ASAP, as this should be covered by the new construction warranty and it is actually up to them to investigate, you should just be able to point out the issue (raised LVP) - as sending plumbers/contractors out to the house to check on every single thing that could possibly cause this can get expensive.

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