I am brand new to Bigger Pockets! I have been listening to the podcast for a few months and decided to sign up today for some advice!
I am a new landlord experiencing a tough time with my first tenants. I am learning my lesson on already on the importance of more diligent tenant screening as well as following my gut instincts on reading people...Anyway, my tenants are going back and forth with me with a list of complaints right now and I am trying to determine what I am responsible for and what is unreasonable.
They have only been in the house 3-4 months. They were 19 days late with the May rent and paid after being given a 5 day notice to pay or vacate the premises. They are now paid up to date including late fees but are retaliating with complaints, demands, and almost legal sounding threats... There has been a history of "sketchiness" with them to say the least and we have been concerned about certain behavior since they first moved in.
1. The house has a side and front door. We nor or tenants have a key to the front door (can lock and unlock from the inside only), but they have been provided a key to the side door. We were never given a key to the front door even when we purchased the home. It was a succession property and the successor did not have one either. Is it necessary that we go get a key made?
2. The side door works perfectly fine but has to be locked to stay sealed closed. They are also demanding that we change out the lock because this is unacceptable.
3. They are demanding we purchase them blinds for their living room for privacy since there is an apartment in the backyard under construction and they feel people can see in their windows. They were aware construction would be taking place (written in the lease for an extended amount of time prior to moving in). We have already provided them with curtain rods for every window and they put up shear curtains that people can see through.
I realize these things might be petty, but they did not pay on time for rent and had to borrow from a family member to even make the payment so I do not see them being able to come up with next months rent in less than 10 days. They have also been hostile and difficult over the last 2 months with several different small lease violations I have looked past (installing washing machine without permission -we were supposed too and then it leaked and we had to come fix it, holes in walls to hang things, temporarily housing a pet "for a friend" without permission (no pets allowed), paying late...). I am trying to find out if I am responsible for the things above and I am trying to make sure I handle this properly... I also found out a history of drug use from them through conversation and we have had a few unverified but very concerning scenarios take place....
I just want peace, rent paid on time, and if they cannot afford the rent an easy way out and hopefully avoid the eviction process all together with a possible "cash for keys" deal.... ANY and ALL advise is appreciated...
