Help me! I have a problem tenant.

Hello everyone,

I’m seeking advice regarding a current tenant issue. I’ve been deliberating over this for some time and would appreciate your opinions and potential solutions.

I own a duplex with two fully remodeled and renovated units, both occupying tenants on a twelve-month lease. The property is in an A/B class area, and both sides are in excellent condition.

The tenant in one side has been increasingly problematic. They regularly contact us via a rental phone number—over 100 messages in nine months—covering a wide range of topics, from neighbor concerns to minor issues. Many messages are lengthy, vague, and often irrelevant, stating things like, “I noticed this” or “I expected that.” Fortunately, any genuine maintenance issues are typically resolved within 24-48 hours. To give perspective, the other tenant has contacted us only once during this period.

Despite instructing the tenant to use our maintenance portal for actual issues—which they’ve repeatedly ignored—they continue to send numerous texts.

The tenant is punctual with rent payments and maintains a clean, orderly unit. They are nearing the end of their lease term, and I am leaning toward issuing a non-renewal notice, as I believe it’s best to part ways and renew the other side’s lease. If I proceed with this, I plan to offer a new lease to the other tenant (both leases expire the same month).

Alternatively, I have considered raising the rent and converting their lease to a month-to-month arrangement. However, I’m concerned that their behavior could worsen, with increased, possibly disruptive communication. I worry they might also claim retaliation if we issue the non-renewal notice and renew the ohter side, potentially pursuing legal action.

I have been managing these units myself for years, handling all communications professionally and keeping thorough documentation. I prefer to avoid involving a property management company.

Given this situation, what approach would you recommend? Would you proceed with a non-renewal, adjust the lease terms, or consider another strategy? I value your insights.

Thank you!