9 Practical Tips for Landlords Dealing with Terrible Tenants

As a landlord, finding good tenants is crucial to the success of your rental business. Good tenants pay their rent on time, take care of the property, and cause minimal problems. On the other hand, terrible tenants can cause headaches, cost you money, and damage your property. 

In this blog post, we will provide you with tips on how to avoid terrible tenants. We will cover everything from verifying employment and income to checking credit history and rental history to using tenant screening services. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding good tenants and avoid the headaches and expense of dealing with terrible tenants. 

Remember, the time and effort you put into screening tenants can pay off in the long run by helping you avoid costly and time-consuming problems.

Types of Problem Tenants

As a landlord, dealing with problem tenants is an unfortunate but sometimes inevitable part of the job. There are many types of problem tenants that you may encounter, each with its own set of challenges. Understanding the different types of problem tenants and how to handle them can help you avoid costly and time-consuming problems. Here are five common types of problem tenants and tips on how to deal with them:

• The non-payer: The non-payer is a tenant who consistently fails to pay their rent on time. This can be a major problem for landlords, as it can disrupt the cash flow of the rental business and lead to financial strain. To deal with a non-payer, it’s important to act quickly and decisively. Send the tenant a written notice reminding them of their obligation to pay the rent, and consider hiring an attorney if the problem persists.
• The party animal: The party animal is a tenant who frequently throws loud and disruptive parties, disturbing the neighborhood’s peace. This type of tenant can be difficult to deal with, as it can be hard to prove that the parties are taking place. To address this problem, consider including a “quiet hours” clause in the lease agreement and send the tenant a written notice if the problem persists.
• The damage-causer: The damage-causer is a tenant who causes unnecessary or excessive damage to the property. This can be a major problem, as it can cost landlords money to repair the damages and may make it difficult to rent the property to future tenants. To prevent this problem, consider requiring a security deposit and conducting regular property inspections to identify any damages early on.
• The uncooperative tenant: The tenant refuses to follow the terms of the lease agreement or cooperate with the landlord. This can include refusing to pay rent or complying with rules and policies. To deal with this type of tenant, it’s important to communicate clearly and follow the legal process. Consider sending the tenant a written notice and, if necessary, seek the help of an attorney.
• The illegal activity tenant: The tenant who engages in illegal activities on the property, such as drug use or dealing. This type of tenant can not only cause problems for the landlord but can also put the safety of other tenants at risk. If you suspect a tenant is engaging in illegal activities, it’s important to act quickly and seek the help of law enforcement.

By understanding the different types of problem tenants and taking appropriate action, you can protect your interests as a landlord and avoid costly and time-consuming problems. Remember, the key to dealing with problem tenants is to act quickly and decisively and to follow the legal process if necessary.

Tips to Avoid Terrible Tenants

As a landlord, is crucial to the success of your rental business. Good tenants pay their rent on time, take care of the property, and cause minimal problems. On the other hand, terrible tenants can cause headaches, cost you money, and damage your property. To avoid the hassle and expense of dealing with terrible tenants, it’s important to screen potential tenants carefully. Here are some tips to help you avoid terrible tenants:

• Verify their employment and income: One of the most important things to consider when screening tenants is their ability to pay the rent. Ask for pay stubs or other documentation to verify their employment and income. You may also want to consider requiring tenants to have a co-signer if they cannot show sufficient income.
• Check their credit history: A tenant’s credit history can give you a good idea of their financial responsibility and their likelihood of paying the rent on time. You can check a tenant’s credit history by requesting a credit report from a credit bureau.
• Verify their rental history: Asking for references from a tenant’s previous landlords can give you insight into their rental history. Be sure to follow up on these references and ask about the tenant’s payment history, the property condition when they moved out, and any other issues that may have arisen during the tenancy.
• Consider their references: Personal references can provide additional information about a tenant’s character and reliability. Ask for references from non-family members, such as friends, co-workers, or neighbors.
• Meet with the tenant in person: Meeting with the tenant in person can give you a chance to assess their demeanor and get a sense of whether they would be a good fit for your property. Pay attention to how they communicate and their level of professionalism.
• Use a tenant screening service: There are many tenant screening services available that can help you verify a tenant’s employment, income, credit history, and rental history. These services can save you time and effort and provide an additional layer of protection.
• Have a written lease agreement: A written lease agreement is essential to protect your interests as a landlord. Be sure to include all the necessary terms and conditions, such as the rent amount, the length of the tenancy, and any rules or policies that apply.
• Require a security deposit: A security deposit can protect against damages caused by the tenant. Be sure to outline the security deposit terms in the lease agreement clearly.
• Conduct regular property inspections: Regular property inspections can help you identify any issues or problems with the property. This can help you address any issues early on and prevent them from escalating into larger problems.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of finding good tenants and avoid the headaches and expense of dealing with terrible tenants. Remember, the time and effort you put into screening tenants can pay off in the long run by helping you avoid costly and time-consuming problems.