How to deal with difficult tenants

Sep 28, 2023

Dealing with Difficult Tenants

Hey there, folks from Wauwatosa, WI! It's your friendly neighborhood real estate experts from Sell My House Fast Wauwatosa. We've seen it all in our "sell my house fast" adventures, from the chicest pads to those... well, not-so-chic. And if there's one thing we've learned in our business, it's how to deal with difficult tenants.

Having a tenant can be a sweet deal, right? A little extra cash flow, some help paying off that mortgage. But every once in a while, we stumble upon that one tenant. The one who’s late on rent has a pet python named “Fluffy” (even though your lease clearly says ‘no pets’), or is a future rockstar who's always, ahem, "practicing".


So, what's a landlord to do? We've got some tried-and-true tips for you!

  • Communication is Key: Before you let things escalate, take a minute (or an hour) to sit down and chat. Like, really chat. Maybe they're going through a rough patch and need some temporary leniency. Maybe they didn't quite understand a clause in the lease. Honest communication can save a ton of headaches.


  • Documentation, Please: In the event you need to take action, having evidence helps. Photograph damages. Keep a record of missed payments. Document noise complaints. If you do end up needing to evict or take legal action, these could be invaluable.


  • Know the Laws: Wauwatosa has some pretty specific landlord-tenant laws, and the last thing you want is to accidentally end up on the wrong side of them. Make sure you're well-versed in what you can and can't do when dealing with difficult tenants.


  • Mediation Might Be Your Friend: Before things get too hot to handle, consider professional mediation. This neutral third party can help you and your tenant reach a compromise, saving both of you time, money, and stress.


  • Get It in Writing: Update your lease with any agreements you and your tenant come to. It'll protect both of you down the line.


  • Re-evaluate Your Screening Process: If you’re getting more than your fair share of difficult tenants, maybe it's time to take a closer look at your vetting process. Consider credit checks, references, and maybe even a meet-and-greet before handing over those keys.


  • Stay Calm and Professional: Yes, dealing with tough tenants can be frustrating. But remember, staying calm and professional can prevent a small issue from becoming a big problem. It's not personal; it's business.


  • When All Else Fails, Consider an Exit Strategy: Sometimes, despite your best efforts, things just don't work out. If you find yourself in a constant battle with tenants, it might be time to rethink being a landlord. And if that's the case, remember, we’re here to help. "Sell my house fast" is our jam after all!


In conclusion, being a landlord in Wauwatosa, WI can be rewarding, but every rose has its thorn. Dealing with difficult tenants is not a walk in the park, but with patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you can turn things around. And if you ever need advice, a chat, or just someone to vent to, you know where to find us. Sell My House Fast Wauwatosa always has your back! Just contact us. Stay cool, landlords, and remember, every challenge is an opportunity in disguise.

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