When Kris and I were traveling and staying with some friends, we walked into the room they had prepared for us and on the lamp was an antique looking sign which read: “Our guest bring us great joy . . . some when they arrive . . . and others when they leave!” I felt that way about our Tenants . . . it’s the waiting for the joy at the end!
In the meantime, we are all challenging people to live with . . . some more than most! We categorize our challenging Tenants into three primary categories: 1.) Students 2.) Entitled Tenants and 3.) Those Tenants who upset the neighbors around them. In a way, they all have similar attributes . . . they want to live their lives . . . regardless how disruptive to others around them . . . any way they choose. Many of these Tenants “bully” their way through life . . . pushing their way through. Our tip for dealing with all types of challenging Tenants is to show respect to them, but also show your resolve. Be assertive in requiring that they go by the same rules that most others on the planet go by. One strategy we have developed is our “No” letter. Very basically it just says very respectfully: “Thank you mister Tenant for sharing your concern with us. At this time however, we will not be able to meet your expectation due to (and state your practical or legal reason from their lease). Another approach if they are disturbing their neighbors or causing damage to the property is to threaten them with a notice to comply with their lease or move and I can promise you that they won’t like either approach. But with your resolve . . . you will get this challenging situation under control.
If this posting has been helpful to you, please visit our website at: http://www.ManageToMakeMoney.com where you can find our “No” letter as well as many more tools, tips and techniques for managing your rental property profitably.
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