We all have had a dream renter or two: those who pay their rent on time, maintain the property like it's their own, and keep to themselves without any disturbances. Of course, not every resident is like this—and some renters can be downright frustrating.
When you run into a renter who doesn't stick with the terms they agreed to in your lease; you're not alone. You can turn to experts in Lake Nona property management like Verandah Properties to help you develop strategies for dealing with difficult renters! Here are our top pieces of advice for investors.
Please note: This blog is not intended as legal counsel. When you need hands-on help for a situation that requires legal guidance, speak with a competent attorney or the Verandah Properties experts!
Start From a Place of Calm and Patience
Many situations where renters appear "difficult" actually have a logical explanation that can be found if everyone stays calm and respectful. Of course, not every resident you have will do that. Still, you get the opportunity to deescalate a situation if you are willing to be the "bigger person" during early interactions with your renters.
- Sometimes, you'll discover that there's no reasonable explanation.
- In other cases, your renters will appreciate your willingness to suspend judgment and hear their side.
- They may be more willing to work toward a positive resolution if you have treated them well while figuring out what was really going on.
If conflict resolution isn't your strongest trait, this is where turning to an expert in Lake Nona property management can really shine for you and your assets!
Keep Things Professional: Avoid "Friends-And-Family Renters"
Staying calm and patient is difficult with strangers who appear to be breaking the terms of their leases. This can become even more challenging—and even heartbreaking—when you are working with someone you thought was a friend, acquaintance, or family member. If you have to deal with the disappointment of a friend or family member not upholding their end of the deal, you'll have to also deal with the added frustration that they may expect "special treatment," such as a pass on a potential eviction—or paying the rent.
- While it seems harsh, an excellent way to avoid significant issues and dramatic situations is to not rent to friends and family.
- It's hard to maintain professionalism on both sides in those situations, and they may think you won't enforce your contract just because you're close.
- Do yourself a favor and refer friends and family to other investors, rather than compromising your professional behavior.
Instead of taking this kind of workload to heart, let your Lake Nona property management partner handle the ins and outs of finding the right renters—without needing to turn to friends and family.
Document Interactions Online or in Physical Files
When a problematic renter shows themselves to be willing to break lease terms or be disruptive or unkind, start keeping notes on what is happening—in the clearest terms possible. Your goal isn't to rant or let off steam, but to create a log of unbiased documentation.
These pieces of information help you work through where misunderstandings occur, since difficult tenants may change their story along the way. They also, if needed, can be part of your evidence pool if you proceed to a formal eviction.
You'll feel better if you keep careful notes on your own actions since you can work toward reliable processes that don't discriminate—even when renters are very frustrating or don't keep their word. Lake Nona property management experts always document interactions with renters—so that you have peace of mind.
It's Not in Your Head: "Professional Tenants" Exist!
While there are undoubtedly genuine misunderstandings, there is a kind of renter who seasoned investors and Lake Nona property managers consider "Professional Tenants." These tenants know their rights but may use those rights as well as manipulation to delay eviction, receive "free" rent, and do what they like with a property.
If your residents try to pin the blame on you for why they aren't paying rent on time (or at all), remember that they could be manipulating you on purpose. It's best to avoid confrontation with such renters; instead, work toward clarifying in every way what will happen if they continue to break the terms of their lease agreement. That document is a clear lifeline for you—and that's why you need to make sure it's airtight before you ever let a renter in your Lake Nona rental home!
Property Managers Help Give You a Professional Buffer
Luckily, you don't have to figure out what to do next about your difficult renters! With Lake Nona property management on your side from Verandah Properties, you can move forward with confidence.
We know the tell-tale signs that a renter is drawing out an interaction or changing his or her story in order to make it harder to take action. We also know positive, professional ways to approach a conflict to salvage the situation before serious measures like eviction to make the renter-investor relationship pleasant again. You don't have to shoulder the burden of difficult residents when our experienced property managers know great strategies to help you!
Ready to experience the benefits of a professional buffer between you and Professional Tenants? Get in touch with Verandah Properties today or review some of our valuable resources for free!