The Toughest Landlord Problems and How to Solve Them
Becoming a landlord can be very rewarding. However, managing a rental property is not easy. Whether you want to manage your property or you want to get a property manager, there are some common landlord problems you are likely to deal with irrespective of where your property is located.
When done well, renting out your rental property can become a constant revenue source for landlords. You can limit the number of landlord problems you will face when make enforce strict background checks before allowing new tenants into your property. However, it is well known that despite your best effort, you cannot completely run away from certain landlord problems. In this article, you will learn of top landlord problems and how you can easily fix them.
Top Landlord Problems and Their Solutions
- Nonpayment of Rent
One of the most common landlord problems is the issue of nonpayment of rent. On many occasions, landlords have to deal with tenants who default on their rent. In fact, this is usually the main problem between a lot of tenants and their landlords.
Despite having a contract, some tenants will be too stubborn to cooperate. In some cases, a tenant may lose his job and unable to pay his rent. He may also be facing some financial difficulties that make it very hard to pay his rent. On other hands, some tenants will outrightly refuse to pay rent.
It is important you know how to handle this situation. When a tenant fails to pay his rent, you should first have a talk with him to understand his reasons. You are also required by law to give him some grace period to pay his rent. If he refuses to pay after this period, you can then start the eviction process by taking him to court.
Note that taking the tenant to court is not always the best choice. In some cases, it will take a considerable long time to get a verdict. To ensure that the process doesn’t take more than required, ensure you follow due process.
- Damage to the Property
A tenant can cause damage to your property. In this case, the tenant is required to repair any damage done to your property. If he fails to comply, you can start eviction proceedings. However, to ensure you are well within your rights, make sure you state it on your lease agreement that any damage done by the tenant must be rectified by the tenant. You should also state the consequences of failing to rectify any damage done within a specified period of time.
- Noise Nuisance
Some tenants can cause noise nuisance to other tenants through constant partying or playing their music too loud. Your tenants may likely report to you to sort this problem. Make sure you have a clause in your tenancy agreement that states “a tenant will not disturb other tenants with noise”. When this happens, you should warn the tenant. If he fails to comply, you can start eviction proceedings.
- Renting out Your Property
One of the common landlord problems in Los Angeles is tenants renting out their apartment to other tenants without the permission of the landlord. You should state it in the rental agreement that this is not allowed. You should also attach the consequences that will follow such action.
