Chronically Complaining Tenant - Landlord Forum thread 350179

Chronically Complaining Tenant by Anonymous on January 16, 2017 @22:55

I had a tenant who was out on their own for the first time co-sign with their mother on a newly renovated apartment in a building I had purchased. While I have expected the more usual maintenance issues, there have been an overwhelming complaints about noise and "smells:"

- A few weeks after moving in, there was a complaint about an ant infestation problem. I had not seen any during renovations but brought in an exterminator that specialized in low odor spraying to alleviate the tenant's concerns about aggravating their allergies. Two days later, I received a call from the tenant's mother saying the spraying has caused breathing issues. I and two family members went into the apartment and smelled nothing. We tried explaining what we were experiencing but were dismissed immediately.

- When finishing up the second apartment, the wood floors had polyurethane applied. This apartment was sealed off however complaints about the smell were received. I had to forgo putting a second coat to the floor since I expected to hear more complaints.

- I had the property's front and back yard concrete redone. Since this is not a large property it only took two days. However, the tenant's mother complained on her adult child's behalf about the noise (and the concrete job was done during normal working hours).

- Received a complaint about a steam radiator giving off a metal and oil smell (which the oil part is completely impossible). Brought a plumber in after doing the initial diagnostics. The plumber explained how steam heat works and that this smell was not possible. The tenant's mother called me and wanted to speak with the plumber directly about this smell.

After this most recent complaint, I offered the "happy clause." However, in the conversation, this was not even acknowledged and they stated they want the plumber to come back and re-evaluate.

Again, I do not get frustrated with the tangible requests of making sure that things in the apartment work, however, these phantom complaints seem to be unresolvable. I had tried my best to keep them happy but at this point I'm not sure that would be possible.

What are your thoughts and my options?

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Re: Chronically Complaining Tenant by Anonymous on January 17, 2017 @16:17	[ Reply ]

get rid of them ASAP

Re: Chronically Complaining Tenant by Garry on January 17, 2017 @17:44	[ Reply ]

I think what you have here is a "helicopter" parent "hovering" over your new tenant, and being over-protective of her "baby" that is on his/her own for the first time. There's nothing wrong in that, even though it frustrates you to no end. There's really not much you can do about it, except deal with each complaint one at a time. One thing you could try, is to write a letter to both your T and the mom, saying all complaints (other than emergencies) need to be in writing from you TENANT only, not the mom. The mom is a co-signer only, and doesn't live there. Tell the mom if she truly wants her kid to be out on their own, she must let the child be responsible enough to write a letter, or at the very least, text or call the LL. Keep offering them the "happy clause" every time they complain about something. Check out all complaints, but tell the mom, if the complaints are not founded/real after you check them out, that you will not be renewing their lease when it comes up for renewal.

Re: Chronically Complaining Tenant by lamac66 (GA) on January 24, 2017 @12:34	[ Reply ]

Sounds like you've addressed things reasonably. Address each issue as they arise, and when unfounded you're covered. I wouldnt go giving the co-signer parenting advice however..lol. Just count down the month until lease expiration. Most landlords get these type of tenants at least once if you're in this business long enough. If your state allows it, I do recommend leaving pest control to the tenants. You just be responsible for fumigating between tenants. Good luck.

Re: Chronically Complaining Tenant