Dealing with difficult tenants can be one of the most challenging aspects of being a property owner. From payment issues to property damage, poor communication, and lease violations, difficult tenants can cause significant stress, financial loss, and potential legal headaches. However, with the right strategies and a calm, professional approach, property owners can manage these situations and contain the issues. Here are five tips to manage situations with difficult tenants:
Stay Calm and Professional When conflicts arise, it is integral to remain calm and professional with tenants and avoid engaging in arguments or personal conflicts. Approach situations with factual assessment over emotional reaction to work towards a practical solution. This will help you stay in control of the situation and keep interactions professional.
Establish Clear & Expectations & Communication Upon moving in, tenants should have a comprehensive understanding of all terms, rules, policies, and maintenance expectations to ensure understanding and cooperation. Clear guidelines should be established around protocol for maintenance requests and other property related concerns to promote transparency. Property owners should also encourage clear communication lines by encouraging tenants to share valid concerns and feedback, whilst also responding to the feedback in a timely manner. Establishing clear expectations and communication allows for a parity of understanding and comfortable environment.
Keep Documentation Maintaining detailed records of all tenant interactions is always a good practice, however it is essential when dealing with more difficult tenants. This includes everything from written correspondence, emails, texts, and phone calls. These documented records can serve as a reference point should any disagreements arise in the future.
Consider Mediation Sometimes, despite your best efforts, it is not possible to come to a resolution with your tenant. In these situations, using professional mediation services may be effective solution to resolve the conflict. Bringing in a neutral third party to facilitate communication can allow for a structured and collaborative approach to conflict resolution.
Know When to Take Legal Steps If all else fails, the situation may arise where it may be time to serve a formal eviction notice to the tenant. If choosing to pursue eviction, it is important to ensure the reason for eviction is included in the Residential Tenancy Act (RTA). Evictions must be served on the correct Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) eviction form. See here for more information around the eviction process in BC. Consider seeking legal advice to ensure all the criteria to satisfy the eviction process is met, or if there are other options available to you.
Take advantage of our considerable expertise in dealing with all the challenges associated with managing properties and tenants. Contact us here for a no obligation consultation.