Landlords: How to handle a problem tenant

Whether it’s noise complaints from the neighbours or something more serious like always paying late, a nuisance tenant is, well, a nuisance!

Despite this, there are some things you can do to effectively handle a nuisance tenant that can prevent a small issue from turning into something bigger.

Here are some handy tips for landlords on how to handle a nuisance tenant in your Kent property from the Quealy & Co Lettings team.

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Stay Calm

It’s easy to get emotional in bad situations – especially if you must regularly deal with a nuisance tenant. But, as a landlord, it’s your job to stay calm and level-headed. If you act as the voice of reason, you’re more likely to get a better response from your tenant than if you’re overwhelmed with emotion.

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Manage Behaviour

Be rational and objective and try to get through to your tenant if you can. Try to manage their behaviour by explaining that something isn’t acceptable and why. Make sure you teach your nuisance tenant what is appropriate instead. Have patience and regularly remind the tenant of the lease that they agreed to. In a tactful way, make it clear to the tenant that you take breaches seriously.

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Keep Records

The best way to protect yourself when you have a nuisance tenant is to keep records of everything. Make a note of things like complaints from neighbours and when payments were made. It’ll make things much easier if the tenant tries to dispute anything. Plus, the records you keep could come in handy if the problem progresses.

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Build a Relationship

The importance of having a good relationship with your tenants cannot be overstated. Whatever the circumstances, try to maintain a good relationship with your tenant and – as the saying goes – ‘kill them with kindness’. If you manage to win them over, they may be more likely to comply with your requests.

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Hire a Letting Agent or Property Management Company

If you’re at your wit’s end dealing with a nuisance tenant, consider hiring a letting agent or property management company to take over the management process. It may not stop the tenant from being a nuisance. But the professionals will have the skills and tact to build a strong relationship and keep an eye on the situation.

Plus, they can handle tenant enquiries for you, which can be a huge relief if you get too emotional when speaking to your tenant.

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Take Action

Dealing with a nuisance tenant and getting them to fall in line requires patience. But if all else fails and there’s nothing more you can do, it may be time to act. You can ask the tenants to leave voluntarily, or you can go down the eviction route.

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Need Help?

If you need support managing the relationship with your tenants, Quealy & Co Lettings are here to help. We provide professional letting agent services throughout Kent that can make your property management and life as a landlord easier and less stressful.

Call us on 01795 429836 or email hello@quealy.co.uk to chat with a member of our friendly and experienced lettings and property management team.