When renting a property to a tenant, you always hope that that relationship remains positive. Unfortunately, there are many common issues that lead to a landlord-tenant dispute, and you have to know what to do next.
The good news is that many disputes can be handled on an interpersonal level. In other words, you won't always have to take legal action.
What steps can you take to try to de-escalate your landlord-tenant dispute? What should you do when those steps aren't effective?
Read on to find out how property owners can handle tenant problems in an effective way.
Stay Consistent in Rule Enforcement
When you provide a tenant with a lease, all of your rules should be clearly stated. By signing that lease, tenants are contractually obligated to follow your rules. This lays the groundwork for smooth communication about violations.
Make sure that you are consistent in applying the rules to all of your tenants. If a tenant pays rent late once, don't let it go because you assume they won't do it again. The second a rule is violated, it's time to take action.
Start With a Conversation
There are many ways that you can take action, but it should always begin with a respectful conversation. By letting a tenant know that they are in violation of the lease, you give them the opportunity to make a change. A polite call, email, or visit may also keep tenants calm and open to finding a mutual solution.
If this initial conversation does not lead to the desired results, provide a written notice that your tenants are still in violation of your rules. Explain what the next steps are in clear terms if they do not become compliant with the rules.
Take Legal Action
There may come a point when you can no longer encourage or incentivize tenants to change their behavior. This is when it becomes important that you understand your rights as a landlord. The most common course of legal action taken by landlords is evicting a tenant, but this is not always an option.
State laws determine when you can and cannot evict a tenant. Remember that eviction is an expensive process that rarely benefits you as a landlord, and should only be used as a last resort or in severe cases.
Work With Laureate Ltd. to Better Handle the Landlord-Tenant Dispute
Improved property management can reduce the possibility of facing a landlord-tenant dispute. From screening applicants to responding to maintenance requests to enforcing policies like late rent fees, a property management company can ensure that tenant expectations are clear and well-managed. If you're struggling to deal with tenants in your Colorado investment properties or stay on top of the latest tenant protection laws, Laureate Ltd. can help.
Are you ready to access our owner resources and outsource your property management? Create an account with us today.
